help ID steering gear

[eod4647]

Just hoping someone could tell me which steering gear is in my truck. It is a power steering gear that isn't powered. Previous owner said it leaked so the pump was removed, hoses cot and plugged with bolts. Just wondering if it can be rebuilt or should I just get a different one?

[Mancar1]

Can not see it to good, does it have a big hump on the side if so I would say it is a Bendix. the other would be a Saginaw. They are pricey and yes u can get a kit and rebuild it.
Probably be 3 to 4 hundred range to buy one and 1/2 that at a bone yard. Then a boneyard one may leak after install.
If me I would get a kit and rebuild it.
If headers r in your trucks future u may want to go with the Saginaw for better clearance.
Keep on Trucking.....John

[eod4647]

I was thinking it was a bendix unit, but wasn't sure. Just trying to get confirmation. I was originally thinking of getting it driveable and driving it for awhile and then restore it. But I'm now leaning to starting the restoration. I've always wanted to tear one down all the way and clean/repaint/repar/replace and have a"new" truck when done. As far as headers, it already has them. Not sure about the clarance issues yet as Ihaven't really done anything with the truck. Someday...

[Calfdemon]

It is hard to tell with your picture. But if you look here: http://www.fordification.com/tech/powersteering.htm
You can see both types of boxes and use those pictures to figure out what you have.

[BobbyFord]

Hard to tell from the pic but I'm almost certain that is a Bendix box. They are "floaty" at highway speeds. If you're going to invest the money to get the P/S working, convert it to a Saginaw/Ford box, you will be happier.
From Calfdemon's Fordification link:
"...Steering column: If you decide to 'upgrade' to the Saginaw box, then this info pertains you to. Since the Saginaw box is about two inches longer than a manual-steering (or Bendix) box, your existing column will not work as is. Obviously, the easiest course of action would be to simply find a donor truck of approximately the same year as your own and swap the steering column and box from it. If you don't have access to an original PS column (or you simply want to keep your existing column), you can shorten the column's main shaft two inches to compensate for the additional length of the steering box, and section the main column housing and shift tube, and bend the shifter linkage arm (at the base of the column). While this isn't a particularly difficult procedure, it does require disassembly of the steering column, as well as some cutting and welding. For more detailed information on how to do this, see "How to Shorten Your Manual-Steering Column".
You can also use a readily-available PS column from a '73-'79 pickup. The physical dimensions are the same as the '69-'72 PS versions...just keep in mind that the wiring connection for the horn, turn signals, etc. will be different, and will require some minor rewiring to get hooked up. Most of the wires are the same color, allowing an almost quick and painless swap. Turn signal switches from various years can be interchanged by substituting the pin positions in the harness connector.
If you decide to go this route, you could even add a tilt-column, although tilt-columns for manual-shift applications are very hard to find initially and parts aren't as readily available. Factory tilt columns were available only in '78 and '79 and appear fairly regularly on E-bay for $100-$300..."


If you can get a Saginaw box for a core, Red Head Steering Gear in Washington sells a rebuilt Saginaw box for $266 exchange. This includes a remachined housing that allows for the installation of needle bearings...> http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/re-manufacturing.