Ford steering update

[Frank Lee]

If the box was made for oil, why would you prefer grease?

[IsaacCarlson]

Both boxes use the same recirculating ball system and grease does a better job of lubing everything because it doesn't pool in the bottom of the box. All the imprtant parts are in the top of the box, so oil does no good unless it is being pumped through the box to keep it full. The manual box is supposed to be packed full of grease so it circulates as you turn and keeps everything in tip top shape.

I took the power box back and got the manual box. This is the one I modified for the pitman arm. I drove it today and the steering is many times easier than it was with the power box. 6.5 turns lock to lock. The heavy front end clunking is gone and the truck doesn't wander all over the road. I can turn the wheel all the way with one hand while sitting still. Couldn't do that before.

It takes a little while to get used to the extra turns on the wheel, but it is quite nice once you get used to it. It will be easier to eat while driving because it takes close to a 1/4 turn to get into the other lane. I am not saying eating and driving is good practice, but there are times when it is necessary.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by IsaacCarlson

It will be easier to eat while driving because it takes close to a 1/4 turn to get into the other lane. I am not saying eating and driving is good practice, but there are times when it is necessary.

It is efficient. I used to drive a manual, eat, shave, and brush my teeth in traffic. Of course, I did most of this at a dead stop when it would take minutes just to move an inch.

Increased chance of collision must be weighed with the increase in productivity. I feel the same way about this as talking on the phone while driving; it is no different than talking with a passenger.

I've gone off on enough of a tangent, so I will just say nice job and leave it at that.

[slowmover]

Just needs a Brodie Knob, now.

[IsaacCarlson]

I noticed they have them at fleet farm and I think they are the quick-detach model.

[slowmover]

Truck supply also.

[IsaacCarlson]

My brother wants to swap his power box for manual steering. I am so happy. He is starting to get interested in ecomodding. He has to drive quite a bit to get to school, so he is looking for better mileage.

We were standing by my truck talking and he asked how the manual steering box fit, so I showed him. He asked how easy it was to steer, so I had him hop in and try it. "I can almost palm the steering wheel just sitting here!" was his response. I laughed and told him to drive it and see how he liked it. He LOVEd it and said it was just what he was looking for, so now he will be after a manual box.

I mentioned a belly pan and he seemed interested. I have a basic shell that he can use(since my bed is not fixable) and will provide whatever materials that I can.