Power steering gear boxes

[Bob 2+2]

Hi. it's my first time asking a question on this site so hope I'm doing it right. I have been looking at power steering gear boxes for my 1971 bump and see that Cardone lists 1 for a 6 cylinder and 1 for an 8. Does anyone know what the difference is.

[71cc]

The only difference I've ever seen in power boxes is the ford(saginaw) or bendix style box. They do not interchange, and look totally different. If there is a pic for comparison it should be evident.

[Bob 2+2]

Thanks for the reply. I did know about the 2 different style boxes but didn't think that one was specifically for a 6 cylinder. The Cardone #s are
27-7504 (6 cyl) and 27-7505 (8 cyl). I looked on E bay and some of the pics for 27-7504 are Bendix and others are Saginaw. Not sure if the pics are correct but the 7504 ones say they only fit the 6cyl. Summit pics show the 7504 as a Bendix and lists it as for 6 cyl. only. I have a 71 that was originally a 6 cylinder manual steering but I'm putting in a 302 with power steering. I thought that maybe the 6 Cylinder had a different ratio or something. Maybe I will call Summit and see if they can clarify. If I find out anything I will post it
Thanks again

[markguiver]

One thing to ponder is the fact that Cardone stuff is mostly junk. You would be better off sending your box to Red Head or Blue Top and having them rebuild your box. Both have a good reputation for their quality work. I have had my power steering system rebuilt and it was worth the money compared to buying a Cardone rebuilt unit and having to deal with the crap quality. My rebuild was about 15 years ago with no issues to date.
Mark.

[Bob 2+2]

Thanks for the input Mark. I have thought about going that route too but just looking at options. I have a saginaw box in it now that is leaking. It's not roadworthy yet so I don't know for sure how sloppy it is but doesn't seem too bad just from turning the wheel. I may try putting seals in it myself and see how it goes.

[Ranchero50]

I went through two Chinese boxes from Autozone before finding a decent working one in a junk yard.

[Bob 2+2]

I don't think I will have any luck finding one at a junk yard near me in Northern Ohio Ranchero50. They all seem to have crushed the older stuff and just deal in newer parts. I envy all the guys on this site that talk about how they just went to a junkyard and got everything they needed for their old truck projects. If anyone does know of a good junk yard in Northern OH. please let me know.

[Ranchero50]

It's the same 2wd box up through '79.

[Mach428]

As for the poster indicated, take your time in this and have your ORIGINAL Ford part rebuilt. No Chinese or mis-match of parts. You only want to do this once so spend the extra few bucks and extra time. It's so worth it in the long run. Plus, if you buy a rebuilt unit, your original will be taken as a core.

Further example is that I sent my original Ford clutch and pressure plate to Indiana for a rebuild. So worth it

[jf100]

There is a place in Auburn Washington called Red Cap that has steering gear boxes for most anything I called and they can set me up with a box for my 69 f 100 for around 300.00 exchange is needed. Hope this helps.

[jf100]

I made a mistake it is called RedHead gear boxes. Sorry .

jf100

[Gray035]

This tutorial provides a good overview about power steering in our trucks. There are good comparison pictures there too.

http://www.fordification.com/tech/powersteering.htm