Replacing the long shaft steering gearbox in a 1967 Ford F-Series truck (F100, F250) is a significant task requiring mechanical aptitude and attention to safety. This procedure addresses the integral long shaft design common to these models. Improper execution can lead to steering failure, a dangerous condition. Proceed only if confident; otherwise, seek professional assistance.
(how to replace 67 ford long shaft steering box)
Safety First:
Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands rated for its weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses and gloves.
Be prepared for spilled power steering fluid; have absorbent material ready.
Steering components are heavy; use proper lifting techniques or assistance.
Required Tools and Materials:
Basic hand tools: wrenches (SAE), sockets, ratchets, extensions, breaker bar
Pitman arm puller
Flare nut wrenches (for steering line fittings – highly recommended to prevent rounding)
Torque wrench
Drain pan
New or rebuilt 1967 Ford long shaft steering gearbox
New power steering fluid (check manufacturer specification, often Type F ATF)
Penetrating oil (e.g., PB Blaster, Kroil)
Thread locker (medium strength, e.g., Loctite Blue)
Clean rags
Possible: Steering coupler rag joint (inspect during removal)
Procedure:
1. Preparation: Park the vehicle on a level, solid surface. Engage the parking brake firmly. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Safely raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the front wheels for better access. Place the drain pan under the steering gear area.
2. Disconnect Steering Linkage: Locate the Pitman arm attached to the sector shaft output of the steering box. Remove the nut securing the Pitman arm to the drag link. Use the Pitman arm puller to separate the Pitman arm from the drag link. DO NOT strike the Pitman arm or sector shaft directly with a hammer. Once separated, you can leave the Pitman arm attached to the steering box for now or remove its retaining nut and use the puller to remove it from the sector shaft. Note its orientation relative to the sector shaft splines for reassembly.
3. Disconnect Power Steering Lines: Identify the pressure (smaller diameter, often high-pressure hose) and return (larger diameter, low-pressure hose) lines connected to the steering box. Carefully clean the fittings. Using flare nut wrenches, loosen and disconnect both lines. Immediately cap the lines and the ports on the steering box to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination. Allow residual fluid to drain into the pan.
4. Disconnect Steering Column Shaft: Inside the engine compartment, locate the steering shaft coupling (rag joint) connecting the steering column shaft to the input shaft of the steering box. Remove the bolts or nuts securing the coupling halves together. You may need to support the steering column slightly to relieve tension. Separate the coupling. Note the alignment of the shafts and the coupling for reassembly.
5. Remove Mounting Bolts: The steering box is secured to the frame rail with three or four large bolts. These are often tight and may require significant force or penetrating oil if corroded. Locate all mounting bolts. Using appropriate sockets and a breaker bar if necessary, remove the mounting bolts and any associated brackets or shims. Note the exact location and orientation of any shims; they are critical for proper gearbox alignment and steering geometry.
6. Remove Old Steering Box: The steering box is heavy. Carefully maneuver it out of its position, ensuring the input shaft clears the steering column coupling area and the Pitman arm (if still attached) clears surrounding components. Lower it out of the engine bay.
7. Prepare New Steering Box: Before installation, compare the new unit to the old one to ensure it is the correct long shaft replacement. If the Pitman arm was removed from the old box, transfer it to the new box, aligning the splines exactly as noted during removal. Torque the Pitman arm nut to the manufacturer’s specification (consult a service manual; typically very high, e.g., 180-250 ft-lbs). Apply thread locker to the Pitman arm nut if specified. If the rag joint coupling is worn, replace it now.
8. Install New Steering Box: Carefully lift the new steering box into position, aligning the input shaft with the steering column coupling and the mounting holes with the frame. Temporarily support the weight. Reinstall the mounting bolts, shims, and brackets exactly as removed. Finger-tighten initially. Ensure the gearbox is seated squarely against the frame mounts. Torque the mounting bolts to the manufacturer’s specification (consult service manual; typically high torque, e.g., 70-120 ft-lbs).
9. Reconnect Steering Column Shaft: Align the steering column shaft and the gearbox input shaft. Reconnect the steering shaft coupling (rag joint), ensuring the orientation matches pre-removal. Install and tighten the coupling bolts/nuts securely to the specified torque.
10. Reconnect Power Steering Lines: Remove the caps from the lines and gearbox ports. Using flare nut wrenches, reconnect the pressure and return lines to their respective ports on the new steering box. Tighten securely but avoid over-tightening which can damage flares. Double-check line routing to avoid kinks or contact with hot/exhaust components.
11. Reconnect Steering Linkage: Align the Pitman arm with the drag link. Reinstall the attaching nut and torque to specification (consult manual; typically high torque, e.g., 50-70 ft-lbs). If the Pitman arm was installed on the bench, ensure the drag link connection is secure.
12. Final Steps: Reinstall the front wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
13. Fill and Bleed Power Steering System: Consult the owner’s manual or service manual for the correct fluid type and capacity. Fill the power steering reservoir with the specified fluid. With the engine OFF, slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times. Check the fluid level and top up as needed. Start the engine and let it idle. Slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock again several times, checking for unusual noises. Top up fluid as necessary; the level may drop as air is purged. Check for leaks at all connections and the gearbox seals. Recheck fluid level when the system is at operating temperature after a short drive.
14. Alignment and Road Test: A front-end alignment is MANDATORY after replacing the steering gearbox. The steering geometry will be altered. Have the alignment performed by a qualified technician. Before extensive driving, perform a careful road test in a safe area. Check for smooth steering operation, absence of binding or excessive play, and that the vehicle tracks straight. Verify no fluid leaks are present.
(how to replace 67 ford long shaft steering box)
This procedure restores steering function. Due to the critical nature of the steering system, meticulous attention to detail, correct torque specifications, and a post-repair alignment are non-negotiable for safety and performance.