Which Saginaw Pitman Arm?

I am rebuilding a Saginaw power steering box from a '71 Boss 429 Mustang for use in my 78 Ranchero. The '71 box is 3 turns lock to lock, whereas the Ranchero's stock Saginaw box is the 4-turn type. The Pitman arms are similar, but the 71 is more curved. Which one should I use? Has anybody done this steering box swap before?

thanks,
[addsig]

Use the pitman arm off of your Ranchero. Is the new box an SPA-T by chance?

Greg


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'71 Torino GT - 545 stroker, Edelbrock CJ heads, 11.8:1, Edelbrock Victor, 1050 Dominator, Broader performance C6, Edge converter, 3.89 detroit locker



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: GregP on 4/19/07 7:52pm ]</font>

Greg,

It is a SPA-T. Logic tells me to use the Ranchero arm, but I was considering a possibility that the other one might be necessary. Other than that, this is an absolute bolt in, replacing the Ranchero's original Saginaw box.


[addsig]

The SPA-T box, from what I have been able to gather, is what came on the competition suspension equipped mustangs, not just the Boss.

It is a quick ratio box, though, and I am still working on getting the one I have to fit my '71 Torino.

Greg
[addsig]

Other big issue is that in the seal kit I have only about half of the o-rings and seals are the right ones. Most places list the same kit for all these Saginaw boxes, but there ARE differences. My brother, who works for Motorcraft, says it's best to go with an OEM Ford kit, if you can find one.

[addsig]

Not sure I'm following the conversation correctly, bear with me. The 71 Mustang saginaw box will fit the full frame 78 Ranchero, but does not fit the 71 unibody Torino? I'm just curious. If that is the case what is the difference with the 71 Torino?

Chuck
[addsig]

Chuck,

That's correct. The 70-71 Torino still used the control valve/ram arrangement, so the steering boxes are completely different.

Greg
[addsig]

Did they have a quick ratio manual box for the 71-73 Mustangs? The only thing I've found is a modification using Corvette parts to convert the Ford box from 24.1 to 16.1.

Chuck
[addsig]

It was a quick/variable ratop power steering box. Saginaw SPA-T. I have read that the internals from a Corvette Saginaw box will fit it, though i have not tried this. As is, excepting the pitman arm, the box is a bolt-in for '72-up Torinos, Cougars, Rancheros, etc. I believe that I saw one years ago in a Cougar in a wrecking yard in GA. My Ranchero does have it's huge front sway bar, among other parts. Read more on the steering box here: http://429mustangcougarinfo.50megs.com/steering.htm
[addsig]

Does that go for the manual box as well or just the power steering set up? I'm kinda partial to the factory manual steering set up.

Chuck
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