2013+ steering gearbox in older trucks

[Charles]

It was all good. My original 02 boot doesn't have that foam piece in the first place, so having a tear in this one when laying flat on a table wasn't an issue. When you shove it up against the firewall it goes right back together anyway. The actual rubber seal on the outside was in perfect shape and that's what matters.

The whole shaft is definitely the answer. I just couldn't get ANYbody to even TALK about sending it to me.

Thanks.

 

[Dan V]

Ran in to an issue while installing a 2013 steering gear on a 2001 F250.

The lower part of the steering hits the upper away bar bracket. I think the solution is to change the mount to accept a 08 thru like '10 away bar.

Looking for some guidance.

 

[13fist]

That's different from where mine had an issue. I had to notch clearance for the pitman arm nut, but everything was fine going on the frame.

 

[Dan V]

That's different from where mine had an issue. I had to notch clearance for the pitman arm nut, but everything was fine going on the frame.

Can you get me a picture of the sway bar mounting pad?

[email protected]

 

[13fist]

My mistake. For some reason I was thinking track bar mount. I removed mine but the sway bar should be mounted behind the axle and not an issue.
What front end setup are you running?
I'll go take a pic of mine.

 

[13fist]

Ok, after taking pics I think I understand.

Never thought about that bit being there.

 

[Dan V]

The 2001 sway bar is behind the axle. When I did the coil spring conversion, the sway bar moves to the front of the axle. It has a 2007 coil spring now.

My mistake for not including the coil spring swap.

 

[13fist]

One of these days I'll do coils. With leafs I've only noticed the sway bar being gone when I get on a really tight off-ramp too quick.
Not sure how to help with your dilemma though. fab some drop to the mounting pad?

 

[co04cobra]

What did you guys do for the taper difference on the drag link for leaf spring trucks?

 

[Dan V]

What did you guys do for the taper difference on the drag link for leaf spring trucks?

Well, I don't have that issue as I changed from leafs to coil...and a 2013 steering gear. The coil spring swap, with a 05-07 steering gear would be straight forward, but that beast if a steering gear in 2013, well, it creates an issue.

I'm thinking of fabbing up a drop mount, maybe 1/2" will get me what I need.

 

[13fist]

What did you guys do for the taper difference on the drag link for leaf spring trucks?

Of the options available, I chose to move the splines over to the old pitman arm.
I Used hole saws on my drill press to core out the splines. I went 1/8th inch oversize on the 11-16 arm and ground to fit. TIG'ed the snot out of it and buried it in kitty litter overnight for a slow cool down.
Also drilled in 3/16th key pins around the circumference between the 2 parts that got welded over. It should hold until I do the axle swap. Probably the strongest part in the steering.

First try was to used a taper bushing on the newer pitman arm. Sky offload knuckle taper sleeve has the right dimensions for this.
That didn't quite work as it's too short and the angle of drop hit the track bar bolt turning left. I don't know if that would happen on a oem track bar bracket or not, as I've got a drop bracket from bds.

 

[co04cobra]

That is quite in depth but a good fix. Are the 05-16 pitman arms a 1.5 taper? Does anyone happen to know the thread pitch on the 99-04 drag link?

 

[Dan V]

I figured it out, at least part of it.

When you drill the frame (2001 frame) to accept the 16mm bolts, the drill drifted down a small amount on the upper front hole. I'll get that straightened out and things should be fine.

 

[13fist]

oh i recall dealing with that. those reinforcements inside the frame skewed the bit over.
It was the upper hole on mine, I was getting confused as to why I hadn't gone through yet. I stopped, shined a light and had made a pretty good dimple next to the hole.

Glad you got it sorted.

 

[96GTS]

Searching for part number 8C3Z-3504-B (I used a 2015 6.7 F350 as my "check if it fits" truck model), all the Ford parts websites seem to indicate that it has been replaced by part number HC3Z-3504-E (for example, https://parts.lakelandford.com/p/Ford__/GEAR-ASSEMBLY---STEERING/54611294/8C3Z3504B.html ).

However, the physical pictures posted with HC3Z-3504-E look different than the photos of the 8C3Z-3504-B gear assy posted in this thread.

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-gear-assembly-hc3z3504e
https://www.getoemparts.com/oem-parts/ford-gear-assembly-hc3z3504e
https://parts.lakelandford.com/p/ford__/Steering-Gear-Box/75130022/HC3Z3504E.html

It looks more "stubby" if that makes sense.


Has anyone used the HC3Z-3504-E on an earlier truck, or any reason it would not work? Am I better off looking for a new old stock of the 8C3Z-3504-B ?? Thanks for any feedback!!!!

 

[co04cobra]

I didn’t cross reference the part numbers but the picture you have is of a F-450-550 box.

 

[Addicted4]

Any updates on this swap? Actual results with the steering linkage from column to box, power steering lines?

My 02 has 321k miles on it and needs a box. I have swapped over to a 2008 front axle so my drag link will bolt up to the newer pitman arm. Blue top, redhead, oem 99-04 box or 11-16 box is the question.

 

[6_Riders]

Just read this whole post. There is so much going on between model years, it's hard to figure out what fits what and what parts are needed for what year truck. It'd be nice if there was a year by year breakdown of parts needed to do the swap.
I have an 06. From what I gather (probably wrong) to put a 16 box in, I need the steering shaft from firewall to box, other than that and maybe bolts, everything else bolts up. Am I missing anything?

 

[13fist]

Any updates on this swap? Actual results with the steering linkage from column to box, power steering lines?



My 02 has 321k miles on it and needs a box. I have swapped over to a 2008 front axle so my drag link will bolt up to the newer pitman arm. Blue top, redhead, oem 99-04 box or 11-16 box is the question.

So far this is a worthwhile upgrade. The newer steering gear is just better all around. If my salvage yard box starts to go, I plan on getting the same year box from someone reputable like bluetop. If I had a core, I would have gone that route to begin with.
For the hoses I used jic adapters and hydraulic lines.

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[13fist]

Just read this whole post. There is so much going on between model years, it's hard to figure out what fits what and what parts are needed for what year truck. It'd be nice if there was a year by year breakdown of parts needed to do the swap.
I have an 06. From what I gather (probably wrong) to put a 16 box in, I need the steering shaft from firewall to box, other than that and maybe bolts, everything else bolts up. Am I missing anything?

That sounds right. I can't speak for the 06 hoses to & from the gear. Maybe someone else will chime in on that part.

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