2013+ steering gearbox in older trucks

[jbozzelle]

Dragging this thread back to the top. Just joined this site and am looking to swap a 2016 steering box into my bone stock 2003 F350 4x4.

I was going to do the typical Redhead or Bluetop box and when doing some googling came across this post and I've got to say it's pretty informative. My 2008 F350 steered like a dream and this 2003 steers like a oil tanker... It looks as if all of the parts I'd need are listed in this thread. Things like the correct steering shaft, fittings to convert to JIC, etc.

So, here's what I need to know. How do I solve the 2016 pitman arm to 2003 tie rod end taper problem?

And one other question when doing this swap - Any need to upgrade the power steering pump as well? If so, what should I use? Was getting ready to swap in the Saginaw deal with remote reservoir from the likes of PSC or Lee when I did the Redhead or Bluetop box...

 

[13fist]

The stock pump will work no better or worse than before. I've had the lee kit for 4 years now and it is great. Price has gone up over $200 since then though.
Not sure what magic they work on those pumps, but I can mash the brakes all the way and still turn the wheels.

The best suggestions I have, depending on your fab skills;
I solved the pitman arm by making a custom pitman arm. I posted earlier in this thread about moving the splines over from an 05 to the 04 pitman arm. I sacrificed cheap rough country pitman arms since this was a temp solution for me as I was doing all of this in preparations for the Dana 60. It did work very well though and stayed on until the axle swap.

option 2 I know there is an XRF/Moog tie rod end that will fit the 05-up pitman arm taper, but I never found a definite part number. I believe it is the same tre that aftermarket adjustable drag links use for 05-16 trucks. This would likely require customizing the draglink or the split sleeve to combine the two. IF you have better luck than I did finding the right one.

Option 3 is to drill out the taper and run a heims joint setup, offroad style. About the same work as the tre. May not be streetable in your location.

option 4 is to drill out the taper on the 05 pitman arm and run a taper sleeve. I tried that, and the pitman arm hit the track bar bolt on left turns. However, that was a drop pitman arm and drop bracket so it may be different if you are running stock.

option 5 is to reach out to custom shops like PMF, Carli, ect. and see if they can sort you out with a drag link that ties it all together.

The best option is the D60 swap. then everything works. life is better. chicks dig it. the list goes on.

 

[jbozzelle]

Thanks 13fist -

Somewhere on here I saw a link to this taper bushing from Complete Offroad. I'm wondering if this would work on the 2011-16 pitman arm?

D60 Double Taper Tie Rod Over Bushing (TRO-D60T)

D60 Double Taper Tie Rod Over Bushing, REQUIRES REAMED TAPER HOLE (formerly 908TRO). The TRO-D60T tie rod bushing for tie rod over conversions or repairing worn out knuckle tapered holes. It works

completeoffroad.com

 

[13fist]

Knuckle Taper Sleeve for Ford Tie Rod Ends (sold individually)

Description:Please note: Item is sold individually. Need more than one? Increase quantity to the number of sleeves you are in need of.NEW! Improved design! These CNC machined weld-in tapered sleeves can be used to fix wallowed out tie rod end holes in Ford steering knuckles, or to convert a...

www.skysoffroaddesign.com

The taper measurements they list in the specs are spot-on for what is needed. It looks like the one you linked is a bit different.
This is the sleeve I used. It is a bit short in length. Drill out undersized and work up to a press-fit, and since the bushing is short I left a step in the end to sandwich against. Ran a short bead on the flange for good measure.

 

[jbozzelle]

Thanks. I'll check that sleeve out as well. I have the sleeve I posted, a 2015 pitman arm and a 2003 tie rod end ordered to see what will work. I'll order that bushing you posted as well.

 

[jbozzelle]

I did some more reading of this thread again and it seems as if all parts needed are in here somewhere.

The 2016 box uses the same fittings as the hydroboost? M18-1.5 -6 JIC for input, M16-1.5 -6 JIC for the outlet?

How has the Lee pump you have been holding up?

 

[13fist]

The lee kit has been trouble-free. The only issue I had was the installation. I have IDP T4 and I run the upper rad hose that goes around the serpentine belt.
I had to mod the reservoir mount to fit in between all that mess.

Correct on the adapters. x2 M18-1.5 X2 M16-1.5 and that should allow you to run hydraulic lines from the gear to the hydroboost.
I'd post pics of my setup but it's -9 and way past my 3rd shift bedtime.
Is that you in the parallel thread on fte? I've posted this info over there a few times in the past, only to have it poo-pooed.

 

[Powerstroke Cowboy]

My steering box in my 97 is shot. My 08 has loosened up some. My dads 11 is still tight, he has a little over 300k miles on it. Some roads as me. How can the 08 and 11 gear boxes be the same?

Good thread, I plan to update my gear boxes in both the 08 and 97.

 

[jbozzelle]

Is that you in the parallel thread on fte? I've posted this info over there a few times in the past, only to have it poo-pooed.

Yep, that's me over on the FTE site. Didn't find much info over there but found this thread on Google. This seems like an easy swap. Surprised it's not more common...

 

[jbozzelle]

How can the 08 and 11 gear boxes be the same?

From what I read they aren't. 2011-16 is the same. But I just started researching all of this 3 days ago...

 

[Powerstroke Cowboy]

From what I read they aren't. 2011-16 is the same. But I just started researching all of this 3 days ago...

Some say it is, others say no. I am leaning towards them not being the same. I can always compare the my 08 to my dads or brother's 11s and 12s.

 

[jbozzelle]

Correct on the adapters. x2 M18-1.5 X2 M16-1.5 and that should allow you to run hydraulic lines from the gear to the hydroboost.

So along with the above M16/18 adapters that'll make two hoses and the other two hoses will be used from the Lee kit? And then some parts store hose to replace the cooler hoses?

 

[Strokersace]

My steering box in my 97 is shot. My 08 has loosened up some. My dads 11 is still tight, he has a little over 300k miles on it. Some roads as me. How can the 08 and 11 gear boxes be the same?

Good thread, I plan to update my gear boxes in both the 08 and 97.

The steering on this 05 I bought recently is loose. Even after the alignment and I know everything in the front end is tight. The only thing it can be is the gearbox. I absolutely LOVED how my 2014 steered. 1 figure turning ability and didn’t “wander” at all. If I end up replacing the box in the 05, I’m going to convert it to the newer style.

 

[Powerstroke Cowboy]

The steering on this 05 I bought recently is loose. Even after the alignment and I know everything in the front end is tight. The only thing it can be is the gearbox. I absolutely LOVED how my 2014 steered. 1 figure turning ability and didn’t “wander” at all. If I end up replacing the box in the 05, I’m going to convert it to the newer style.

After reading this thread I plan to go with the newer gear box on my 08. If I do the 05+ axles under the 97 I will do the same on it. I agree, the 11 plus pickups have very nice steering.

 

[13fist]

So along with the above M16/18 adapters that'll make two hoses and the other two hoses will be used from the Lee kit? And then some parts store hose to replace the cooler hoses?

It has been a while, so double check everything I say. I had to go back and look at the instructions to make sure.
The Lee kit comes with the high-pressure hose from the pump to the hydro boost, and the jic adapter for that.

intsructions link

The last couple pages of the manual have the pics and parts list.
So you'd need one more M18-1.5 and 2 of the M16-1.5jic adapters and a hydraulic hose made up to go from the Hydroboost to steering gear.

 

[co04cobra]

11-16 boxes are not the same as previous years. The 05-10 boxes are very similar.

If you’re doing the swap get a 11-16 box.

 

[13fist]

I came across the Borgeson 000308 lower steering shaft for the '08 up. It's got the D flat whatever for these steering gears.
I may contact Borgeson and ask if they can build one with the 99-04 upper.

​

 

[rescuejg]

I came across the Borgeson 000308 lower steering shaft for the '08 up. It's got the D flat whatever for these steering gears.
I may contact Borgeson and ask if they can build one with the 99-04 upper.

​

Why bother? Why not just use the Ford parts?

Get the 11-16 upper and lower shaft and it works with the 99-04. Also get the firewall boot.

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[06 6.0 powerstroke]

Wanted to update steering gear box on my 06 f-350 when I found this post.
I have been studying this post and I started ordering parts for swap.
Started installing new 11-16 steering box on 06 frame and I’ve found that the 06 frame is .400 thicker than 2014 frame meaning the 2014 bolt only hold steering box by about four threads. (W713909-s439) ford bolts for 2014 truck.
What bolts has any one used for this swap on 06 f-350 truck?
Thanks!

 

[rescuejg]

On my 99, which i presume is the same as the 05, i used

Metric flange bolts, Partial thread, Zinc plated class 10.9 steel, 16mm x 2.0mm x 130mm

Purchased from Bolt Depot.

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