Overview
The steering system is one of the first things F100 owners want to improve. Factory steering in early trucks was heavy, vague, and fatiguing on long drives. Even later trucks with factory power steering used recirculating ball steering boxes that feel imprecise by modern standards. Fortunately, the aftermarket has responded with a deep catalog of column swaps, steering box upgrades, and complete conversion kits that can transform how your F100 drives.
Factory Steering by Era
1948—1960 (Generations 1—3): Manual Steering Box
The first three generations of the F100 came equipped exclusively with a manual recirculating ball steering box and a solid, non-collapsible steering column. The steering wheel connected directly to the box through a long column shaft. These systems require significant effort to turn at parking speeds, particularly with larger tires. The steering ratio was high (slow), typically requiring 4—5 turns lock to lock.
Column shift trucks had the transmission linkage integrated into the column, which complicates column swaps. If you plan to replace the column, you will either need to convert to a floor-shift transmission or use a column that accommodates a shift mechanism.
1961—1966 (Generation 4): Power Steering Introduced
Ford introduced factory power steering as an option beginning in the early 1960s. The system used a Saginaw-style power steering pump driven by the engine and a power-assisted recirculating ball steering box. This was a major improvement in driving comfort, though the feel was still vague by modern standards.
Trucks without the power steering option continued with the same manual box setup. The column remained non-collapsible during this era.
1967—1972 (Generation 5): Collapsible Column
Federal safety regulations mandated energy-absorbing (collapsible) steering columns starting in 1967. Fifth-generation F100s received a collapsible column design that telescopes on impact, reducing the risk of driver injury in a frontal collision. Power steering became increasingly common during this era, and many Bumpside trucks on the road today have it either from the factory or as an owner-added upgrade.
1973—1983 (Generations 6—7): Tilt Column Option
The sixth and seventh generation F100s offered a factory tilt steering column as an option. This was a significant comfort upgrade, particularly for trucks shared among drivers of different heights. Power steering was standard or near-standard equipment by this era. The 1973—1979 (Dentside) and 1980—1983 trucks used a column that is broadly compatible with aftermarket tilt column replacements, making upgrades straightforward.
Aftermarket Tilt Column Swaps
Replacing the factory column with an aftermarket tilt column is one of the most popular upgrades across all F100 generations. The two dominant manufacturers are ididit and Flaming River.
ididit Columns
ididit (based in Tecumseh, Michigan) manufactures direct-fit steering columns for F100s. Their columns are available in:
- Chrome, stainless, or paintable steel finishes
- Column shift or floor shift configurations
- Keyed ignition or push-button start options
- Tilt or non-tilt designs
ididit offers application-specific columns for 1953—1956, 1957—1960, 1961—1966, 1967—1972, and 1973—1979 F100s. These columns come with vehicle-specific mounting hardware designed to bolt into the factory column mounting location with minimal modification. Most installations can be completed in an afternoon with basic hand tools.
Flaming River Columns
Flaming River offers a similar range of aftermarket columns with comparable fitment and quality. Their product line includes tilt columns, non-tilt columns, and floor shift or column shift options. Flaming River columns are known for their smooth tilt mechanism and clean appearance. They also manufacture steering shafts, U-joints, and rag joints that are often needed to complete a column swap installation.
Installation Considerations
When swapping to an aftermarket column, plan for the following:
- Column drop / mounting bracket: The aftermarket column needs to be supported at the correct height and angle. ididit and Flaming River both offer vehicle-specific column drops. Universal column drops are also available from Speedway Motors and Summit Racing, though they may require more fitting work.
- Steering shaft and U-joints: The aftermarket column will likely have a different output shaft diameter and spline count than the factory column. A new intermediate steering shaft with U-joints (or a rag joint) will be needed to connect the column to the steering box. Borgeson and Flaming River both manufacture these components.
- Wiring: The factory turn signal switch, ignition switch, and horn are integrated into the column. Aftermarket columns include their own switches, but you will need to splice into the factory harness. Wiring diagrams are provided with the columns, and companies like Painless Performance and American Autowire offer complete wiring harness kits that simplify the integration.
- Floor seal / column grommet: The column passes through the firewall, and the hole size may differ between the factory and aftermarket column. Rubber grommets and floor seal kits are available to make a clean, weather-tight transition.
Power Steering Conversions
For trucks that came with manual steering, adding power steering is transformative. There are two main approaches:
Add Power Assist to the Factory Box
The simplest power steering conversion retains the factory steering box location and column. You install a power steering box in place of the manual box, add a power steering pump (engine-driven, typically mounted to the engine with an aftermarket bracket from Alan Grove Components or Borgeson), and run hydraulic lines between the pump and box. This approach maintains the factory appearance and works with the stock column.
Borgeson is the leading manufacturer of power steering conversion kits for F100s. Their kits include a new power steering box (a compact Delphi 600 unit), pump and bracket, hoses, and mounting hardware. Borgeson kits are available for virtually every generation of F100 and are designed as bolt-in installations.
Full Rack-and-Pinion Conversion
For the ultimate steering feel, some builders convert to a rack-and-pinion system. This requires significant front suspension modification and is typically done as part of a complete front clip or frame swap (such as a Crown Victoria frame swap or an aftermarket IFS kit from Total Cost Involved, Heidts, or Fatman Fabrications). Rack-and-pinion steering provides the tightest, most precise steering feel but is a major undertaking compared to a simple box swap.
Steering Box Upgrades
If you want to keep the factory column and box configuration but improve feel and response, a steering box upgrade is the answer:
- Borgeson — Offers a direct-fit power steering box (Delphi 600 based) that replaces the factory box and delivers a faster steering ratio (approximately 14:1 versus the factory’s 20:1 or higher). This is the single most popular steering upgrade for F100s across all generations.
- Lares Corporation — Remanufactures power steering boxes to OEM or improved specifications. A good option for stock restorations.
- AGR (American Gear and Racing) — Offers performance steering boxes with fast ratios and tight tolerances for trucks where precise steering is a priority.
A faster steering ratio means fewer turns lock to lock (typically 3—3.5 turns versus 5+ with the factory manual box), which makes the truck feel far more responsive and less fatiguing to drive.
Column Drop and Mounting
Proper column drop height and angle are critical for comfortable driving. The steering wheel should be positioned so that your arms are slightly bent when holding the wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock. If the column is too high or too low, driving for extended periods becomes uncomfortable. Adjustable column drops allow fine-tuning of the wheel position. ididit, Flaming River, and Speedway Motors all offer adjustable drops that accommodate a range of mounting positions.
For trucks with a floor-shifted transmission, ensure that the column does not interfere with the shift lever. This is a common fitment issue on trucks converted from column shift to floor shift, and it can usually be resolved by adjusting the column drop height or angle.
Parts and Supplier Sources
- ididit — Application-specific tilt columns and column accessories
- Flaming River — Tilt columns, steering shafts, U-joints, and rag joints
- Borgeson — Power steering conversion kits, steering boxes, steering shafts
- Lares Corporation — Remanufactured steering boxes
- AGR — Performance steering boxes
- Alan Grove Components — Power steering pump brackets
- Painless Performance / American Autowire — Wiring harness kits for column integration
- LMC Truck / Dennis Carpenter / NPD — Factory replacement steering components
- Summit Racing / Jegs / Speedway Motors — Column drops, U-joints, universal steering hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add power steering to my Ford F100?
The simplest power steering conversion retains the factory column and replaces the manual steering box with a power unit. Borgeson is the leading manufacturer, offering bolt-in kits with a compact Delphi 600 power steering box, pump, bracket, and hoses for virtually every F100 generation. This delivers a faster 14:1 steering ratio versus the factory 20:1 or higher.
What aftermarket steering column fits an F100?
ididit and Flaming River are the two dominant manufacturers of direct-fit aftermarket tilt columns for F100s. Both offer application-specific columns for 1953-1979 F100s in chrome, stainless, or paintable finishes with column shift or floor shift configurations. These columns come with vehicle-specific mounting hardware that bolts into the factory location.
How much does an F100 steering column upgrade cost?
An aftermarket tilt steering column from ididit or Flaming River typically costs $400 to $800 depending on finish and options. A Borgeson power steering conversion kit runs $500 to $900. You may also need a new intermediate steering shaft with U-joints ($100 to $200 from Borgeson or Flaming River) and a column drop bracket ($50 to $150).
Can I convert my F100 to rack-and-pinion steering?
Yes, but it requires significant front suspension modification. Rack-and-pinion steering is typically done as part of a complete front clip swap such as a Crown Victoria frame swap or an aftermarket IFS kit from TCI Engineering, Heidts, or Fatman Fabrications. This provides the tightest, most precise steering feel but is a major undertaking compared to a steering box upgrade.
What steering box upgrade is best for a Ford F100?
The Borgeson Delphi 600-based power steering box is the most popular steering upgrade for F100s across all generations. It offers a direct-fit installation that replaces the factory box and delivers a faster 14:1 steering ratio, reducing lock-to-lock turns from 5 or more to approximately 3 to 3.5 turns for dramatically more responsive steering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add power steering to my Ford F100?
The simplest power steering conversion retains the factory column and replaces the manual steering box with a power unit. Borgeson is the leading manufacturer, offering bolt-in kits with a compact Delphi 600 power steering box, pump, bracket, and hoses for virtually every F100 generation. This delivers a faster 14:1 steering ratio versus the factory 20:1 or higher.
What aftermarket steering column fits an F100?
ididit and Flaming River are the two dominant manufacturers of direct-fit aftermarket tilt columns for F100s. Both offer application-specific columns for 1953-1979 F100s in chrome, stainless, or paintable finishes with column shift or floor shift configurations. These columns come with vehicle-specific mounting hardware that bolts into the factory location.
How much does an F100 steering column upgrade cost?
An aftermarket tilt steering column from ididit or Flaming River typically costs $400 to $800 depending on finish and options. A Borgeson power steering conversion kit runs $500 to $900. You may also need a new intermediate steering shaft with U-joints ($100 to $200 from Borgeson or Flaming River) and a column drop bracket ($50 to $150).
Can I convert my F100 to rack-and-pinion steering?
Yes, but it requires significant front suspension modification. Rack-and-pinion steering is typically done as part of a complete front clip swap such as a Crown Victoria frame swap or an aftermarket IFS kit from TCI Engineering, Heidts, or Fatman Fabrications. This provides the tightest, most precise steering feel but is a major undertaking compared to a steering box upgrade.
What steering box upgrade is best for a Ford F100?
The Borgeson Delphi 600-based power steering box is the most popular steering upgrade for F100s across all generations. It offers a direct-fit installation that replaces the factory box and delivers a faster 14:1 steering ratio, reducing lock-to-lock turns from 5 or more to approximately 3 to 3.5 turns for dramatically more responsive steering.