Rod's 84 BabyBajaF100

[AussieRod]

PC030717.JPG (72.44 KiB) Viewed 960 times

Went to the local big hardware store today, and while moving parking spots to load up some timber, I felt a jolt thru the steering wheel and heard a bang. I suddenly had over a turn of slack in the steering and on inspecting the steering box, found the sector shaft hanging out a good half inch from the bottom of the box. I used a ratchet strap to wrap up the pitman arm to the box and nursed it all the 20 mile drive back home and after removing the steering box, did an autopsy. Found the preload slot on top of the sector shaft had sheared off. Apparently one side had already broken off previously, which explained the slack in the box. When the other broke off, the shaft dropped down into the box and ALMOST cancelled my steering. I was glad this happened in the carpark and not out on the road. Now I need to find a power steer set up to replace it all (tired of the armstrong manual steering.)

[hobbyturnedobsession]

Ouch Rod, good thing you were in the parking lot!

[Silverslk]

Glad it happened where it happened Rod!!!

[SuperSixAxis]

Wow, I am also thankful this happened at low speed. Could have been painful.

[AussieRod]

I used a Weldall stick at work today to arc weld the pieces back on. I can steer the truck now, but the damage is done and the st box is stuffed. I am picking up a p/s kit AND a 9" on the weekend.
Tub will come off in a few weeks for new hangers, shackles and a leaf spring rebush. I will fit up the TTB and do some other much needed work and maintainence while I'm at it.

[AussieRod]

Glad it happened where it happened Rod!!!

Thanks, guys. I am glad too. I wouldnt have lost the steering completely, but it made it hairy going home, I kept it down to about 20 mph with a turn and a half of slack. I was glad for the good alignment, which kept it nice and straight. All it needed was minor corrections. I picked up a Sag PS bracket, bolts and pulley thru FSB and I will pick it up on my next visit (Jan hopefully).When I go home after that trip, I will pop the 5.0HO motor in it and get her going better.

[hobbyturnedobsession]

Hey do you still want to buy my old drop bracket setup?

[AussieRod]

I might, Randy, what brand is it?

[hobbyturnedobsession]

I believe its a Rancho kit.

[AussieRod]

I believe its a Rancho kit.

Is it just drop brackets, or do you have other stuff? The customer doesnt need them urgently, so cheap USPS airmail is ok. If they are Ranchos, I'll take them. PM sent.

[AussieRod]

Picked up my P/S setup AND a complete large centre housing 9" drum to drum today. It was raining AND I had to pull the 9" myself. Wasn't happy about that, but now I have a good rear end to put in the truck. The PS box is tight, not sure if it leaks or not, but it will be far better than the POS manual box thats in it. Pics tomorrow and next week I will pressure clean them all up and put it in the following weekend.

[300]

At least the seal kits for these is the one reasonably priced thing you can get from Ford. Around $20 as I recall, but always took care of any really annoying leaking problems. If there is anyplace they will leak, it will be at the output shaft. That's the lowest point and junk or any moisture will settle there.

[AussieRod]

Unfortunately, the RHD steering box we use is a unique piece to Aus F100, F150 and Broncos. However, I did luck onto a seal kit locally. These st boxes are not available anywhere else in the world and are now rare as hens teeth to find a good one. Some are asking $1200+ for a clean box that doesnt leak, etc. I was lucky to find this one at $500 with the pump (351C type) and pipes/hoses. I had to drive 3 1/2 hrs each way to get it. Plus I was driving the F100 with the wonky armstrong st box in the pouring rain all the way. The 4.1 crossflow handled the 70 - 75 mph @ 4000rpm on the highway ok, though, for 3 hrs non-stop.

[philofab]

If you ever need to upgrade it the us Blazer and chevy truck boxes mount on the outside of the frame.

Cheap, plentiful, and strong.

[AussieRod]

If you ever need to upgrade it the us Blazer and chevy truck boxes mount on the outside of the frame.

Cheap, plentiful, and strong.

I'll keep that in mind, thanks, Philo. I have been looking for a possible replacement/substitute, so I will investigate that next visit.

[AussieRod]

Pulled down the 9" today. Considering the mileage, its in reasonable condition. Gear pattern is good and shiny, bearings are good and there is a little wear on the axle splines, but for 784K kilometres, I think it will do fine with some new seals, a good clean up and fresh paint.
Power steering:

PC130718.JPG (72.58 KiB) Viewed 774 times

axles:

PC130719.JPG (76.08 KiB) Viewed 774 times

housing:

PC130720.JPG (86.28 KiB) Viewed 774 times

pumpkin:

PC130721.JPG (73.92 KiB) Viewed 774 times

[AussieRod]

FINALLY got off my butt and started attending to the body. I got a real dirty look from a cop at a road stop today. I was waved past, but he had a good look, so I'd better start making her look a bit better. Some fibre reinforced bondo to hide the rust in the front fenders:

PC130722.JPG (87.21 KiB) Viewed 774 times

PC130723.JPG (81.24 KiB) Viewed 774 times

I then went crazy and did a quick ghetto paint touch up to hide all the orange rust marks and paint chips. The tailgate was the worst, after the RH bedside, but from the back of a galloping horse in a thunderstorm, it looks ok in poor light:

PC130728.JPG (82.5 KiB) Viewed 774 times

PC130729.JPG (87.33 KiB) Viewed 774 times

[AussieRod]

I even slash cut the tailpipe a few inches shorter and hit it with aluminum paint for some added bling:

PC130729.JPG (87.33 KiB) Viewed 772 times

PC130730.JPG (75.25 KiB) Viewed 774 times

PC130731.JPG (85.6 KiB) Viewed 774 times

PC130732.JPG (85.04 KiB) Viewed 774 times

The fender repairs are only temporary. After Xmas, I will call Autofab and order the fenders, drop centre hood, V8 engine mounts and trans mount, 'glass tabs and fender mounts and hood pin mounts. I have body mounts, a rear spring bushing kit and some other goodies on the way as well. Seeing no-one locally wants to paint the cab for me, I guess I am going to try out my skills and see how it comes out.

[bajabuck]

How come nobody wants to paint the cab?

[hobbyturnedobsession]

Looking good buddy!