Good morning All,

Sorry for the long post.  This is embarrassing.  2 years ago I took apart the power steering drag link and all associated parts from my 57 Ranchero because I was going to do the MMII front end.  After finding out the cost, I decided to go back to the original power steering setup.  I purchased a complete drag link from a member on this board and delivered to the suggested company for a complete rebuild.  Now after 8 months I finally got it back.  The car has original spindles. Now I cannot remember how all of the parts went together.
I need some help on assembly, from frame to frame, pitman arm, bracketry, idler arm. Attached is a picture of what I have, Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, hopefully with some pictures.

Thank you
Steve

'57-'64 frames are very similar so many of the frontend parts are interchangeable.  Your idler arm appears to be '57-59 but for manual steering.  The cylinder-to-frame bracket is '60-'64.  There were upgrades to the steering systems with a break between '59 and '60.  '57-59 anchored cylinder to the frame on the right side while the '60-64 anchored to the left.  Mixing/matching power steering components for a PS upgrade requires most of the parts must come before OR after the break.  When upgrading my'57 manual to power, I found a '64 Galaxie donor.  I took everything from the donor...steering box, pitman arm, center link, control box, idler arm, and steering column.  I didn't have to take the steering box but since it spent its life as a PS box, it had a lot less wear, slightly smaller, better design, and more parts available.  The gear ratios are the same.  I also wanted the newer steering column for the same reasons but also for three-gear selections (for the AOD upgrade).  Almost all Fords use PS or MS pitman/idler arm combo.  One other note:  the '57 PS pitman arm is one-year only (kinda hard to find and confirm fitment by just eyeballing it).  I did use my original tie rods.  Since you have had your control box rebuilt, they likely installed new seats for the hydraulic hoses.  I recommend new hoses and DON'T over torque them!!  Most leaks occur at the hose connections...once the seats are over torqued and crushed, leaks will never stop.

TRoper, are you still working on this, or do you have it figured out?

Hi Gene,

I am still working on this.

KULTULZ...thanks for that. I looked in my 57 shop book and did not find that breakdown. Where did you locate it?
I did print it out though...and it is in my book now.

Looks like the parts explosion gave you what you needed.  Good luck.

The ILL is from the 1949-1959 MASTER PARTS CATALOG.

It is available on CD, THUMB DRIVE or paper reprint.

Quote from: KULTULZ on 2026-07-23 20:43The ILL is from the 1949-1959 MASTER PARTS CATALOG.

It is available on CD, THUMB DRIVE or paper reprint.

Thanks! And glad to see you back and about. 

ditto