Firewall reinforcement plate question

[laserjock]

So when I got my hydroboost, it came with the reinforcement plate which I think is a factory ford unit. I went through the tech article (thanks Al) but the question I have is do I reuse the screws that hold the steering column bits in place or replace them with through bolts? Will the screws be long enough with the plate added to the stack?

Thanks!

 

[riotwarrior]

So when I got my hydroboost, it came with the reinforcement plate which I think is a factory ford unit. I went through the tech article (thanks Al) but the question I have is do I reuse the screws that hold the steering column bits in place or replace them with through bolts? Will the screws be long enough with the plate added to the stack?

Thanks!

Very good question and I guess I didnt mention the answer.

Ok the answer is your factory bolts will suffice just fine. At least mine did both times I did it.

Dont hesitate to ask any questions I am happy to help....just dont tell me it wont fit...buwa ha ha

 

[laserjock]

Al, I already know it doesn't fit.

But seriously, there will be massaging involved.

 

[riotwarrior]

Al, I already know it doesn't fit.

But seriously, there will be massaging involved.

Then massage away..shouldnt take much...it was more a Troll pun than anything....

Have fun...kinda need 2 folks for this one ....least both tjmes I did it. Does yours have nuts welded to the little pieces or the large pieces???

Pics???

 

[laserjock]

I'll have to get pics. I think one side the nuts are welded on and the other side the bolts are welded through plate if I remember right. I'll look this evening if I think of it.

 

[laserjock]

Okay. So found something interesting. I wondered why the plate fit so bad. Well, here is why.

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I'm guessing that's the small version that I've heard about and never seen. The bit beside it is the gasket.

This is the full size one.

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And here they are together.

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So at some point the recall or whatever it was must have been done to this truck before the firewall crack. That goes back to my theory that it was very well taken care of for its first 10 or so years.

So now the question. Which one do I put back? I lean toward the big one but the firewall looks fine and the little does not require drilling.

Thoughts?

As an aside, maybe these pics ought to go in the faqs or be amended to the tech article for posterity? ?

 

[riotwarrior]

Okay. So found something interesting. I wondered why the plate fit so bad. Well, here is why.

You must be registered for see images attach

I'm guessing that's the small version that I've heard about and never seen. The bit beside it is the gasket.

This is the full size one.

You must be registered for see images attach

And here they are together.

You must be registered for see images attach

So at some point the recall or whatever it was must have been done to this truck before the firewall crack. That goes back to my theory that it was very well taken care of for its first 10 or so years.

So now the question. Which one do I put back? I lean toward the big one but the firewall looks fine and the little does not require drilling.

Thoughts?

As an aside, maybe these pics ought to go in the faqs or be amended to the tech article for posterity? ?

As I recall there are a couple of images of lil plate in tech article. There are as I am aware 2 different small plates too to compli ate matterz more.

Look again if not there I can upload those images of yours to my PB to edit into the tech article.

My theory is install big plate...

JM7.3CW

 

[freebird01]

put the big one back on. looks like someone decided to modify it as the clutch master cylinder holes are all "waller'ed out" and yes thats a technical term...you can use that...

just put some fender washers on the master cylinder studs and call it good. or weld up the holes and re-drill them. the small plate is not worth the time or the effort to install. especially if you have the big one staring you in the face. if you have time to do it once...do it right the first time.


there is a small plate that's 83-86...one like above that's 87-91... and the big plate fits 83-91

 

[riotwarrior]

K maybe 4 plates then....will see if can dig em out later in week when done this temp job I am on...

 

[madpogue]

Hmm, I wonder if those wallered-out holes are that way in order to accomodate a '92-up-style pre-bled master-slave kit. I know the bolt/stud spacing is different; I had to make similar, er, accomodations to adapt an OBS-era master-slave kit to my '85.

 

[laserjock]

Interesting. I'll have to check. I was thinking about welding them up.