Hello all. I'm a new owner of a 72 E-300 club with the 302. Been having issues with my steering, and having trouble finding a knowledgeable mechanic on these years for the steering and seeing parts not shown in either the chilton's or haynes diagrams. Thought I'd try and see if I could pick someones brain on here. On the lower front, connected to the power steering line is a strut looking looking thing that connects to a unit mounted to the side of it with pressure lines. It seems to be leaking from various areas and causing me issues. I'm including some pics. Had an old timer look at it who called it a rack and pinion unit, but the only rack and pinion unit I can find that comes up as a possible match is this one, which don't seem like a match- Atlantic Automotive Ent. Steering Rack M1000238398AAE: Advance Auto Parts
To me it like more like this power cylinder setup- http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+cylinder,7372?a=Referer+www.google.com+URL+/
paired with one of these hose kits 1972 FORD E-300 ECONOLINE 5.0L 302cid V8 Power Steering Cylinder Line Hose Assembly | RockAuto
If thats the case, is the unit attached to it called the power steering control valve?Which I see also happens to have a rebuild kit? http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/19...ng/power_steering_control_valve_seal_kit.html
If thats the case, how hard are they to rebuild, or to find someone to rebuild it if I buy seals, new cylinder, etc. My other option is the local pick n pull has the same model van that I can try to scavenge parts from if need be, but would rather not when dealing with hydraulics if at all possible. Sorry for the long post, but wanted to get all the details out there. Thanks for any help.