Power Steering conversion
 

Hi,

I saw a write up here on how to do the box:

Clicky

However I am wondering how to choose a correct pump to go along with this configuration. The truck has a mid 80's sbc. The PO did not install any bracketry etc for a pump since the truck has manual steering.

Searching for brackets I see long nose, short nose, saginaw etc and really am clueless when it comes to picking the right setup and do not want to order the wrong stuff just to have them sit here.

This is on a 65.

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Re: Power Steering conversion
 

Your best bet (what I prefer to do anyways) is to go to the wrecking yard and find a 73-87 pickup with a complete setup and take everything...pump, brackets, steering box, lines... the whole nine yards and use those parts. This way you know it all goes together, no guessing.

Re: Power Steering conversion
 

I bought a pump from Pep Boys and used the mounting bracket from March Performance. Here is a link:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MCH-20161/

What I liked about this bracket was that it mounted to the water pump and that the belt lined up perfectly. I bought a chrome pulley from Spectre that came with the installation tool.

Good luck.

Rick

Re: Power Steering conversion
 

i agree with jchav62. thats exactly what i did. and it works like a charm

Re: Power Steering conversion
 

If you have the short water pump the 73-83 set up won't work. Here are the links for the same set up I'm running. This set up is under $150 for brackets and pump.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performan...60702/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performan...60701/10002/-1

Re: Power Steering conversion
 

Aside from the different mounting brackets for the short and long water pumps, the pumps and boxes hve different hose fittings. The boxes and pumps up thru about 1980, utilized inverted flare fittings. After about 1980 they went to a metric sized fitting with an O-ring for the seal. Getting the box and the pump of the same style fitting, makes buying the hoses easier. Some will say that it is easy to change the pressure fitting on the back of the pump to suit the box. This is true, but you still have to have the other fitting you need to install in the pump. That would likely come from another pump.

Re: Power Steering conversion
 

Go to the wrecking yard get a power steering pump and bracket from a truck no later than a 78 thats when they switched to metric. then order a power steering gear box from your local parts house for the same year truck you pulled the pump from..(not necessary but less confusing if you need to get parts down the road) or do what i did and buy a gear box from a member in the classifieds. Buy new hoses for the pump there not expensive and last order CPP's mounting bracket kit for the gear box. it comes with a new pitman arm, bracket, nut and bolts,rag joint and steering shaft to reconnect your steering colum after you cut it. Hope this helps

Re: Power Steering conversion
 

Thanks for the input guys, around where im at there arent alot of wrecking yards as they crush alot of the older vehicles. However looking on Craigslist last night for a doner truck I found cross member, ps box and pump, and rear axle so it looks as though Ill be doing a disc conversion at the same time (thanks capt fab). Looking at my small block it looks as though I lave a long nosed water pump so hopefully the ps pump will be the same if not Ill deal with it then. The parts should be here this afternoon :)

Re: Power Steering conversion
 

LOL, *you* with power steering?

I should post up pics of your guns. :D

Re: Power Steering conversion
 

Stalker..... dont be hatin:sumo: