73-87 crossmember and power steering question

[harleyx2]

Ok so im swapping in a 80 model crossmember and 5 lug disc brake setup in my 68 truck. Will my steering box work and if it will which pitman arm do I use? Do I use the 80 or the 68? Also will my drum brake power booster work with the 80 model master cylinder?

[Ram-Man]

The steering box will bolt on but I think the lines are metric thread. The pitman arm will need to be the same year as the steering box. I am pretty sure there are different pitman arms throughout the years.

[harleyx2]

will my stock steering box work if i just connect the 80 model steering to my 68 pitman arm.

[Palf70Step]

You can change out the fitting of the Power steering pump to match the style of the box your using. I have a 72 (SAE THread) box, but a late model serpentine pump (metric thread/o-ring line fitting. The fitting connection on the rear of the pump is a big nut fitting. I unbolted it and bolted the one from the old style SAE fitting onto the new pump, then used stock power steering lines

[harleyx2]

im not worried about the pump. i already have power steering. what i need to know is if the 80 model pitman arm will fit my 68 box?

[Palf70Step]

Sorry misread your second post.
It should work. The difference in pitman arms is whether it is Power or manual steering. As long as you have a power steering arm on the box it'll match up to the later front end if it came from a power steering equipped truck.

[harleyx2]

thanks for your help. what motor mount plates should i run. the newer style or the older style?

[Palf70Step]

The newer style are better. I am running them on my 70, but I still have the original drums/cross member set up. I had to drill some holes, and it does set it back closer to the firewall, But I loke the idea of the newer style mounts. Either will work though.

[harleyx2]

so the old style motor plates will work with the new er style crossmember?

[Palf70Step]

They should. You'll have to drill some holes for the mounts to bolt too (just like I did to doe the opposite, new to old).