67 Frame / Power Steering Question. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

imdarren · 05-12-2002, 11:59 PM

I have a 67 C10 LWB pickup with a 292 3 speed. Just wondering if a power steering box will bolt up to the frame ok? Were some frames in 67 made for power steering and some not?
Also I have 6 lug wheels. I hear some people switching to 5 lug. What is the advantage of 5 over 6? Or I should say, what is the advantages of both (6 over 5) etc?
Thanks! Darren

------------------
Darren
Washington State
darrengale67@hotmail.com

1972 GMC C1500 (Bone Stock)
1967 Chevy C10 LWB
Looking for a 72 3/4 Ton 4x4 Cheyenne Super with little or no rust.

*Fast68Chevy* · 05-13-2002, 12:16 AM

alot of ppl prefer 5 lug over 6 lug since alot more wheels are available aftermerket with the 5 on 5 pattern, cant say either pattern is betterm 6 lug is used on 4x4, we all know hard 4x4 are treated, ive never heard of any breaking studs,,

as for frames, most all 67 and some early 68 frames were made with no provision for directly bolting on a ball and gear 68-up p/s box, IE the indentation for it was not pressed into them yet, easy fix with a BFH though,
good luck

------------------
Randy- Lincoln, IL
randy@ccaonline.com 2177353230
*many GM parts bought, traded, or sold -am parting out: '81 Cutlass Supreme Brougham

current fleet: -71 C-10 350/CH465/3.07- basketcase, #1
-90 Cavalier 2.2L sky blue, a driver
-84 Z28 5.0L/700R4/3.73 daily driver
-84 Firebird/SE 2.8L/T-5/3.73/engine bad, project #2
-82 purple Trans Am, project #3
*Paint is overrated*
© RSS Enterprises 2000

ddsmith · 05-13-2002, 06:14 PM

The 67 power steering setup that was original had a control valve hooked to the pitman arm. When the steering wheel was turned the valve ported fluid to one side of a hydraulic cylinder which in turn moved the linkage connected to the wheels. I like this setup because my vette uses the same setup and I'm familiar with it. Only problem is more parts and they are harder to find.

------------------
66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in
71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed
79 Chevy 4X4 (Tom's old truck)

Scrub · 05-13-2002, 09:04 PM

This has been posted before, and it has a section on 67's down a bit. I think this is 2 years old now.

From 68 to 72 the steering box is the same for both 2wd and 4wd unless you had a 396 or 400. after 72 there where different boxes for 2WD and 4WD. You will need a 2wd on the later boxes. The Pitman arm on the powerbox has a larger spline than the manual box, so you need a new (or different) pitman arm than what's on your truck now. The piece that attaches the steering-box to the steering column (I call it a flex-disc some call it a rag joint) has a spline on one end (this goes on the steering-box) and 2 bolts on the other end, with a piece of rubber in the middle that looks like it is made out of a cut tire. The spline on this flex-disc is larger for a power-box than a manual box, (sometimes) so you need one of these too. Other than that, everything should fit.
I did this conversion last month on a 70 GMC 2wd, but I used a new steering-box. Evidently some 67 and or 68 frames don't have an indent that causes part of the box to hit the frame so sometimes you must shim the box out with washers or custom shims. Below you will see that chevyman beat on the frame until he had a proper indent.

Jay wrote
I put a 72 C-20 power steering on my 68 C-10. I used the pitman arm from the C-20. I had no shimming or cutting of the frame to make it fit, bolted right on. I also did not run into the problems of the steering gear to column hook up. the column was from a 71 Suburban with manual steering. Also used the front sway-bar from the C-20, holes were already in the frame of my 68. Just make sure you get the mounts, the ones riveted to the donor frame. Hope this helps.
jay

Regarding 67 trucks GMC Paul wrote
None of the car or truck power steering pumps will bolt right on. The frame either needs modified or spacers used, as the frame requires a indentation in order for the gearbox to bolt on, you can use the later models gearboxes by heating frame and pounding a depression into it so that the gearbox will bolt on, or use approx. 1/2-3/4" of spacers between frame and gearbox with grade 8 bolts. The 67 originally used a power assist steering system just like the one used on 63-66 Corvettes. These are still available and use a pump, control valve & hydraulic cylinder in place of just a gearbox. We have both new and used gearboxes available and can put you in contact with a company that will set you up with the original 67 style.
GMCPaul

Tim Christian wrote
Hey Bob I just did this on my 1967 GMC I used a 71 gearbox the pitman arm for a 71 and the bottom half of the rag joint is different you will need one of these from the same year gearbox also. My frame did not have the indention either what I did was made some 180 thousand spacers and used stainless steel bolts that were 1/2 inch longer than normal Good Luck and I hope this Helps
Tim Christian

Chevyman wrote
I just did this myself on a 67 Chevy short box and I used the power steering box and pitman arm off a 1972 GMC 1/2 ton. I also used the column from the same to eliminate the problem of the flex disk where the column mounts to the box. I didn't cut my frame I just took my time to make a dent in the frame till the box fit right. hope this is some help...

TW Scannell wrote
I get some different answers when I ask different people about 2WD vs. 4WD steering boxes. My parts guy says the 67 to 72 boxes are the same for both. I bought an AGR box to do a crossover on a 4x4 and AGR sent me what they called a 2WD box. The answer may be that the original boxes where the same for 2WD and 4WD, and people have put newer 4x4 steering boxes on the older trucks, which I think you can do. Then again, maybe the steering boxes are not consistent. regarding the column spline differences, The manual box I had was off a 2wd half ton Chevy and the power-box was off a 3/4 GMC. This might explain the difference in mating the column splines. Hopefully there is enough info here to give everyone a heads-up on stuff to look for. I sure don't have all the answers, but I can tell you what my experience has been. Thank you to everyone that contributed to this thread.

------------------
Scrub
70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles
72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

imdarren · 05-13-2002, 10:34 PM

WOW! Thank you Scrub! And others!
Good info!
Darren

------------------
Darren
Washington State
darrengale67@hotmail.com

1972 GMC C1500 (Bone Stock)
1967 Chevy C10 LWB
Looking for a 72 3/4 Ton 4x4 Cheyenne Super with little or no rust.

*Fast68Chevy* · 05-13-2002, 10:45 PM

i did not know that 67-72 boxes were same pitman arm shafts splines on all., interesting indeed..,,,,

------------------
Randy- Lincoln, IL
randy@ccaonline.com 2177353230
*many GM parts bought, traded, or sold -am parting out: '81 Cutlass Supreme and 84 SE Firebird T5 3.73

current fleet: -71 C-10 350/CH465/3.07- basketcase, #1
-90 Cavalier/2.2/sky blue, driver #2
-84 Z28 5.0L/700R4/3.73 daily driver #1
-82 purple Trans Am, storing *Paint is overrated* © RSS Enterprises 2000

Scrub · 05-13-2002, 11:37 PM

Well, All 68 to 72 manual boxes are mostly the same, and 68 to 72 power steering boxes are the same, but Power boxes are bigger. Bigger rag joint and bigger spline on the pitman.
but... a 73 to 79?(when did those change?) steering box will bolt up to a 68 to 72 truck, and if you bang a dent in the frame, a 67 truck.
Point is, If you are going to do the swap, find a donor and get all the stuff.

------------------
Scrub
70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles
72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

Brad · 05-14-2002, 01:45 AM

I have a 67 with raised mounts on my frame. I don't have the indention though, so I use 2 washers for each hole to give me clearance and this has worked well for me for a year now. I'd be happy to show you sometime if you need help down the road.

------------------
WOU in Monmouth, Or
68 Camaro,250(No,I'm not putting in a 350!)
67,LWB,250(Again, I'm not putting in a 350!)
a work in progress
"Praise The Lowered"

**68SWB4x4** · 05-14-2002, 01:54 AM

2wd and 4wd boxes are the same?!?!?!

------------------
My Truck pictures

www.xframeimpala.com

68 4x4 short fleetside 327 CH465 edelbrock intake and carb MSD distributor its the "SHAGROLET"
56 big window short stepside 235 dual 1 brls
64ImpalaSS 327
70 C10 LWB fleetside custom/10 350/TH350
IM me on aol SN= SHAGROLET

05-13-2002, 09:04 PM	#4
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	This has been posted before, and it has a section on 67's down a bit. I think this is 2 years old now. From 68 to 72 the steering box is the same for both 2wd and 4wd unless you had a 396 or 400. after 72 there where different boxes for 2WD and 4WD. You will need a 2wd on the later boxes. The Pitman arm on the powerbox has a larger spline than the manual box, so you need a new (or different) pitman arm than what's on your truck now. The piece that attaches the steering-box to the steering column (I call it a flex-disc some call it a rag joint) has a spline on one end (this goes on the steering-box) and 2 bolts on the other end, with a piece of rubber in the middle that looks like it is made out of a cut tire. The spline on this flex-disc is larger for a power-box than a manual box, (sometimes) so you need one of these too. Other than that, everything should fit. I did this conversion last month on a 70 GMC 2wd, but I used a new steering-box. Evidently some 67 and or 68 frames don't have an indent that causes part of the box to hit the frame so sometimes you must shim the box out with washers or custom shims. Below you will see that chevyman beat on the frame until he had a proper indent. Jay wrote I put a 72 C-20 power steering on my 68 C-10. I used the pitman arm from the C-20. I had no shimming or cutting of the frame to make it fit, bolted right on. I also did not run into the problems of the steering gear to column hook up. the column was from a 71 Suburban with manual steering. Also used the front sway-bar from the C-20, holes were already in the frame of my 68. Just make sure you get the mounts, the ones riveted to the donor frame. Hope this helps. jay Regarding 67 trucks GMC Paul wrote None of the car or truck power steering pumps will bolt right on. The frame either needs modified or spacers used, as the frame requires a indentation in order for the gearbox to bolt on, you can use the later models gearboxes by heating frame and pounding a depression into it so that the gearbox will bolt on, or use approx. 1/2-3/4" of spacers between frame and gearbox with grade 8 bolts. The 67 originally used a power assist steering system just like the one used on 63-66 Corvettes. These are still available and use a pump, control valve & hydraulic cylinder in place of just a gearbox. We have both new and used gearboxes available and can put you in contact with a company that will set you up with the original 67 style. GMCPaul Tim Christian wrote Hey Bob I just did this on my 1967 GMC I used a 71 gearbox the pitman arm for a 71 and the bottom half of the rag joint is different you will need one of these from the same year gearbox also. My frame did not have the indention either what I did was made some 180 thousand spacers and used stainless steel bolts that were 1/2 inch longer than normal Good Luck and I hope this Helps Tim Christian Chevyman wrote I just did this myself on a 67 Chevy short box and I used the power steering box and pitman arm off a 1972 GMC 1/2 ton. I also used the column from the same to eliminate the problem of the flex disk where the column mounts to the box. I didn't cut my frame I just took my time to make a dent in the frame till the box fit right. hope this is some help... TW Scannell wrote I get some different answers when I ask different people about 2WD vs. 4WD steering boxes. My parts guy says the 67 to 72 boxes are the same for both. I bought an AGR box to do a crossover on a 4x4 and AGR sent me what they called a 2WD box. The answer may be that the original boxes where the same for 2WD and 4WD, and people have put newer 4x4 steering boxes on the older trucks, which I think you can do. Then again, maybe the steering boxes are not consistent. regarding the column spline differences, The manual box I had was off a 2wd half ton Chevy and the power-box was off a 3/4 GMC. This might explain the difference in mating the column splines. Hopefully there is enough info here to give everyone a heads-up on stuff to look for. I sure don't have all the answers, but I can tell you what my experience has been. Thank you to everyone that contributed to this thread. ------------------ Scrub 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends. __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

05-13-2002, 10:34 PM	#5
imdarren Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SW Washington Posts: 1,006	WOW! Thank you Scrub! And others! Good info! Darren ------------------ Darren Washington State darrengale67@hotmail.com 1972 GMC C1500 (Bone Stock) 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Looking for a 72 3/4 Ton 4x4 Cheyenne Super with little or no rust. __________________ Washington State 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Rodstoration In Progress. 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super

05-13-2002, 11:37 PM	#7
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	Well, All 68 to 72 manual boxes are mostly the same, and 68 to 72 power steering boxes are the same, but Power boxes are bigger. Bigger rag joint and bigger spline on the pitman. but... a 73 to 79?(when did those change?) steering box will bolt up to a 68 to 72 truck, and if you bang a dent in the frame, a 67 truck. Point is, If you are going to do the swap, find a donor and get all the stuff. ------------------ Scrub 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends. __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

05-14-2002, 01:45 AM	#8
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	I have a 67 with raised mounts on my frame. I don't have the indention though, so I use 2 washers for each hole to give me clearance and this has worked well for me for a year now. I'd be happy to show you sometime if you need help down the road. ------------------ WOU in Monmouth, Or 68 Camaro,250(No,I'm not putting in a 350!) 67,LWB,250(Again, I'm not putting in a 350!) a work in progress "Praise The Lowered" __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

05-14-2002, 01:54 AM	#9
68SWB4x4 Strongman Garage Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 10,241	2wd and 4wd boxes are the same?!?!?! ------------------ My Truck pictures www.xframeimpala.com 68 4x4 short fleetside 327 CH465 edelbrock intake and carb MSD distributor its the "SHAGROLET" 56 big window short stepside 235 dual 1 brls 64ImpalaSS 327 70 C10 LWB fleetside custom/10 350/TH350 IM me on aol SN= SHAGROLET __________________ Kalle 68 GMC Suburban 1500 4x4 SOLD 69 Pontiac Lemans 99 Silverado 4.8 5 speed ECSB [ Facebook Instagram Subscribe on YOUTUBE

05-12-2002, 11:59 PM	#1
imdarren Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SW Washington Posts: 1,006	67 Frame / Power Steering Question. I have a 67 C10 LWB pickup with a 292 3 speed. Just wondering if a power steering box will bolt up to the frame ok? Were some frames in 67 made for power steering and some not? Also I have 6 lug wheels. I hear some people switching to 5 lug. What is the advantage of 5 over 6? Or I should say, what is the advantages of both (6 over 5) etc? Thanks! Darren ------------------ Darren Washington State darrengale67@hotmail.com 1972 GMC C1500 (Bone Stock) 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Looking for a 72 3/4 Ton 4x4 Cheyenne Super with little or no rust. __________________ Washington State 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Rodstoration In Progress. 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super

05-13-2002, 12:16 AM	#2
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	alot of ppl prefer 5 lug over 6 lug since alot more wheels are available aftermerket with the 5 on 5 pattern, cant say either pattern is betterm 6 lug is used on 4x4, we all know hard 4x4 are treated, ive never heard of any breaking studs,, as for frames, most all 67 and some early 68 frames were made with no provision for directly bolting on a ball and gear 68-up p/s box, IE the indentation for it was not pressed into them yet, easy fix with a BFH though, good luck ------------------ Randy- Lincoln, IL randy@ccaonline.com 2177353230 many GM parts bought, traded, or sold -am parting out: '81 Cutlass Supreme Brougham current fleet: -71 C-10 350/CH465/3.07- basketcase, #1 -90 Cavalier 2.2L sky blue, a driver -84 Z28 5.0L/700R4/3.73 daily driver -84 Firebird/SE 2.8L/T-5/3.73/engine bad, project #2 -82 purple Trans Am, project #3 Paint is overrated* © RSS Enterprises 2000

05-13-2002, 06:14 PM	#3
ddsmith Glowing since 1978 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lusby,MD,USA Posts: 532	The 67 power steering setup that was original had a control valve hooked to the pitman arm. When the steering wheel was turned the valve ported fluid to one side of a hydraulic cylinder which in turn moved the linkage connected to the wheels. I like this setup because my vette uses the same setup and I'm familiar with it. Only problem is more parts and they are harder to find. ------------------ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 79 Chevy 4X4 (Tom's old truck) __________________ 66 Chevy C30 Stakebody Dump, PS,PB, 327cu in 71 Corvette Coupe 454 4 speed 69 Chevy C20 Custom Camper

05-13-2002, 10:45 PM	#6
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	i did not know that 67-72 boxes were same pitman arm shafts splines on all., interesting indeed..,,,, ------------------ Randy- Lincoln, IL randy@ccaonline.com 2177353230 many GM parts bought, traded, or sold -am parting out: '81 Cutlass Supreme and 84 SE Firebird T5 3.73 current fleet: -71 C-10 350/CH465/3.07- basketcase, #1 -90 Cavalier/2.2/sky blue, driver #2 -84 Z28 5.0L/700R4/3.73 daily driver #1 -82 purple Trans Am, storing Paint is overrated* © RSS Enterprises 2000

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