Adding power steering to a 67 frame.

[68SWB4x4]

Well it is a 68 4x4 but it has the same problem as the 67 where the frame is not "stamped" for p/s I know you have to drill a few new holes and heat the frame up and pound it in to clear the p/s gearbox or add some sort of spacer. I don't think a spacer is a good idea with the frame cracks in these trucks. But My question is what of the orignal three holes do you go off of? I was able to get it in with the two bolts closest to the firewall top and bottom but it doesn't seem right. the bottom front bolt hangs below the frame and the angle doesn't seem right to the steering shaft. Took some pics to help you guys visualize it.

Some pics of successful installs would be appreciated!

[special-K]

I haven`t done this before.It`s a good question and once answered FAQ-worthy I think.I could take pictures of my`72 to give other reference points to go by along with measurements.This would help if not specific response come through.I don`t know that the holes are different than the later trucks w/manual steering.Same steering gear with manuals,isn`t it?I have a`71 K/10 with manual I could use to compare with my p/s equipped`72.

[68SWB4x4]

Originally Posted by special-K

I haven`t done this before.It`s a good question and once answered FAQ-worthy I think.I could take pictures of my`72 to give other reference points to go by along with measurements.This would help if not specific response come through.I don`t know that the holes are different than the later trucks w/manual steering.Same steering gear with manuals,isn`t it?I have a`71 K/10 with manual I could use to compare with my p/s equipped`72.

That's what I was thinking. the manual box only has 3 bolts where a p/s box has 4. I think the later frames are drilled and set up for both with the indention for the bump in the p/s box. The pre 69 4x4s frames are flat with only 3 factory bolt holes.

I bought a brothers 60-66 p/s adapter plate (told they work for 67-72 also) awhile ago but don't really want to use it as I don't want to put the pump further out from the frame as I think this would make the torque that cracks frames on these 4x4s increase. In it it says to line up the top right and bottom left bolt and drill new ones for the other two. But they did not come close to lining up on my frame.

[special-K]

It does seem odd,I agree.I just realized the boxes would be different.I wasn`t too focused on the big picture before.I wouldn`t be too worried about the frame strength if it was beefed up and braced there.Some say they wouldn`t do the heat and pound for the same reason.The only frame I`ve cracked there was a`90 Blazer and that was due to an accident that crammed the left front tire up into a steep bank.I know they break,just never happened on me in normal circumstances.
Where`s all the 67/68 4-wheelers when you need them?

[my67chevytruck]

Heres a pic of mine on the '69, the angle looks off compared to mine.

[jwodahl]

probably a day late, and a dollar short, but have you thought about going with 67' ram-assist steering on that truck? i've been told 4x4 drivers love them...

[67mater]

I did this on my 67. it was 3/4 ton with the thicker frame so no existing cracks. I made to spacer "bars out of 1/4" flat stock drilled at each end. Then I welded a .5" space to make the gap. each bar was vertical (ie one front bar and one rear bar. I used the bar to space the 4th hole but i did need to weld up one hole and re drill it to get the angle straight (inline with the drive shaft).

but did I take a picture? no sorry

[Erl]

I used a removed frame section from a 72 4x4 as a pattern to dent the frame and drill the mounting holes. I will send it to you to use for a FAQ. Just send it back when you are finished.

[gregbr]

Just did this on my 67 4wd. Mine had no raised dimples or dented in part. None of the original 3 holes line up exactly with the position of the power box. The bottom hole closest to the firewall is close, but I still had to move it about a 1/4" toward the firewall so the opposite end of the steering box wouldn't hit the radiator support bracket. I used 3/16" thick flat plate (what I had on hand) to make a U shaped bracket, the open part of the U makes a recess between the 2 bolts on each side, the back of the steering box sits in there. Then welded on 3 flat washers (for each bolt) to make the raised dimples. Also used the same plate inside the frame to reinforce from that side. Then used a steering linkage from a mid 70's 4wd to connect the box to the axle. Had to replace one ball joint on the linkage with a shorter one so it would line up correctly.

[gregbr]

Found this in an old thread, very similar to the one I made in a couple hours with material I already had.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=332923

[wyomech]

I built my own using some plate and the spacers that gm uses on the bolts,you can see it in the 4x4 build section converting 63 to 4x4