Which PS setup to use

[bw4sale]

I'm trying to add power steering to my '68 and I need advice on what set up to look for. I've already got my steering box mounted. It's from a '69 GMC. I have a 68-72 pump and lower bracket, but I don't know if the pump is any good and I don't have the upper bracket. My motor is out of a '79 truck. I also just realized that my block is not drilled for PS brackets. Suck! So, should I look for a 68-72 upper bracket somewhere or should I try to find a later model bracket and pump set up? Also, I'm assuming I can just drill and tap my block for the PS brackets? Thanks.

[john]

You can use either long or short water pump brackets, but you cannot mix and match them. Your 79 motor would have had long pump parts with the alternator on the pass side. On those motors the P.S. pump mounted off of a boss on the water pump. The brackets from one ( long-short)will not fit the other.

[bw4sale]

I have a long water pump with the alt on the pass side. So, you're saying if I find a set of long PS brackets they will mount off the water pump and I won't have to drill my block?

[john]

yes, heres a pic of mine. You can see the boss and part of the bolt head. Mine has a through bolt about 3-4 " long, while i've seen pumps with threaded bosses. I would look for one with the bored hole and longer bolt. They also have a small brackrt on the back which fastens ti a exhaust manifold bolt.

[bw4sale]

Thanks for the info and pic. That helps alot. I've got the threaded boss on my water pump, but it looks like the top bolt screws into the head. My head is not tapped there. So, it looks like I've got to drill either way, but it looks like it will be easier to go with the long set up since that's what I've already got. Do you know how deep I need to drill into the head?

Also, what year pump should I be looking for now? I've seen something about the threads on newer pumps being metric and having to get a converter for the hose hook ups. Know anything about that? I really appreciate all the help.

[bw4sale]

Actually, after looking at the pic again, is that the PS bracket or another bracket bolting onto the head right above the pump?

[john]

That other bracket is an A/C bracket.