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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Imperial, MO
Posts: 128
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I think my truck is cursed
Im starting to wonder if my truck is cursed. Ill start from the begining here, my truck was orginally no power steering or no power brakes from the factory. The previous owner converted it to power steering. I dont know what chevy truck this power steering set up is from but it works good and serves its purpose, but there is a catch to this story. Once a month, one of the two bolts that are mounted to the engine will randomly decide to break off inside the block. Im really am not joking, this happens every month since May. I figured it was just me tightening the bolts to much, that wasnt the problem. So i tried stronger bolts, this power steering bracket is breaking grade 8 bolts like their tooth picks! Every time a bolt breaks it gets more challenging to get it back out. I really am considering to going back to a manual steering box. This truck is my daily driver and I need this thing to be as reliable as possible. This power steering has let me down multiple times and worst of all, it left me on the side of the road while trying to make it to the hot rod power tour when it was in st.louis. How much harder is it to drive with a manual steering box? Im not a wimp by any means but Im also dont have arms of popeye the sailor. Do these trucks have to be man handled to steer them without power steering? What do you guys think I should do, try to find a original factory PS setup or just go with the manual steering?
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Put that hammer down and give it hell! 69' custom/10 longbed. 1999 1500 4x4 5 speed |
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#2 |
nec absolutum
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 223
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
I drove my 67 forever with manual steering. it's definitely harder, but it's not impossible by any means. proper tire pressure and higher speeds make turning that much easier. With that being said, I am definitely converting mine to p/s at some point.
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"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."~ Thomas Jefferson 1967 GMC C1500 LWB 250/3 on the tree- 1969 Chevy C/10 SWB 350/TH350 1996 Chevy Silverado LWB 350/4L60E 1997 Chevy K2500 350/4L80E ![]() ![]() |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Southern Cal.
Posts: 39
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
Manual steering is the BEST!
I'm on a most likely original steering box, shaft and suspension (blown out, everything looks like it needs replacing) and I have no trouble at all when I'm at proper tire pressure. Sure, you're going to be swinging your arms in more circles to make the same turn as you would in your power steering rig, but it's really not much more difficult at all (even at a standstill). But I cannot stress enough - tire pressure is KEY! I thought my gear box was blown out when I first got my truck. Then I visited the gas station, put in 15PSI and I was laughing all the way home. Oh, and steering wheel size wouldn't hurt either. If you're rocking one of those aftermarket 13"-15" deals, you may find yourself considering investing in an old bus type steering wheel. I did, and it works great (cracking and all!) Oh - and when it's running, I use it as my daily driver too. |
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
Posts: 1,237
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
Well if the bracket is breaking off grade 8 bolts then you obviously have another problem in that area. SOmething must be loose or bent or broken to cause the pump to move/flex enough to break off the bolts. I dont think its cursed. You just need to poke around and figure out why its happening.
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#teamlongbed "I refuse to go disc brakes. I actually love drum brakes. It makes for an adventure." - 50bomb 1978 Chevy shop truck - static 6/8" 1970 GMC 1500 - Accuair eLevel Resto-mod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537497 |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Petersville KY
Posts: 673
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
A picture of your pump set up would help, sounds like you are missing a brace maybe, causing undo stress on the bolts holding the pump on. My 72 was manual steering and brakes from the factory, I'm currently adding power to it. I use my truck for my daily driver and work truck when it's running. I tow with it a good bit and manuvering my trailer around with manual steering is quite a workout! But for normal driving, the manual wasn't too bad, except on really curvy roads.
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Rob 72 C/10 (under reconstruction)(destruction ? LOL) 48 Willys CJ2A 1952 Super "A" Farmall (Grandfather's) |
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#6 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
I agree. Show us pictures so we can see what you have and figure this out. BTW,you're truck isn't cursed. It just needs to be fixed properly. Manual steering is great. The only time you'll miss power steering is parking...turning wheel while sitting still. But,anyone who isn't anemic can turn the wheel. Last I heard a little physical activity does a body good
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Imperial, MO
Posts: 128
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
Here is a pic of last nights break and a pic of the pump. I noticed on a factory PS set up that there is a brace the bolts to the engine mount. I dont have that brace, mine just gets bolted down using the two holes on the block. This time, I really dont know if I will be able to get this dang bolt out. I had a nicely drilled hole last night but when I started tapping the extractor bit out the bit broke of inside the hole I drilled in the bolt.
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Put that hammer down and give it hell! 69' custom/10 longbed. 1999 1500 4x4 5 speed |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: strausstown pa
Posts: 3,394
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
with nothing supporting the far back side of that pump the tension/vibration from the belt will keep braking them bolts
It really shouldnt be too hard too fab a bracket that attaches to the engine mount. I've seen a pic somewhere on this board where a fellow used a craftsman wrench for the bracket. how bout a wtb thread on the parts board
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81 camaro 355 4/spd 342 posi my first love ![]() 67 swb step 454/4spd ott 373 posi 4/7 drop. 2000 s10 zr2 little blue truck that never gets stuck. '74 heald super bronc vt8. tecumseh powered moon rover. |
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#9 | |||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,940
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
Quote:
100%... Gary
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'cuz chicks dig scars... My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread. The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck Quote:
Quote:
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Imperial, MO
Posts: 128
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
Well here is an update to the story. Today i bought a manual steering box and it turns out it was the wrong one, I have no idea what car or truck this thing goes to but it certainly doesn't go to a 67-72. It seemed OK when i bought it but when i got home i was looking at the lmc magazine and saw that the steering boxes looked different than the one I had. So now I really need to find a manual steering box and pitman arm ASAP because this is my daily driver and I rely on this thing to get me to school and work 6 days of the week
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Put that hammer down and give it hell! 69' custom/10 longbed. 1999 1500 4x4 5 speed Last edited by HalfTon; 10-04-2012 at 11:54 PM. |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Junction City, KS
Posts: 782
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
I agree. If you don't have that support bracket, it will definitely cause undo stress on the bolt and continue to break it off. If you want to get a new power steering bracket, this one is a good choice. Seen it on another thread. Has all the hardware and brackets you need.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BRG-802400/
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Joseph Joe's 69 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543253 1969 GMC SWB-350 SBC 700R4 2013 Ram 2500 CC Laramie Longhorn Edition-6.7 PPEI EFI Live CSP5 5” ProFlo Exhaust |
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#12 |
What?
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 7,617
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
My burb has manual steering, and I have 33x12.50 tires on it.
I actually enjoy the manual set up more so than the power steering on my '70 PU with the same size tires.
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Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Haslet Texas
Posts: 46
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
My 72 c20 has manual steering and I dont have too big of a problem with it, but just curious, what is correct tire pressure to make turning the easiest?
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#14 |
member #16
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Yuba City Ca.
Posts: 3,618
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
Was there a bolt in the upper hole? Can't tell from pic.
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john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors ![]() http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/ |
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
Posts: 1,237
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
I like that trick using the double box end wrench and bending it into a bracket. I had the picture saved and i just found it. It was an alternator bracket, but this gives you an idea of what he did.
(not my pic)
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#teamlongbed "I refuse to go disc brakes. I actually love drum brakes. It makes for an adventure." - 50bomb 1978 Chevy shop truck - static 6/8" 1970 GMC 1500 - Accuair eLevel Resto-mod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=537497 |
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#16 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Victoria, B.C
Posts: 3,794
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Ok, I'm 95% sure what you have is a material (bolt) fatigue problem due to vibration. This event will fail just about anything that is trying to hold it....unless its rubber. This is why vibration control in equipment is its own special field of expertise.
So you need to make sure all the brackets the guys already mentioned are in place....or a sturdy equivalent. Then you have to check and make sure the power steering pulley is not wildly out of flatness as it runs. Then, if you have a buddy who has an equivalent truck or set up, check to see how theirs runs and vibrates...watch carefully. Then use that as the datum point for determining if your own is now operating within normal parameters. Good luck and keep us posted. Coley ![]()
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....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 |
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#17 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Victoria, B.C
Posts: 3,794
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Ok, I'm 95% sure what you have is a material (bolt) fatigue problem due to vibration. This event will fail just about anything that is trying to hold it....unless its rubber. This is why vibration control in equipment is its own special field of expertise.
So you need to make sure all the brackets the guys already mentioned are in place....or a sturdy equivalent. Then you have to check and make sure the power steering pulley is not wildly out of flatness as it runs. Then, if you have a buddy who has an equivalent truck or set up, check to see how theirs runs and vibrates (minimally)...watch carefully. Then use that as the datum point for determining if your own is now operating within normal parameters. Good luck and keep us posted. Coley ![]() OOOPs, sorry for the double post....bit of a computer glitch here....hmmm.
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....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 92
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
I know exactly what bracket you are missing cuz I'm fighting to get that motor mount bolt in with the engine in place ( didn't have it blasted and repaired before I put the new motor in - wont make that mistake again!) I'd try and sorce the bracket from the wreckers and try and extract that bolt with a quality extractor. Only buy the good ones for taps & extractors to save yourself lots of grief. Can send you a pic of the bracket if you need it.
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Festus, Missouri
Posts: 1,005
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Re: I think my truck is cursed
i have had good luck with my serpentine setup off of a 4.3 v6, you can pick the whole setup from pick and pull or speedway fairly cheap, make sure you get the waterpump alternator, and power steering pump, that is after a fight with bolt that needs to be taken out.
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*SOLD* 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet 350/350 combo Tach/tilt/buddy buckets Bagged/18" Wheels Black on Black ![]() Project "Pandemic" the Farm Rat 1927 Chevy Capitol Truck Rat rod '30 Model A Frame Dual Carb 5.3 LS http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=804162 2007 GMC 4 DOOR 2WD BUILT 5.3 STAGE 3 CAM 93 TUNE LIFTED 22X12 WHEELS 33" TIRES 2023 Jeep RENEGADE Wifes ride |
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