'67 Power Steering

[Bob B.]

What is involved to convert a '67 with the linkage style power steering to the later style Saginaw type? There is something about a clearance dimple on the frame rail, and the rag joint is different? Are the 1973-up power boxes the same as 1968-72? Also, I was told that all '67 trucks use the same mechanical steering box regardless if the truck has power steering or not. Thanks!

[ckhd]

OK, I'm going to start with the last thing first: Yes, in '67 the steering box was the same. They had a valve that attached to the box to control the steering ram. This is only important if you are going to install OE style power steering with a hydraulic ram. You specifically said "later style saginaw", so it doesn't apply.

The frames are different. Most people dimple the frame so the newer saginaw style lines up. Some less safety conscious people use spacers. The holes are also different. Be prepared to drill.

The rag joint isn't what's different. The shaft from the steering column to the steering box is different. In 69-72, it has a swivel type device up at the column that allows for the different position of the steering box. In 67-72, the shaft is solid. The reason you want to worry about this is simple, fatigue. If you don't change out your '67 shaft, it will fatige and break. Probably while you're going fast on a windey road.

[Coleman]

Although I would have to agree with the spacer issue my 68 frame doesn't have the dimples and I used a kit which consists of 2, 1/4 plates that sandwitch the frame, inside and out to make up the difference of the missing dimples. I would almost bet that this setup is stronger than the dimpled frames (IMO) an everything lined up without issue. I have a K20 so my frame might be thicker than a half ton, not sure but now I have a 1/2 inch of steel holding my steering box. My problem ended up being the drag link, which I had to make from scratch and the leaf spring clearance with the pitman arm, which I still have to address. My rag joints were different, the new steering box required a larger diameter rag joint. My steering shaft is a single shaft with no coupling, not sure if this is going to be an weak point but I've had it this way for over a year. I use my truck for light off road so if your rock crawling you might have other issues.

[Bob B.]

Thanks guys, that's exactly what I wanted to know.