62 c20 power steering / 235 - need some smart people.

[jtrichard]

YES that is a U joint and yes find the mid point

[Captainfab]

Thanks Matt for posting your installation with pics. I wish I just had the time to design a steering box adapter plate specifically for the '60-'62's.

The few '60-'62's that I have had, did have some movement in that steering shaft joint. I'm not sure if they are supposed to have that movement or they are all just worn out. I would say try and keep it in the middle of the travel when installing the tube and flange.

[vince1]

Don't the newer trucks have that joint? The shaft I took from a 67 had that joint plus the double D shaft below it.

[buckroseau]

Few more pics. Rag joint adapter welded in, got everything painted up.

[buckroseau]

Pic of the finished product. Not that I'm not confident in my welding, but I drilled a 1/4" hole through the rag joint adapter and shaft and installed a grade 8 bolt. Just to give myself that warm fuzzy feeling.

[buckroseau]

Pic of the backside of that 3/16 bracket I made. Shows the bushings I welded on, because of the recess in the thermostat and water pump housing.

[buckroseau]

Few pics of the top side again. Ended up with a 54" - 1/2" wide belt. Almost maxed out on the generator adjustment to get it tight. If the belt stretches and I need more adjustment I'm going to lengthen the adjustment bracket. I didn't want to go with a shorter belt since I want as much angle as possible on the belt.

I grabbed the fan blade and gave it a tug, everything turned so it seems to be hooking up. I have a few misc. other things I need to do, but hopefully I can get it started this week yet and give the wheel a turn.

Matt

[Captainfab]

The '63-'66 trucks do not have that u-joint. They are a solid shaft from the steering wheel to the ragjoint.

Originally Posted by vince1

Don't the newer trucks have that joint? The shaft I took from a 67 had that joint plus the double D shaft below it.

[vince1]

Yeah Captainfab the solid shaft I took out of the 66 was pretty scary. It was almost cut through at the lower bearing but aside from that you lay that thing up outside the cab and realize what a potential spear it is. Is there any truth to what I have heard that 67 is the only year shaft that will retrofit into our columns? 68 I heard is different but I am not around these much to be able to compare.

buckroseau you did a nice job putting that thing together and it sure didn't take you long. A C20 must be harder to turn than a C10 so it sure will benefit from power steering. Let us know how it works.

[buckroseau]

Got the c20 buttoned up tonight and back on the ground. Dumped a quart of power steering fluid in and decided to give it a whirl.

I didnt drive it but sitting still and cranking the wheel it worked perfect. My shop floor is as smooth as a babies ass so there isn't much friction. Still I was happy to see it turn so easily while idling and not slip.

I did have a small coolant leak where the thermostat housing meets the block. I imagine the old gasket came loose when I pulled that upper bolt out for the power steering bracket. Oh well, I needed something to do.

[awbrown]

I dont think your power steering will slip , I would suspect that if something slips it will be the fan or the generator.. good luck ...

[jtrichard]

The gen probably wont slip as it is on the"pull"side of the crank ....the PS pump has a good wrap on it ....but the fan that's the 64thousand $ question as it is only a 4 blade it might be OK

[buckroseau]

Quick question. Any suggestions on how to patch this rubber boot? Not sure if it's still available, looks like a bit of a pain in the butt to replace. Wondering if anyone has done anything like this. Maybe a bike tube patch or something better?

[vince1]

I looked at mine from a 67 and aside from it being upside down from yours it is more compressed (about 3/16") resulting in a noticeable bead in the rubber. Is yours in the assembled state? If it were a little more compressed I think the crack would close up and if cleaned with acetone or MEK maybe a little black silicone would hold it together. Other than that maybe its time to cruise the junk yards.

[vince1]

I think I had mine apart so there must be a wire snap ring you can remove.

[buckroseau]

That other pic I posted the shaft and boot were fully extended. I took this pic tonight, this is installed the correct location now so it isn't as extended so much.

Was thinking of something like this as a quick fix? Just a thought. Might try some sort of inner tube patch first.

http://www.carid.com/dorman/cv-joint...tXSxoCXsDw_wcB

[buckroseau]

Just a quick update. Drove the truck into town today to get the 1981 oil changed, got about 25 miles on it. During that period I drove it into a few parking lots and spent some time working over the power steering. Pretty happy with the results, not once did the belt slip. Worked well cranking it both directions at low speeds and at standing still. So far I would say this pump location was a success.

Matt

[Captainfab]

That's good to hear. I'm glad this has all has worked out for you.

[Jeff La]

I did a single belt years ago on one of my trucks and never had a problem. First thing I always did was add power steering and then if possible AC.

[vince1]

As for that rubber boot I wouldn't waste the time trying to repair it. You could get one off quite quickly at a junk yard where they are quite plentiful.

[4x4toy]

Nice job. I will be doing similar job on my 1961 C60. That is going to be a tough one to find a suitable steering gear for.

[LostMy65]

Thanks for posting this upgrade for the older frame.
Helps a lot.
Did the newer pitman arm slip into the older crosslink without any problems?

[TJ's Chevy]

Cool upgrade!

[motivman50]

If interested I have a brand new set of brackets for the 235 power steering I never use . I went to a v8.

[buckroseau]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Thanks for posting this upgrade for the older frame.
Helps a lot.
Did the newer pitman arm slip into the older crosslink without any problems?

Yes, the newer pitman arm fit the older crosslink perfect.

Matt