Converting to Power Steering 68 c10 6cyl

[sambudo]

Has anyone done this conversion? Is it a straight bolt on convert? Take off old box and replace with p/s gear box? Do I have to modify anything? Has anyone done a thread on how to do this?

I'm accumulating all needed parts to switch over. Just wondering how hard it is to do it, if theres anything I need to do. Thanks

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by sambudo

Has anyone done this conversion? Is it a straight bolt on convert? Take off old box and replace with p/s gear box? Do I have to modify anything? Has anyone done a thread on how to do this?

I'm accumulating all needed parts to switch over. Just wondering how hard it is to do it, if theres anything I need to do. Thanks

This thread might help:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=369664

There are a lot more threads on the subject if you type in " 67 power steering" into the Google search box at the top of the page, click on the circle in front of "67-72chevytrucks.com" and click on the "Google" button.

You have to make sure which 6 cyl engine you have, a 250ci or 292ci. The power steering pump brackets are different.

LockDoc

[NC67Chev]

Originally Posted by sambudo

Has anyone done this conversion? Is it a straight bolt on convert? Take off old box and replace with p/s gear box? Do I have to modify anything? Has anyone done a thread on how to do this?

I'm accumulating all needed parts to switch over. Just wondering how hard it is to do it, if theres anything I need to do. Thanks

There are quite a few threads, here's a few to get you started:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=606485

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392910

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=597080

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=369664

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456032

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=424326

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413404

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=408991

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=373049

The steering box isn't a direct swap, you will need to address the dimple needed on the frame. You can either space it away from the frame or dimple it. I've also been told that later model year PS steering boxes from the late 70's into the 80's don't require a dimple because they are flatter on the frame side.....however, I've never tried it, so I can't say for sure. I chose to dimple mine, but other people have done it without. Here's my swap in a nutshell:

1. Remove old manual steering box and pitman arm
2. Heat and dimple the frame
3. Notch the outer bumper bracket (the PS box is simply bigger than the manual one)
4. Install PS steering box with new pitman arm
5. Install PS brackets and pump from non-integrated head (ie pre-1975)
6. Replace old single groove water pump pulley with a double groove
7. Add 2 groove pulley to alternator

You will find a lot more 6 cylinder cars with power steering than you will trucks. Everything swaps over to trucks with exception of the water pump pulleys. Also, there are several different set-ups as you will notice from the above threads. It's really quite easy to do, but you do have to do some homework before,you dive in.

[71 super]

If your truck is a 68 and not an early 68 you should not have to dimple the frame

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by 71 super

If your truck is a 68 and not an early 68 you should not have to dimple the frame

How do you know the difference? 68 or early 68 I'm not familiar with the differences? Please explain how to know this? Thanks

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by sambudo

How do you know the difference? 68 or early 68 I'm not familiar with the differences? Please explain how to know this? Thanks

Look at this picture...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1256999043

If it were a late '68 there would be a notch in the frame next to the cover with the three bolts in it... This picture shows a '67 - early '68 frame.

LockDoc

[70shortstep]

Just finished doing mine. Try to get all of the pulleys from the same vehicle. If I can help let me know.

[In The Ten Ring]

My dad did it, to my (mine now) 1972 C 10 about 1991, using parts from a Nova of some model that he found in junkyard. I was with him, but I was too young to remember much.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Look at this picture...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1256999043

If it were a late '68 there would be a notch in the frame next to the cover with the three bolts in it... This picture shows a '67 - early '68 frame.

LockDoc

I'm sorry but I don't follow you. Can you explain what the picture shows? This pic has no notch correct?

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by 70shortstep

Just finished doing mine. Try to get all of the pulleys from the same vehicle. If I can help let me know.

Do you mean pump and alternator?

[vectorit]

Just don't Mickey Mouse it and heat and beat the frame...
Do it the best way, and get a proper spacer for the steering box.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by 70shortstep

Just finished doing mine. Try to get all of the pulleys from the same vehicle. If I can help let me know.

Do you mean pump and alternator?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by sambudo

I'm sorry but I don't follow you. Can you explain what the picture shows? This pic has no notch correct?

That is correct.

LockDoc

[70STOVEBOLT]

All the parts should come from the same engine if possible. The alternator, water pump, p/s, and crank pulleys all have to line up. Must use p/s pump brackets from a non-integral
head engine, I think 1975 & later will be integral head/manifold.

[67 chevelle]

I have a steering box from a 78 in my 68 truck , did not have to dimple the frame , it already had the dimple , I believe so do , some dont . Works great

[sambudo]

Thank you everybody super great information, I've learned a lot from this thread. I looked today and my truck has the dimple. I'm very happy and excited to start this project. I hope it doesn't cause a lot of headache due to not having all the pulleys from the same vehicle.

I do now have the non integrated p/s brackets from 74 Nova, and rag joint, steering gear, pitman arm, & pump w/ pulley from 72 chevy c10. I will need to get a double pulley for my alternator. Any suggestions on this double pully? Can I pick this up from the auto parts store? I read some thread about a part number but cant find that thread now. Do I need to do anything to the alternator shaft to accommodate the double pully? Thank you.

[NC67Chev]

Finding the 2 groove alternator pulley was the easiest part for me. I pulled out the yellow pages and found a local alternator shop. I took the alternator there and told them what I needed....he walked over to the shelf and pulled one out of a box and had it installed for me and out the door in 5 min. The cost was either $10 or $15. You will also need a fan blade because the single groove ones are one piece with the pulley, but the alternator shop should have those as well.

Now after that, I decided to switch to an internally regulated alternator, so I assumed I was gonna have to get it changed again. However, you can order alternators with double groove through the auto parts store, so it wasn't a problem. I'm not suggesting that you get a new alternator, but it might be convenient for you if you plan on converting to internally regulated.

[NC67Chev]

With regard to finding the 2 groove water pump pulley, I really don't think it will be that hard for you. I took the original pulley from my truck with me to a local junkyard and set it down on a flat surface like a bowl. Then I started comparing pulleys until I found another GM with narrow spacing one that matched up with the first groove. One thing to look out for is that most, if not all, of the double groove pulleys have a bigger bolt spacing (1.5" vs 1.25") than the single groove ones. I bet you will find that your water pump has two different patterns on it, so that won't be a problem. This however, creates another issue with the cooling fan. I ended up getting a fan from a 6 cyl '72 truck that had the larger bolt spacing. Some people just choose to drill new holes in the pulley, but I didn't want to do that.

It's somewhat of a puzzle, but there are lots of folks here happy to help.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

With regard to finding the 2 groove water pump pulley, I really don't think it will be that hard for you. I took the original pulley from my truck with me to a local junkyard and set it down on a flat surface like a bowl. Then I started comparing pulleys until I found another GM with narrow spacing one that matched up with the first groove. One thing to look out for is that most, if not all, of the double groove pulleys have a bigger bolt spacing (1.5" vs 1.25") than the single groove ones. I bet you will find that your water pump has two different patterns on it, so that won't be a problem. This however, creates another issue with the cooling fan. I ended up getting a fan from a 6 cyl '72 truck that had the larger bolt spacing. Some people just choose to drill new holes in the pulley, but I didn't want to do that.

It's somewhat of a puzzle, but there are lots of folks here happy to help.

Whats the difference in internally regulated and not? Why would I want this type of alternator. Also can you send me picture how your belts are hooked up? I woud appreciate it. How does everything hook up with the belts couldn't I haave two separate belts one that goes around bottom pulley (crankshaft)? Alternator, fan. Then the other bottom pulley alternator, p/s pump pulley. What combination do I need with the belts?

Dazed and confused

[NC67Chev]

Here's a couple of pics of mine. Some set-ups will position the PS pulley on the 1st groove of the water pump pulley and some the 2nd. It would be tempting just to run one belt if the PS lines up on the 1st, but you would inevitably have belt slippage. My PS pulley just happened to line up with the 2nd groove...so, the belt closest to the motor is (crank, water pump, alt) the 2nd belt is (crank, water pump, alt, PS)

[NC67Chev]

Here's another pic looking down. Notice how little the 2nd belt contacts the water pump pulley? I wouldn't worry about the internally regulated alternator unless you have a need for more amps

[sambudo]

Regarding the power steering gear box, what years can be used that are direct match up to the frame without any extra modifications?

[NC67Chev]

In order to avoid running in to metric fittings, I think you need to use one off of a truck pre 1980.

[PanelDeland]

Simple enough swap with the info you have found here.Just install brackets and pump,then work out alignment of pulleys before swapping steering box.That way if you have to searh and mix/match pulleys for alignment,you can still drive it.Once the alignment is right,it doesn't take long to install the box/hoses.

[sambudo]

Well I think I have every thing needed for this conversion except belts and double alternator pulley. Whats an average cost to accumulate these parts? I need to know if I did good. Thanks.