Power steering vs. manual, need some insite

[Vdubluv82]

so here is my dilemma... I have a 69 C10 lwb that's I've been working on to move home with (currently still in the Marine Corps). I'm running a 350 and had issues with the alternator fitting with my new valve covers, so I fixed that with a new bracket. Not the problem is, my PS pump hits and I can't bolt it up and its way to close to the frame rail.

so the question part... looked into a remote reservoir set up and realized they are for a race set up and wont give me proper pressure until way high in the rpm range. I've also been looking at just putting a manual steering box in it. whats my best rout for this? has anyone done a remote setup, is the manual that bad?

Thanks for the help

[1969c10joe]

I have manual steering its ok cant reallyzip into parking spaces if you have huge tires steering effort goes up. Sorry icant advise on the actual swap. I like it its part of the character of my truck

[Andy4639]

Can you post some pictures of the front of the motor and where the power steering goes?

If it's all factory I can't see how it wouldn't work. I have power steering in mine and it's fine. Well back when I had the factory setup anyway.

[TwoFiftyShifter]

The difference is huge. I don't have PS and it's fine but parking is a pain. I'm a professional driver and with this truck I find I'm parking a little crooked!

I've drive a 1970 with PS and it was night and day.

[Aus69c20]

Not sure what what the exact problem is. But all big block trucks ran a remote reservoir.
A remote reservoir shouldn't make a difference to the pressure as it only holds the fluid for the pump.

[JustToxic]

The swap isn't too bad, you'd have to modify a few things hear and there. Overall tho, I'd recommend keeping power steering. There are a bunch of remote res. applications out there, not all racing set ups. If I have time today I'll see about trying to find one that might work. The other option you have is fab up a custom power steering mount.

[Gmc.guy]

Smallblock should have a short water pump and setup. Are you putting long water pump stuff on it? That might be your problem with clearance, I have 2 trucks manual and 2 power steering, I agree it fits the character of the truck, the big diameter original steering wheel makes the effort a bit less. I enjoy the leak free reliability on them. It would be simple enough to throw manual box on until you move and you can mess with it after and get everything working

[1969c10joe]

good point about the large diameter steering wheel I also have non power brakes I like the uncluttered look under the hood. price a manual steering gearbox not cheap

[Vdubluv82]

It is a short pump and sorry for not clearing tge exact problem.

Stock p. S. Pump is mounted low on ds and with the altinator bracket, the resevoir is to long on the pump. It hits the alt and only gives about a half inch of play. I wont be able to get good belt tension or check fluid.

Im not oposed to running a remote set up and saw they came on some vehicals, but i wouldnt know which pump or bracket to use.

[Gmc.guy]

On my 69 I know the alt. Belt comes close to the p.s. Cap but there's lots of room to fill and tension It's tough to get a pic in there

[Gmc.guy]

Dang. Upside down

[Andy4639]

I never had problems with mine. It was close and it was a pain to get the cap off but it did come off.

[Vdubluv82]

Sorry it's taken so long to reply, here is the setup

[Vdubluv82]

Bump

[Boog]

Here ya go Cody

[Vdubluv82]

That was my stock setup, anyone running after market stuff or different pumps?