What power steering gearbox are you using?

[rkyham]

Planning this swap on my 68
On using later model boxes: Does it matter if the box is from a 2wd or 4wd?

[Richard8971]

My '67 short-step had manual steering until I swapped it out with a power steering box out of a '85. Bolted right up and didn't have to modify anything. I'm not sure about the 2 wheel drive vs. 4 wheel drive. Just my two cents.

Don

[MotorSeven]

I got an OEM one off a '72 C-10 at a local bone yard. $50 & it bolted right up to my '68. If you are going the junk yard route, if the hydro lines have been removed make sure that NO WATER has gotten in the box. My first one blew because water had frozen inside & cracked the housing. If the fluid is milky, walk away.

RD

[WIDESIDE72]

A few yrs ago, my brother and I bolted a PS box from a 76 1/2 ton directly on to a 72 1/2 ton to add PS. No hose adapters, no bashing. I forget but think it was a variable ratio. We also swapped the front sway bar from the same truck. That first drive after the swap was like night and day!

[MotorSeven]

The '72 donor i got the gearbox out of has a sway bar, i have to go back with a grinder & generator & get those honkin rivits out.

RD

[big_al_71]

I used one from a brand new pump for a 71c10 and it bolted right up I had to add one washer on one bolt....because of the march pulley bracket if I was using a factory bracket I would not had needed it.

[68GMCCustom]

nice bling!

I have the same looking March setup w/o A/C and in the "Custom" finish, which is the silver powdercoat. (the cheap set )

[Classic Heartbeat]

A few yrs ago, my brother and I bolted a PS box from a 76 1/2 ton directly on to a 72 1/2 ton to add PS. No hose adapters, no bashing. I forget but think it was a variable ratio. We also swapped the front sway bar from the same truck. That first drive after the swap was like night and day!

90% of the 68 and 100% of the 69-72s do not require any alterations on the chassis. However we are talking 67s here. 100% of the 67s will require alterations. WES

[Classic Heartbeat]

Wes, I remember you mentioning this before but I took my '77 gearbox and bolted it on to my '68, which has the indentations and raised mounting points and it's still twitchy. I'll have to double check to make sure that the steering wheel (or rather gearbox) is absolutely centered but I'm pretty sure it is and it's still twitchy. I just think that's the way these gearboxes are.

I would try a different steering gear. Quick ratio gears don't make things twitchy. WES

[msgross]

I just bought this bracket for my 68... it's actually made for 60-66 frames to accept newer gears... I'm still trying to figure out the right position though. Also, my gearbox is leaking so it sounds like I need to save $130 for NAPA and not try the $30 rebuild kit huh?

So a 76 will accept the same hose fittings as a 72? and it's variable ratio 4.5 turns? that sounds like the ticket for me, unless you guys recommenf the 3.5 turn gears..

[Brad]

Yep, that'll work great, although I'd think that the rebuild kit would fix your leak issue.

[msgross]

Originally Posted by Brad

Yep, that'll work great, although I'd think that the rebuild kit would fix your leak issue.

It's leaking at the input shaft, of course that's because I blocked off the hoses and was turning it by hand. I have never had a pump on it so who knows....

I know there are dozens of ball bearings in these suckers and hate to waste my time and money....we'll see when the time comes I guess...

anyone tried to fix that seal? or a full rebuild?

[67dragtruck]

I dented the frame on a 67 before. Wasn't too bad if you heated it with a torch.

Tom