Converting to Power Steering 68 c10 6cyl

[NC67Chev]

Yes, 1 13/16

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

Yes, 1 13/16

Well I finally have the 2 groove pulley on, no I need to finish hooking up the alternator, then add belts make sure it all lines up. Then I can work on the gear.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by sambudo

Well I finally have the 2 groove pulley on, no I need to finish hooking up the alternator, then add belts make sure it all lines up. Then I can work on the gear.

This is what it looks like. I still need to adjust the alternator. Can youu tell me what belt your using for the crank-water pump-alternator and ps pump pulley? Thanks

[NC67Chev]

Its looking good! The belts I'm using are: Alternator = 15375 and Power steering = 15495. Keep in mind, the belt size will change depending on the pulley sizes. Both my PS and WP pulleys measure 5 1/2".

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

Its looking good! The belts I'm using are: Alternator = 15375 and Power steering = 15495. Keep in mind, the belt size will change depending on the pulley sizes. Both my PS and WP pulleys measure 5 1/2".

Well it seems like everything is lining up, I just need to get a longer belt for the ps pulley. 15495 is a little short..

[sambudo]

I'm wondering what the metal ring is on the rag joint. I'll post a picture on what im talking about. Also getting ready to take off manual steering box, first need to separate the rag joint.

Is there anything special I need to do to disassemble the rag joint from the steering column? I have been spraying kroil penitrating oil on all bolts, to help loosen them up.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by sambudo

i'm wondering what the metal ring is on the rag joint. I'll post a picture on what im talking about. Also getting ready to take off manual steering box, first need to separate the rag joint.

Is there anything special i need to do to disassemble the rag joint from the steering column? I have been spraying kroil penitrating oil on all bolts, to help loosen them up.

[NC67Chev]

I think what you are referring to is a ground.

Regarding separation of the rag joint, you shouldn't need anything special. Are you planning on replacing or reusing? The rag joint on the PS box I got was in good shape, so all I did was remove my manual gear and install the new one.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

I think what you are referring to is a ground.

Regarding separation of the rag joint, you shouldn't need anything special. Are you planning on replacing or reusing? The rag joint on the PS box I got was in good shape, so all I did was remove my manual gear and install the new one.

Not sure if I will reuse or not, the one thats stock seems smaller dia. Then the ps one. I guess once I take it all apart, I'll have a better idea which one to use.

[sambudo]

I was thinking at the same time removal of the box and rag joint, I might also try and move the steering wheel in a couple of inches. Since I have everthing disconnected.

Do you have pictures of the V you notched into the bumper bracket?

I appreciate all your help. It has made a big difference. I have gone back and started reading all the different posts. Now wfter the fact it is startibg to make since. Lol.

[NC67Chev]

Here's a pic looking up at it. I didn't want to trim away more than was needed, so I took off a little at a time until it fit in place without touching.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

Here's a pic looking up at it. I didn't want to trim away more than was needed, so I took off a little at a time until it fit in place without touching.

Thanks for the pic, really makes since now.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by sambudo

Attachment 1229713

Well it seems like everything is lining up, I just need to get a longer belt for the ps pulley. 15495 is a little short..

15500 was the ticket! Feels good to have the 1st section completed, now its tine ti take the manual gear out and replace with ps gearbox.

I hope this goes quicker then the first section. I'm considering moving the steering column in 2-3".

[NC67Chev]

Looks good! I think you've definitely got the hardest part knocked out.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

Looks good! I think you've definitely got the hardest part knocked out.

Boy that sure was a pain in the a$$ getting that pulley to line up. Like you said, I sure hope the rest is smoother sailing.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

Looks good! I think you've definitely got the hardest part knocked out.

What's the best way to knock off that pittman arm? I didn't get a chance to work on it yesterday, but I will this evening.

I'd like to get it off then modify the fender bracket. and bolt it up. Do you know where I can source a the nut that goes on the end pittman arm and holds of the tie rod? The one that came off the manual box goes on and then it stops, I didn't want to mess up the threads. I might try using a wrench to tighten it up to see if it works or not.

Also on the ps gear my manual only had 3 bolts holding it on, do I need to have 4 bolts for the ps gear? It would make since to have all 4 bolted down.

[NC67Chev]

Originally Posted by sambudo

What's the best way to knock off that pittman arm? I didn't get a chance to work on it yesterday, but I will this evening.

I'd like to get it off then modify the fender bracket. and bolt it up. Do you know where I can source a the nut that goes on the end pittman arm and holds of the tie rod? The one that came off the manual box goes on and then it stops, I didn't want to mess up the threads. I might try using a wrench to tighten it up to see if it works or not.

Also on the ps gear my manual only had 3 bolts holding it on, do I need to have 4 bolts for the ps gear? It would make since to have all 4 bolted down.

Isn't is exciting to know that you're so close to having this wrapped up?

I'm not sure if you can buy just the nut. I can't imagine the threads being different, but I'm not sure. I'd spend a few minutes cleaning up the threads....a thread file can work wonders if they are messed up a little. Of course, you should get a new nut if you use a new one pitman arm. I'm sure I have one or two laying around if you really end up needing one. I would definitely recommend using 4 good grade 8 bolts to mount the steering box.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

Isn't is exciting to know that you're so close to having this wrapped up?

I'm not sure if you can buy just the nut. I can't imagine the threads being different, but I'm not sure. I'd spend a few minutes cleaning up the threads....a thread file can work wonders if they are messed up a little. Of course, you should get a new nut if you use a new one pitman arm. I'm sure I have one or two laying around if you really end up needing one. I would definitely recommend using 4 good grade 8 bolts to mount the steering box.

I'll pickup another bolt and try to get a thread file, or possibly another nut. I can't use the pitman arm off the manual box as i damaged the threads trying to take it off. I'm an idiot! I should have read the thread before beating on it. Sometimes I'm not very bright!

[NC67Chev]

Don't forget that you can go to one of the parts stores and borrow tools such as pitman arm pullers and pickle forks

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

Don't forget that you can go to one of the parts stores and borrow tools such as pitman arm pullers and pickle forks

I got the gear off, yeah! Borrowed tool from neighbor. Still have the rag joint connected. I took the nuts off the bolts but but its still attached. I really need to spend some time on it. Maybe its stuck on.

STRANGE THING happened my steering wheel makes a grinding noise when I spin it around. What do you think caused this? Could my steering wheel bearing possibly be out?

[NC67Chev]

I don't know what to tell you about the steering wheel.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

Here's a pic looking up at it. I didn't want to trim away more than was needed, so I took off a little at a time until it fit in place without touching.

I took my bracket off and will notch it tonight. Did you have to move your steering column back when assembling the ps gear and rag joint? It seems that I will have to adjust it. I planned on moving my whole column in the cab 2-3", i quess at the same time I will be able to adjust at the rag joint then.

If you had to adjust the column did you have to drill out those plastic pins in the shaft? And if so are the free floating now?

I will have to remove my steering wheel and look at whats binding up in there, wether its the horn contacts or the blinkers. Worst case it is the bearing.

[NC67Chev]

I did not have to modify my steering column in any way, the box bolted right up. A lot of people do shorten the steering column by removing the plastic pins and telescoping the column, but I chose to leave mine alone. I think the plastic pins were there as a safety mechanism to allow the column to shorten in the event of a front impact.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by NC67Chev

I did not have to modify my steering column in any way, the box bolted right up. A lot of people do shorten the steering column by removing the plastic pins and telescoping the column, but I chose to leave mine alone. I think the plastic pins were there as a safety mechanism to allow the column to shorten in the event of a front impact.

Mine seems pretty tight fit without moving the column. Did you have the rag joint on the gear or on the column when installing it? Thanks for your help and input.

[NC67Chev]

I picked up a good used power steering gear that had a rag joint on it, so that part of the swap was as easy