67 Steering upgrade

[tmad]

I tryed this in suspension with no response so I will try it here. I have a 1967 lwb 2wd, It has what I think they called linkage mounted power steering(control valve is mounted on the steering linkage the steering box has no lines to it at all) Since I put my 255's on all the way around it just doesnt seem to work very well I have replaced every part in the system with no improvement. I believe this system just does not have enough assist. So I am now thinking of upgradeing to a more conventional system but I have no idea what will fit and what problems I may encounter has anybody done this that can advise? Even if someone has done a no power at all to power conversion maybe that will help it seems Ill be doing basicly the same thing! Thanks Todd

[jku72]

I hope someone will be able to answer better than me, I'm not sure 67 is the same as a 68, but I switched from manual to power steering in my 68. I got a p/s pump, hoses, brackets and steering box off a mid 70's half ton, and bolted it all in. Now, there is a bit of an issue with the frame rail, it needs to be dented in a hair in the center, or else the steering box needs to be shimmed out a bit. You'll see it when you get to that point. Oh yes, and as well, there is a bracket on the frame, its either the radiator support or the bumper bracket, and that needs to be notched, again, you'll see it when you do it. Make sure you get the pitman arm with the steering box. The bracketry can be a bit of a pain as well, it took me a little shuffling to get that right.
I hope someone can confirm or deny that this would work on a 67. I just dont know for sure. I do know theres been a few posts about it, try the FAQ forum, and or do a search if you don't get more responses.

[passthebuck]

I have a 67 & it's my understanding that one needs to dimple the frame a bit. I think if you are worried about weakening your frame, weld up a little metal for reinforcement. Check out this link:


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=94960

[Longhorn Man]

Don't shim the gear box, many have done it, but it is trouble waiting to happen.

[Classic Heartbeat]

I aproach this problem in out Panel Project section of our website. Here is a link, it has pictures and explinations:
http://www.classicheartbeat.com/67_panel_project.htm
WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

[Warbones]

Ok, now I am scared. Someone put power steering on my 67(before I bought it) Does anyone have pictures of the dimpled frame or where the shims would be?

[Warbones]

I just checked out your link Wes, I wonder if mine was shimmed.

[Lobo'74]

PO of Truck replaced the manual steering with the power steering box and pump out of an '85. Don't know if the frame is dimpled, I don't believe the box is shimmed, its bolted to the frame.

But y'all got me wonderin'!

[kwmech]

I have done several conversions from power assist to power steering on the 67s. I have always taken a piece of solid steel and bored out a hole on the lathe and then surface both sides so they are parrallel. Set them up on the frame with the box, torqued them down, and tack welded them into place. Haven't had a problem in over 20 years. Do not have the specs on the 'spacer' at the moment, but it would not take much to figure it out.

[Classic Heartbeat]

Mounting plates and shims between the steering gear and frame will place the steering gear off center. Been there done that, and that is why I do it the way I do it now. Truck gets real scary over about 50 mph!! WES www.ClassicHeartbeat.com

[tmad]

Wow! Now Im really confused!!! I guess to shim or dimple is the key. If I dimple how far in do I need to go? And also what years of gear box will work. Thanks for all the info thus far Todd.

[Lobo'74]

At highway speeds say 55 - 65 or so - when I make a lane change it takes almost no effort and happens so quickly that it IS scary. Feels very unstable. Is that because the frame wasn.t dimpled?

[Longhorn Man]

Yes, the gteering gear is not centered, not only can it cause that, but the steer gear is only hardened on the 'straight ahead' position, so you will wear it out much quicker.

[Lobo'74]

Almost no effort at all on my power steering. I have been told that the box needs rebuilding, that the worn valves are the problem. Will a rebuilt box correct and excessive wear from the box being out of position?

Where do I dimple the frame, and how much to solve the "scary above 50" problem?

Will a shop that does front end work know about this?

So many questions, such a small brain housing group to store the information in .

Thanks for any info.

[Lobo'74]

Sorry - the
"correct and excessive wear from the box being out of position"

should read:
"correct the excessive wear from the box being out of position"

[Warbones]

I was crawling under my truck last night(out in the street) and wasn't sure where to look at the frame for it's " dimple" I didn't see any shims yet either. I did see where they had notched one of the bumper braces for it however. I plan on calling the prev owner and finding out what was done. I don't like looking at my truck to closely, I always find something else wrong(cab towards bottom is bent on passenger side between bed and cab)

[Lobo'74]

Has anyone used the '67-'68 power steering conversion kit from GMC Paul's? My frame hasn't been dimpled and I can see how the '85 power steering box comes off my frame at an angle. I just want to get the steering geometery straight to try to get rid of the touchy steering above 50mph. I know shims are bad, I am hoping the adaptor in the kit is a workable fix.

Any one out there done this?