Im nearly there except...#@%& pwr steering!

[texascowboy593]

Ok, The old 67GMC (Project Mayhem) is finally titled, tagged and INSPECTED! She runs decent. Still have a little tweaking to do but my main problem is the power steering...

I ended up giving it to a shop to finish off the brakes and check the p/s. My pump and res'v are in good shape (fresh and new) but my problem is in the gear box. They said that it would do me good to upgrade to a somewhat newer setup. As you see in the pics, it leaks like the Exxon Valdez. I do not have the cash to upgrade or replace the box (if thats all it is) much less the expertise to remove the box... how do you take it off anyway?.

My main question is can I drive it in a "manual mode" without tearing anything up? I figure ill need to take the pump of the belt so it doesnt get damaged. Will that work? I need to get all that fluid out so it doesnt stain up the garage or driveway(wife)...Thx for the help and info!

[72armyswbtruck]

Man that really leaks like a siv,
I say and maybe someone here on the board can help you out with one that's not broke, and help out a poor broke truck saver
Good Luck

[alf1096]

My 70 was drive for a while with a ps box but no pump attached. Then one day I put the ps pump back on and it worked fine...take the belt off the ps pump.

[jimmydean]

I got my box for $20 off craig's list. You can get one off a '69-78 (maybe even up to '84 I think). It is 4 bolts on the frame rail, easy as pie.

[Bob B.]

You got a couple of problems there. First off, your '67 uses the old 'ram' style power steering. The part that is leaking is the control valve. It unscrews from the center link after you remove the pinch bolt that keeps it tight. The stud on the top goes into the pitman arm. You will need a tie rod puller to get it off. Those valves run about $150 rebuilt, and if you hunt around you can probably find a new one. The 2 small hoses that come out the side go to your steering cylinder. Looks like they are leaking, too. They are also miss-routed, they are supposed to both pass under the valve. Bad news is they are not available anymore. Hoses off an old Impala might work. To the left of the control valve is the bracket that the steering cylinder push rod attaches to. Looks like the bushings are all gone. Those will have to be replaced. Probably the best thing to do here would be updating to the modern integral power steering box. Then you can do away with the cylinder and control valve. That topic has come up here a lot, so search for it.

[LUV2XCLR8]

WOW, now that is a leak, one from a J-yard has to leak less than that

[da-burb]

I have one of those 67-68 PS systems on a parts truck if you want to keep it 100% original. Looks much nicer than the one you have there.

You could also switch it over to the 68+ style PS box.

[texascowboy593]

Thx yall.. The info is appreciated. Ill do some more searching and see what remedy I can apply. Im just happy I can pretty much drive it now! BTW, Bob B your info was "spot on". Lots of help! thx

[boundstaffpress]

I had a divorced setup like that on my nova wagon. I took it all apart, and cleaned / re-greased it. Just tightening up some things and cutting some new home-made gaskets will make a difference. Mine leaked real bad where the rubber pitman arm gasket clamps over the control valve. I just scrubbed the grime off and tightened it up almost eliminate that problem.

You could have any impliment dealer make new hoses for you. There are kits available for rebuilding these. I think they are around $100. Check with Classic Industries.

Taking the control valve apart will change your centering. Be real careful the first time you drive it after re-installing. It has enough force to break your arm if you are not close to center. I drove mine a block, adjusted, drove a block adjusted... etc. I strongly recomend you find a manual for assembly. Ignore the centering directions and just drive to find center.

[pa_snowman]

bundstafpress, sounds like you know what your talking about, more than his machanic. i too have that setup on a 67. mine broke the ram mount (the one where his is missing the bushings). i had to build one to male it work.
these type units were also used on the corvettes. you could look there for parts but they will be more expensive. the ford mustangs in 67 also used a similar setup, although the ram mounted different. you might be able to find some seal kits there. Not too many people remember this "hydraulic assist" power steering system. hope you can get it to work right again.