Any power steering experts?

[PDW HOTRODS]

I have a Camaro subframe in the 56 I'm building. I thought it was from a 74 Camaro, but not sure about the power steering box. It takes the hoses with
o rings instead of the flare, but it seems to be standard thread, not metric. From what I can find Chevy used the flare with standard thread untill about 1980, then o ring with metric thread after that. I cant find hoses for this. Any help would be great, Thanks.

[OKGMC4]

You're not crazy, that was my understanding as well. When I put a late model chevy 350 and IROC fast ratio box in my 79 TA I had to use a 1980 Camaro pressure hose to get the O ring "metric" fittings. I have not personally seen them any other way.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

You're not crazy, that was my understanding as well. When I put a late model chevy 350 and IROC fast ratio box in my 79 TA I had to use a 1980 Camaro pressure hose to get the O ring "metric" fittings. I have not personally seen them any other way.

Most 60s-80s or later sagnaw mid size up "car" boxes are the same bolt pattern there are flare and o ring both have the same bolt pattern.

[mr48chev]

As Mknittle said either box will bolt on without an issue. The difference is in the fittings. The other difference is the ratio of the box. Usually the performance models of Camaros and the Trans Ams had the quick ratio boxes.

You can swap the valve in the back of the pump to work with the O ring box just by unscrewing it and screwing in the one you need. They do have different pressure ratios on some of them though. The return hose just slips on the tube on the pump housing and is held by a clamp so that isn't a real issue.

[Red Foreman]

Another thing to look out for after 76, is they altered the rag joint & shaft to a smaller size.

[1project2many]

Are there any casting numbers viewable as that might help with the ID. Chances are there's a buggered thread preventing the metric fittings from threading in. If a standard 3/8" tube nut screws in super easy and feels a little wiggly when installed then it's the wrong size and you need a metric fitting.

[Tims37chevy]

This place carries adapters


http://lee-powersteering.com/rebuild-misc.htm

[mknittle]

Camaros and trans am also use alonger pitman arm.

[Coupeguy2001]

If you have any tractor place around you that builds hoses for hydraulc equipment such as road graders, tractors, bobcats, etc. They will make you hoses for your vehicle to your spec.
We have a porter hydraulic over here in Phoenix, and they carry hydraulic, brake and fuel fittings, hose, steel, stainless and aluminum line. You just walk in with your problem, and walk out with it solved.
Also for the pump part of the equasion,
go to:

jeffd.50megs.com/pump_valve_mod_page.htm

this is 10 years old or more, but the data is still good.
I had to look at this for at least 15 minutes before I figured out what I had, what I wanted, and where to get what I needed.

[PDW HOTRODS]

The steering box is definitly standard thread, o ring. I found a site that sells an adapter to put in the hole to go from o ring to flare. I just changed the box to another box that is for standard flare. I will save this box and figure it out later for another project. Both boxes are close ratio.