Power Steering Gearbox doesnt fit???? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mechdawg · 03-10-2006, 05:13 PM

Hey everyone, I just got a power steering gear box for my 67. I pulled the manual one off and thought that the power one was a direct bolt in replacement but it wont bolt up tight to the frame the bulge for the gears sticks out to far keeping the thing from pulling in tight to the frame by about 3/4"

. Is there an adapter plate or something Im supposed to have for this thing to fit right. Please help.
Thanks to all

kevncar · 03-10-2006, 05:24 PM

I'm getting ready to do this same swap. Apparently you have to dimple the frame. Everybody seems to be marking the area that needs to be recessed and then heat it up and hit with big hammer till it clears.

See this page http://www.classicheartbeat.com/panel_5.htm for how board member wes did his panel

Bowtie67 · 03-10-2006, 05:36 PM

What did you get for a power steering pump and is it from a 2wd to a 2wd, you also could use some body shop or alignment shims.

Mechdawg · 03-10-2006, 05:38 PM

Thanks for the info and the link. Im not sure how I feel about denting and possibly weakening my frame though.

Mechdawg · 03-10-2006, 05:39 PM

it came from a 2wd and is going in my 2wd 67 shortbed

**John Fabris** · 03-10-2006, 06:11 PM

I had the same, 67 frame, adding powersteering pump.

I also heated the frame, and dimpled it. Also, you will have to remove a small section of the support brace for the radiator core support.(On a 67, the bracket that support the radiator core support on the driver side will be in the way of the layer powersteering gearbox. You will have to remove about 1 inch by 1/4 inch of the bracket so that it does not hit the gearbox.) If you look at 68-72, that same bracket is already notched from the factory.

If you have access to a later truck with powersteering, compare that section of frame to yours, as well as the core support bracket to see what you have to do to yours to make it work.

Your only other option for power steering is to find a true 67 powersteering setup (ram assisted steering, just like the corvettes).

shifty · 03-10-2006, 06:29 PM

A link to pictures of my '68 PS + steering upgrade:
http://www.satellitehead.com/gallery...s.php?album=10

Some '67s don't have the dimple in the frame that is pictured here:
http://www.satellitehead.com/images/...teering002.jpg

And here:
http://www.satellitehead.com/images/...teering011.jpg

Notice that first picture - see the bumper bracket that is diagonal from the base of the gearbox on the framerail? You will need to purchase a notched one (power steering and manual steering brace are diff't) from one of the board vendors or else you won't be able to mount your front bumper. I am not sure what Fabris is talking about re: core support bracket, might be talking about the same thing.

Your manual gearbox is only bolted in using 3 bolts. The PS gearbox uses four. You will need a PS pitman arm (they're diff't than manual) and you prolly want to replace the rag joint and might as well do the tie rods at the same time (should take em out anyways).

You could finish the work in a weekend easy. It's much easier if you take the front clip off, but would be equally easy (or easier) if you have access to a lift.

Longhorn Man · 03-10-2006, 06:33 PM

Shimming it or the sppacer kit sold by one of the vendors is a bad idea. Heating and dimpling will not weakin it enough to matter. If it was a 4X4, I'd say don't do it, but plenty of these have been heated and straightened...or heated and dimpled.

Spacing the pump away from the frame places the gear off center and can wear the box prematurly. Also, if you have a variable ratio box, the center (straight ahead position) would be twitchey. This also adds leverage to the bolts, causing the (remote) passibility of breakage.

lilred67 · 03-10-2006, 06:41 PM

i shimmed mine with 3/8" thick flatbar.drives great.you might put more stress on the frame if it were 4x4 and trying to turn big tires,but on a 2x4 it's highly unlikely.

Americanrider · 03-11-2006, 05:55 AM

The way I did my 67 K20 was to place a large ball pien hammer on the frame and hit it with another hammer while heating it to dull orange. This will give you more control over where you strike. I also had to use spacers to get the correct alignment of the shaft, this duplicated the rasied portion of the newer frames. I used 3/8's flat stock and grade 8 bolts, the washers in the pic where just used for mock up. The 2 top mounting holes where the same so the only new ones I drilled where the lowers. You can also see the notch I had to cut in the core support brace to fit the gearbox in the last pic. It was an easy upgrade and well worth the effort. No problems so far.

davidh · 03-11-2006, 02:21 PM

So, is the 67 power steering different than the 68 and ups? That's what I'm getting from this thread. I have a both a 67 and 68 parts truck and I'm wanting to get my 67 on the road. Power steering was going to be in the works too. should I use the 67 so it will be direct bolt in? Or is it inferior set up to the 68??

72armyswbtruck · 03-11-2006, 02:57 PM

Depends on if you like the old ram rod style or the newer true power steering gear box type (sorry a little fuzzy on the wording can someone explain the difference better to him).

ChevyCrazy67 · 03-11-2006, 11:03 PM

Heat it and bump it in with a hammer it won't weaken your frame any. I used a half moon shaped body dolly and hammer to prevent the dimpling effect, with a little effort it'll turn out nice.

Americanrider · 03-11-2006, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidh

So, is the 67 power steering different than the 68 and ups? That's what I'm getting from this thread. I have a both a 67 and 68 parts truck and I'm wanting to get my 67 on the road. Power steering was going to be in the works too. should I use the 67 so it will be direct bolt in? Or is it inferior set up to the 68??

67's if they came with power steering had the power ram style like the early corvettes. The frame are flat as in the pic of mine above before I started hammering on it.

In 68 and up the frames had a Dished or curved spot with Raised pads where the bolt holes are. This allowed the steering gearbox to fit close up the frame.

Andy4639 · 03-12-2006, 01:02 PM

The 67 power assited steering is a cyclinder like a hydrolic cyclinder that had hoses running to the pump. It is simalar to a mustang setup.

Mechdawg · 03-12-2006, 04:34 PM

Mine actually had raised pads but no dished area. After all the advice I went ahead heated and hammered it. And it came out great fits like a charm now. Thanks to all for your help.

Americanrider · 03-13-2006, 06:04 PM

I snapped a couple of pics from my 66 C30 Power ram steering, same setup was used in 67 also. Just so some of you guys can see what it is we have been talking about. It used the same power steering pump as 67-72's but the lines hook into the ram rather than the gearbox.

03-10-2006, 05:13 PM	#1
Mechdawg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dover AFB Delaware Posts: 159	Power Steering Gearbox doesnt fit???? Hey everyone, I just got a power steering gear box for my 67. I pulled the manual one off and thought that the power one was a direct bolt in replacement but it wont bolt up tight to the frame the bulge for the gears sticks out to far keeping the thing from pulling in tight to the frame by about 3/4" . Is there an adapter plate or something Im supposed to have for this thing to fit right. Please help. Thanks to all

03-10-2006, 05:24 PM	#2
kevncar Active Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atwater, CA Posts: 259	Re: Power Steering Gearbox dosnt fit???? I'm getting ready to do this same swap. Apparently you have to dimple the frame. Everybody seems to be marking the area that needs to be recessed and then heat it up and hit with big hammer till it clears. See this page http://www.classicheartbeat.com/panel_5.htm for how board member wes did his panel __________________ Kevin 72 Chevelle 67 C10...454/TH400 Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=193961

03-10-2006, 05:36 PM	#3
Bowtie67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,266	Re: Power Steering Gearbox dosnt fit???? What did you get for a power steering pump and is it from a 2wd to a 2wd, you also could use some body shop or alignment shims. __________________ 1967 C10 - SWBSS Pro Street 427sbc, 700R4 & 4.10 Gears 1948 Chevy FleetMaster Coupe, LS1, (almost done) 1950 Chevy StyleLine Coupe 250/6 3x2 Dueces 2009 Toyota Tundra 1996 Harley RoadKing "I maybe getting old, but I can still burn rubber with the best of them" Last edited by Bowtie67; 03-10-2006 at 05:37 PM.

03-10-2006, 05:38 PM	#4
Mechdawg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dover AFB Delaware Posts: 159	Re: Power Steering Gearbox dosnt fit???? Thanks for the info and the link. Im not sure how I feel about denting and possibly weakening my frame though.

03-10-2006, 05:39 PM	#5
Mechdawg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dover AFB Delaware Posts: 159	Re: Power Steering Gearbox dosnt fit???? it came from a 2wd and is going in my 2wd 67 shortbed

03-10-2006, 06:11 PM	#6
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	Re: Power Steering Gearbox dosnt fit???? I had the same, 67 frame, adding powersteering pump. I also heated the frame, and dimpled it. Also, you will have to remove a small section of the support brace for the radiator core support.(On a 67, the bracket that support the radiator core support on the driver side will be in the way of the layer powersteering gearbox. You will have to remove about 1 inch by 1/4 inch of the bracket so that it does not hit the gearbox.) If you look at 68-72, that same bracket is already notched from the factory. If you have access to a later truck with powersteering, compare that section of frame to yours, as well as the core support bracket to see what you have to do to yours to make it work. Your only other option for power steering is to find a true 67 powersteering setup (ram assisted steering, just like the corvettes). __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB Last edited by John Fabris; 03-10-2006 at 10:44 PM.

03-10-2006, 06:29 PM	#7
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Re: Power Steering Gearbox dosnt fit???? A link to pictures of my '68 PS + steering upgrade: http://www.satellitehead.com/gallery...s.php?album=10 Some '67s don't have the dimple in the frame that is pictured here: http://www.satellitehead.com/images/...teering002.jpg And here: http://www.satellitehead.com/images/...teering011.jpg Notice that first picture - see the bumper bracket that is diagonal from the base of the gearbox on the framerail? You will need to purchase a notched one (power steering and manual steering brace are diff't) from one of the board vendors or else you won't be able to mount your front bumper. I am not sure what Fabris is talking about re: core support bracket, might be talking about the same thing. Your manual gearbox is only bolted in using 3 bolts. The PS gearbox uses four. You will need a PS pitman arm (they're diff't than manual) and you prolly want to replace the rag joint and might as well do the tie rods at the same time (should take em out anyways). You could finish the work in a weekend easy. It's much easier if you take the front clip off, but would be equally easy (or easier) if you have access to a lift. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. Last edited by shifty; 03-10-2006 at 06:30 PM.

03-10-2006, 06:33 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Power Steering Gearbox dosnt fit???? Shimming it or the sppacer kit sold by one of the vendors is a bad idea. Heating and dimpling will not weakin it enough to matter. If it was a 4X4, I'd say don't do it, but plenty of these have been heated and straightened...or heated and dimpled. Spacing the pump away from the frame places the gear off center and can wear the box prematurly. Also, if you have a variable ratio box, the center (straight ahead position) would be twitchey. This also adds leverage to the bolts, causing the (remote) passibility of breakage.

03-10-2006, 06:41 PM	#9
lilred67 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: weatherford,texas Posts: 1,003	Re: Power Steering Gearbox dosnt fit???? i shimmed mine with 3/8" thick flatbar.drives great.you might put more stress on the frame if it were 4x4 and trying to turn big tires,but on a 2x4 it's highly unlikely.

03-11-2006, 05:55 AM	#10
Americanrider Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NW, WA. Posts: 1,421	Re: Power Steering Gearbox dosnt fit???? The way I did my 67 K20 was to place a large ball pien hammer on the frame and hit it with another hammer while heating it to dull orange. This will give you more control over where you strike. I also had to use spacers to get the correct alignment of the shaft, this duplicated the rasied portion of the newer frames. I used 3/8's flat stock and grade 8 bolts, the washers in the pic where just used for mock up. The 2 top mounting holes where the same so the only new ones I drilled where the lowers. You can also see the notch I had to cut in the core support brace to fit the gearbox in the last pic. It was an easy upgrade and well worth the effort. No problems so far. Attached Images Last edited by Americanrider; 03-11-2006 at 05:59 AM.

03-11-2006, 02:21 PM	#11
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,221	Re: Power Steering Gearbox doesnt fit???? So, is the 67 power steering different than the 68 and ups? That's what I'm getting from this thread. I have a both a 67 and 68 parts truck and I'm wanting to get my 67 on the road. Power steering was going to be in the works too. should I use the 67 so it will be direct bolt in? Or is it inferior set up to the 68??

03-11-2006, 02:57 PM	#12
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,034	Re: Power Steering Gearbox doesnt fit???? Depends on if you like the old ram rod style or the newer true power steering gear box type (sorry a little fuzzy on the wording can someone explain the difference better to him). __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

03-11-2006, 11:03 PM	#13
ChevyCrazy67 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Dothan Alabama Posts: 2,604	Re: Power Steering Gearbox doesnt fit???? Heat it and bump it in with a hammer it won't weaken your frame any. I used a half moon shaped body dolly and hammer to prevent the dimpling effect, with a little effort it'll turn out nice. __________________ Kevin 1967 C-10 swb fleetside 1968 C-10 stepside 1999 Z71- sons dd 1999 2wd silverado-my dd 2003 Tahoe- wifes dd

03-12-2006, 01:02 PM	#15
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Power Steering Gearbox doesnt fit???? The 67 power assited steering is a cyclinder like a hydrolic cyclinder that had hoses running to the pump. It is simalar to a mustang setup. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-12-2006, 04:34 PM	#16
Mechdawg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dover AFB Delaware Posts: 159	Re: Power Steering Gearbox doesnt fit???? Mine actually had raised pads but no dished area. After all the advice I went ahead heated and hammered it. And it came out great fits like a charm now. Thanks to all for your help.



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03-13-2006, 06:04 PM	#17
Americanrider Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NW, WA. Posts: 1,421	Power Ram steering pics I snapped a couple of pics from my 66 C30 Power ram steering, same setup was used in 67 also. Just so some of you guys can see what it is we have been talking about. It used the same power steering pump as 67-72's but the lines hook into the ram rather than the gearbox. Attached Images

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