67 4x4 steering box question

[68jekyl-hyde]

i am trying to update the steering on my 67 4x4 but have had nothing but problems. the original steering gear was manual and had output shaft of the gear coming out horizontally to the left and thus the pitman arm runs straight down from the shaft. this setup is was used in the 60-66 vintage as well.

i tried to fit a newer power unit into the truck but the front leaf spring hits on the bottom of the newer steering box. most people dont have this problem because when the add a lift kit the problem goes away. i am not going to lift the truck but would rather not pay $400 for a rebuilt unit which is still only going to be a manual box.

this problem has plagued this truck of mine for over 4 years. this truck is way too fast for the old sloppy box so i cant run it again until i solve this problem.

67 chevy SB stepside 4x4
327 4 speed updated to newer sm465 and newprocess tcase


308 posi
pic is attached

[ND_guy]

You used a newer box what is it out of? Does your frame have the dimple for the box to sit in? My pickup didn't I had to build a shim so it could sit flat on the frame. I used a box from a 79 half ton 4x4. I had plenty of clearance between the steering arm and spring. I drove it off road for a year and didnt have problems with them hitting before I bought my lift
but mine is a 67 k20 which doesnt have a whole lot of susp. travel so since yours is a half ton they might touch.
Sorry Im sure this wasn't much help

[Americanrider]

Are you swapping the front axle out for a disc one? If your trying to add power steering to a closed knuckle axle it will be a LOT HARDER. I installed a '74 disc brake axle to my 67 4x4 and added a 72 power steering box. It was pretty easy and well worth the trouble.

[special-K]

A`68 p/s box should clear the stock springs.`67 boxes are the same as on years before and all are manual.So,your frame is not dimpled.I guess there`s a "how-to" in FAQ.Some heat and hammer,others (I believe) use an adapter plate that is made.

[396muncie]

I had the exact same problem with my 67 4x4 1/2 ton. My manual box went out and was sidelined for awhile. Everyone I spoke to said the only thing that will work short of fabricating was another 67 or earlier manual 4x4 box since the 2wd were different. I finally found another manual box at a junkyard. Good luck with the search, I know it's a hard one.

[68jekyl-hyde]

thanks for all the feedback so far...

i have already fitted 86 half ton disc axles in the truck. the frame dimple wouldnt make enough of a difference to clear the leaf spring even if it had one.

im surprised only one person has actually had the same problem. it just be how soft my suspension is setup. i have only two leafs on front but do not want to add leafs, ruin the ride as well as the ride height (yes it still rides like a shortbox but better or at least as good of a ride ive ever had in a shortbox 4x4.)

ive considered school bus steering boxes which resemble this thing my truck had from the factory. anyone tried that?

jm

[Americanrider]

Your still running stock leafs? Sounds like they are seriously de-arched.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I had the same problem on my '67 K/10 Suburban. I tried to put a '69 P/S gearbox on it. It was really hard to turn left, would'nt cut over enough, and after it sheared a couple of 1/2" grade 8 bolts holding the gear box to the frame, I had to go back to the old manual steering gearbox, JB Weld-ed crack and all. The '67s used a servo type power _assist_ steering.
My solution -- when I rebuild that truck-- will be to mount a '69 -'76 Dana 44 Front axle and then I'll also have disc brakes too.

[qksilver]

I am going out to the shop today. I have a 68 1/2 4x4 burb that the P/O put P/S on. Doesn't look like a big deal. It's a 72 box I know that. i will take some pix, Pm me with your e-mail and I will send.
Steve

[special-K]

I would also consider some spring work.It won`t kill the ride,prolly help.I had my`90 Blazer arched and 1 leaf added back when new to get the front end up to level the ride.It rides fine.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Good point, Special K. The PO put a 454 Big Block in a '67 halfton that originally had a 283 Small Block. With the 2 spatulate leaf spring type suspension, it was always too much. Also it would never stop with drum brakes.