Old style 4x4 Power Steering ???

[Dan72cst]

I have a 68 K20 that is completely disassembled, it has manual steering. I have a chance to purchase the original style with the cylinder (used on 67 68 & maybe 69 I'm guessing). My question is: Should I buy this setup or should I go with the power gearbox style.


I'm not there yet but would like to run about a 35 inch tire with a 4-6 inch lift. Thanks for your input.

[Erl]

Dan,
I have a 68 GMC 3/4 4x4 that I am installing power steering on. I believe that the cylinder type was used on the 67 and maybe some early 68. I have a factory service and overhaul manual for 1968 and both units are shown. I also have a factory parts book 67 68 69 and it shows both systems. GMCPaul would probably know since he is into 67 models. I will be using the power gear box on mine. Very common and a proven performer. You may need to indent your frame also, depends on when the truck was made in 68.

[Dan72cst]

What years/trucks came with the hydraulic cylinders? and what came with the power gearbox?

[jose]

Dan72cst If you don't buy the old style set-up . I am interested

[breeh]

I wasn't thrilled with the heat and beat method for my early 68 so I opted to use one of the kits. I initially ordered the one from GMC Paul but they weren't able to get one within the time frame that I needed so I went with a company out of Montana. Essentially, it consists of two metal plates. One goes on the inside of the frame and one goes on the outside. They are made in such a way that it allows you to use the late 68 and up steering gear. It also adds some reinforcement that those years don't have. I then used an AGR multiratio steering box. I am very happy with this setup. It has much more road feel than the earlier boxes. If you want I can take a picture of everything installed.

[Mike C]

Breeh made a good choice. The 67-68 powersteering is called non-integral power assist. It was also used on Corvettes from 63-82. It is leakage prone, maintenace intensive, and expensive. The 69 and up power steering is called integral power steering. I run an AGR rockcrawler box on my Jimmy, it is the constant ratio box. If I had it to do over again, I would get the variable ratio box like Breeh. It gives almost as good of performance off-road, but a significantly better, more stable and centered, onroad feel.

[Dan72cst]

Intergal power steering (power gearbox)
Non-intergal power assist (hydraulic cylinder)

Thanks Mike C for the names, but I am still unclear on what years came with what. I think 4wd is different than 2wd.

My 68 2wd 3/4t came factory with the Intergal power steering (power gearbox)

The guy thats selling the Non-intergal power assist setup says it came off a 69 4x4. Could this be????

[Mike C]

Unless there was a running change, 67 and 68 would have had the non-integral power steering. I guess a late model could have had integral, but my guess is a previoius owner swithced it out. 69's would have ALL had the integral system IME.

[jose]

Or maybe it was a 67/68 frame with a 69 body .

[breeh]

68 was a transition year. I have had 68's that would accept integral and those that would not. Early 68's were like 67's and late 68's were like the 69 and later.

Jose I cannot find that info that you asked for but I am still looking. I think that the kit was around $80.00.

[Mike C]

I know there were 68 frames that were clearanced for the integral steering, but have you seen any factory ones that were actually equipeed that way?

[breeh]

Yes, I had a 68 custom (2wd) that had a power integral steering unit on it.

[Mike C]

What convinces you it was factory? Low mileage truck, you new all it's history? Just curious, that's all.

[jose]

There a 2wd 68 GMC long box at a wrecking yard that i practicaly live at and it does have power integral steering . To me it sure does look like it is factory .

[mikep]

Ive got a '68 parked out in my driveway with a factory integral power steering unit on it. Of course its also got the coil springed Dana 60 that doesnt exist too.

I'm starting to think that the individual production plants had more autonomy back in the late 60's than they do today and that model runs were not always standardized between plants. Mine was built in Fremont in March 68 and has several items of note on it that arent supposed to exist but obviously they do. Believe me . When I got this thing it still had the original air in the tires.

[Dan72cst]

Grandpa bought my 68 2wd brand new. got the protect-o-plate to prove it and I think every registration is still stuffed in the glovebox. It has and always had the power gearbox. I am NOT convinced that 4X4's were the same but really don't know. Please post if you do ....Thanks!

[Erl]

I have been looking at my GMC 67-70 parts book. It shows a diagram with the cylinder type for all K models, and states "for 67 only". The book also shows Power steering engine pullies for 67-70 K models. It is not clear about what was used on 68 K models, there is not a diagram.