An idea...Will it work?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

caminokid · 05-22-2008, 08:23 AM

Anyone ever tried to use a p/s box out of a 73 to 87?? Will it work?? Not work?? Am I crazy?

JimKshortstep4x4 · 05-22-2008, 11:42 AM

The steering boxes will work in our trucks. Somewhere in the 73-87 years the fittings were changed on the box so that will need to be addressed. I believe that if you get one in the 73-81 years it will be a direct swap.

Jim

Longhorn Man · 05-22-2008, 01:20 PM

AND... you'll benifit from a variable ratio box too.

caminokid · 05-22-2008, 02:40 PM

Since I am gutting the 87...thats what I am going to try and use it.

**special-K** · 05-22-2008, 03:21 PM

You`ll just need custom hoses because the fittings are different.I guess it depends on which pump you have.I`d imagine with the later pump the lines for an`87 would work...right?

joe231 · 05-22-2008, 03:43 PM

use the gear box and pump from the same donor, or you can swap the fitting that screws into the pump to get the correct style fittings. i had a truck that the PO had a custom high pressure hose made, works fine, but if you have a leak in BFE you might have trouble getting a hose made. you could have a spare made and carry it with you

**Hart_Rod** · 05-22-2008, 06:08 PM

Are the 73-87 fittings the same as you would find on a late model 5.3/6.0?

**Palf70Step** · 05-22-2008, 07:37 PM

I believe 81 was the year that they went from the flared/SAE thead fittings to the metric/O-ring fittings. Any of the O-ring fitting box should mate up to late model pumps, including the 5.3 etc.

As mentioned which ever way you go, get the pump also from the donor vehicle, and swap the fitting on the back of your pump with the one from the donor vehicle. That way you can use a standard hi-pressure line (donor vehicle).

Since I went Late model serpetine setup on my engine, I swapped back to the SAE/Flared line setup to mate to my 72 steering box.

neonlarry · 05-22-2008, 09:10 PM

You can also get adapters and keep your hoses:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=242458

Indyuke · 05-22-2008, 10:53 PM

I recently put a p/s box out of a 1977 scottsdale into my 1970. Bolted right in without any modifications whatsoever.

Green Machine · 05-22-2008, 11:55 PM

Make sure you use the rag joint that is with the box, shaft size changed sometime in there, and may need to swap pitman arm.

BP68 · 05-23-2008, 04:30 AM

I have a gearbox off a 89 Suburban on mine. I am using the serpentine belt setup off the suburban also. I had to use the lower half of the Suburban rag joint on the 72 tilt column shaft.

Mondo · 05-23-2008, 05:25 AM

Wish I would of found this discussion a couple months ago when I installed a quick ratio gearbox on my 67.

I don't really care for it... it's great when driving under 50 and for sharp turns but it's too sensitive when going over 60. A variable ratio sounds like the hot ticket.

caminokid · 05-23-2008, 02:37 PM

I plan on grabbing everything off the 87. There isnt going to be alot left of the 87. Yesterday the motor and trans was out in a hour. Since it all was just put in about 2 months ago...it all was still fresh to put it. My truck is manual and its been a real pain at times to drive it. 20 years ago it wasnt a big thing for me to drive a truck with out P/S...but at 40 it seems to be a major pain! Since I am grabbing the crossmember and whole front suspension...it should make and easy swap.

*FormerMember* · 05-23-2008, 05:33 PM

Confirming that 81 is the cut over year for flare to o-ring.

I've also used these with great success:
http://www.gottashow.com/ps_hose_kits.php

Stainless lines that use copper gaskets to seal, instead of o-ring or flare.

dan42 · 05-23-2008, 10:22 PM

What is "variable ratio"? I have a box out of a '79 with same ratio as the original box, and I'm pretty happy with it. I think the quick ratio was an option that year -?

caminokid · 05-27-2008, 03:38 AM

Ok to answer my own question of will it work...Yes it will! I took the whole front suspension and the steering box and P/S Pump. The engine cradle lined up perfect and there was two holes that didnt line up on the top so I will drill them out tomorrow. I loosely fit everything up to see how everything will look. Now I am wondering if I should grab the power brake booster off there and see if that will fit so I will have updated brakes too!

Heres some pics! I hope this will help the next person that thinks they want to do this!

**Palf70Step** · 05-27-2008, 04:12 AM

Brake booster isn't quite a bolt in, but Krue I know for one did it, so you might PM him and see what it took. It will definitely be helpful.

Longhorn Man · 05-27-2008, 05:13 AM

variable rate is where the center, say 1/4 turn past center in each direction is slow turning... the amount of steering you do 95% of the time when at speed, then the rest of the turning past that 1/4 turn cranks the wheel faster, like a quick ratio box.
You get the best of both worlds.

caminokid · 05-28-2008, 04:25 AM

Yeah the brake booster is a bust. Nothing lined up. So I am going to stay with the standard brakes.

tkmad · 05-28-2008, 09:05 PM

Were they all variable ratio from '73 on?

Longhorn Man · 05-29-2008, 12:03 AM

from my understanding, yes.

05-22-2008, 08:23 AM	#1
caminokid Chevy nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield, Illinois Posts: 2,266	An idea...Will it work?? Anyone ever tried to use a p/s box out of a 73 to 87?? Will it work?? Not work?? Am I crazy? __________________ 84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!"

05-22-2008, 11:42 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: An idea...Will it work?? The steering boxes will work in our trucks. Somewhere in the 73-87 years the fittings were changed on the box so that will need to be addressed. I believe that if you get one in the 73-81 years it will be a direct swap. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

05-22-2008, 01:20 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: An idea...Will it work?? AND... you'll benifit from a variable ratio box too.

05-22-2008, 02:40 PM	#4
caminokid Chevy nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield, Illinois Posts: 2,266	Re: An idea...Will it work?? Since I am gutting the 87...thats what I am going to try and use it. __________________ 84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!"

05-22-2008, 03:21 PM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: An idea...Will it work?? You`ll just need custom hoses because the fittings are different.I guess it depends on which pump you have.I`d imagine with the later pump the lines for an`87 would work...right? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-22-2008, 03:43 PM	#6
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: An idea...Will it work?? use the gear box and pump from the same donor, or you can swap the fitting that screws into the pump to get the correct style fittings. i had a truck that the PO had a custom high pressure hose made, works fine, but if you have a leak in BFE you might have trouble getting a hose made. you could have a spare made and carry it with you __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

05-22-2008, 06:08 PM	#7
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	Re: An idea...Will it work?? Are the 73-87 fittings the same as you would find on a late model 5.3/6.0? __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

05-22-2008, 07:37 PM	#8
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: An idea...Will it work?? I believe 81 was the year that they went from the flared/SAE thead fittings to the metric/O-ring fittings. Any of the O-ring fitting box should mate up to late model pumps, including the 5.3 etc. As mentioned which ever way you go, get the pump also from the donor vehicle, and swap the fitting on the back of your pump with the one from the donor vehicle. That way you can use a standard hi-pressure line (donor vehicle). Since I went Late model serpetine setup on my engine, I swapped back to the SAE/Flared line setup to mate to my 72 steering box. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 05-22-2008 at 07:38 PM.

05-22-2008, 09:10 PM	#9
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,745	Re: An idea...Will it work?? You can also get adapters and keep your hoses: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=242458 __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

05-22-2008, 10:53 PM	#10
Indyuke Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 623	Re: An idea...Will it work?? I recently put a p/s box out of a 1977 scottsdale into my 1970. Bolted right in without any modifications whatsoever.

05-22-2008, 11:55 PM	#11
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: An idea...Will it work?? Make sure you use the rag joint that is with the box, shaft size changed sometime in there, and may need to swap pitman arm. __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

05-23-2008, 04:30 AM	#12
BP68 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Olive Branch, MS Posts: 824	Re: An idea...Will it work?? I have a gearbox off a 89 Suburban on mine. I am using the serpentine belt setup off the suburban also. I had to use the lower half of the Suburban rag joint on the 72 tilt column shaft. __________________ 68 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 06 Chevy Ext Cab Fleetside 03 Grand Prix GTP My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=269999

05-23-2008, 05:25 AM	#13
Mondo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 538	Re: An idea...Will it work?? Wish I would of found this discussion a couple months ago when I installed a quick ratio gearbox on my 67. I don't really care for it... it's great when driving under 50 and for sharp turns but it's too sensitive when going over 60. A variable ratio sounds like the hot ticket.

05-23-2008, 02:37 PM	#14
caminokid Chevy nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield, Illinois Posts: 2,266	Re: An idea...Will it work?? I plan on grabbing everything off the 87. There isnt going to be alot left of the 87. Yesterday the motor and trans was out in a hour. Since it all was just put in about 2 months ago...it all was still fresh to put it. My truck is manual and its been a real pain at times to drive it. 20 years ago it wasnt a big thing for me to drive a truck with out P/S...but at 40 it seems to be a major pain! Since I am grabbing the crossmember and whole front suspension...it should make and easy swap. __________________ 84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!"

05-23-2008, 05:33 PM	#15
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: An idea...Will it work?? Confirming that 81 is the cut over year for flare to o-ring. I've also used these with great success: http://www.gottashow.com/ps_hose_kits.php Stainless lines that use copper gaskets to seal, instead of o-ring or flare. Last edited by FormerMember; 05-23-2008 at 05:36 PM.



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05-23-2008, 10:22 PM	#16
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: An idea...Will it work?? What is "variable ratio"? I have a box out of a '79 with same ratio as the original box, and I'm pretty happy with it. I think the quick ratio was an option that year -? __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

05-27-2008, 03:38 AM	#17
caminokid Chevy nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield, Illinois Posts: 2,266	Re: An idea...Will it work?? Ok to answer my own question of will it work...Yes it will! I took the whole front suspension and the steering box and P/S Pump. The engine cradle lined up perfect and there was two holes that didnt line up on the top so I will drill them out tomorrow. I loosely fit everything up to see how everything will look. Now I am wondering if I should grab the power brake booster off there and see if that will fit so I will have updated brakes too! Heres some pics! I hope this will help the next person that thinks they want to do this! __________________ 84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!"

05-27-2008, 04:12 AM	#18
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: An idea...Will it work?? Brake booster isn't quite a bolt in, but Krue I know for one did it, so you might PM him and see what it took. It will definitely be helpful. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

05-27-2008, 05:13 AM	#19
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: An idea...Will it work?? variable rate is where the center, say 1/4 turn past center in each direction is slow turning... the amount of steering you do 95% of the time when at speed, then the rest of the turning past that 1/4 turn cranks the wheel faster, like a quick ratio box. You get the best of both worlds.

05-28-2008, 04:25 AM	#20
caminokid Chevy nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield, Illinois Posts: 2,266	Re: An idea...Will it work?? Yeah the brake booster is a bust. Nothing lined up. So I am going to stay with the standard brakes. __________________ 84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!"

05-28-2008, 09:05 PM	#21
tkmad Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thousand Oaks Ca Posts: 51	Re: An idea...Will it work?? Were they all variable ratio from '73 on?

05-29-2008, 12:03 AM	#22
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: An idea...Will it work?? from my understanding, yes.

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