Power Steering Swap - What Years Fit?

[eastcoastcivil]

I have a 2wd 67 C20 with manual steering and I would like to swap it to power steering. I was wondering if the 74-87 Chevy and GMC truck gear boxes and pumps were an easy swap? Or vans, or cars....

[Jim_PA]

I have 73+ power steering on mine. It was done by previous owner, but I think with a 67, you'll need to use some spacers or something for the power steering box. I'm sure someone else can shed some more light on this.

[eastcoastcivil]

Anybody??

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I know the later model str. gear boxes fit 68 up but i'm not completly sure on the 67 model. If not there is a mounting kit available for the 60 up models. The 79 back boxes used inverted flare fittings on the hose connections, while 80 up used o-ring type metric. There are some variations in the connection to the steering column but you can use the corresponding rag joint.

[71swb4x4]

Your 67 is more than likely missing the dimple in the frame to let the steering box mount up to the frame properly. You will need to space the steering box out away from the frame. I know GMC Pauls sells a mounting kit, and I am sure many other board vendors do as well.

[eastcoastcivil]

Is there any way I can use the power steering gear box and pump from a 68 1/2 ton 4x4 with a straight 6 in it?

[rsavage]

The pump should be no problem. I believe that there is a difference between the 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive power steering boxes. NAPA has two different part numbers, for example, for a 68 2 wheel drive vs. 4 wheel drive.

[Average Joe]

Not trying to hi-jack here but I have a similar question. I currently own a '67 c-10 'burb with a manual steering box. I will be aquiring a 1984 3/4 ton suburban with power steering in the near future. Will I be able to use the steering box from the 84 3/4 ton on my '67 1/2 ton? I understand that I will have to "dimple" the frame as it is a 67 model. I already have the pump and brackets for the '67. Any and all help would be much appreciated. -Brian

[Captainfab]

The '67's have the correct hole pattern for the '69-'87 power steering boxes, they just lack the frame 'indent' to clear the backside of the box. However they do have a slight raised boss around each bolt hole, so all that is needed is a .250" spacer on each boss to gain the necessary clearance.

[rsavage]

I can't remember what year they switched to metric fittings on the boxes and pumps so you might have to get some adapters. When i converted my 66 six or seven years ago, I used the bracket kit rather than dimple the frame. It came with a hefty steel plate for the inside of the frame and the steel spacers. Just liked the idea of beefing up the frame where there was going to be additional stress placed rather than heating it and bashing it in. I think you have to cut your steering shaft too as the PS box is longer. They sell a rag joint coupler that slides over the shaft about 6 " which gives it some adjustability. Much easier than trying to cut that shaft exactly and then having the rag joint end welded onto it straight. Definitely worth the $60-70 for the piece. Once the rag joint is hooked up. you can cross drill and bolt with grade 8's and then weld or have it welded for extra measure. I have experienced no tracking or steering issues with the kit.
Adding power steering is one of the best mods you can do for pure driving enjoyment of these old trucks. Next in importace, I believe, is adding power brakes if you don't have them.

[geezer#99]

My 67 GMC has the raised bosses but no indent and has a power steering box from a 77 installed. No spacers, no brackets.

[Average Joe]

So a c-10 uses the same box as a c-20? Any idea if the late model pittman arm will work as well?

[My F4i]

i have a 69 fleetside with no power brakes or pwer steering. I am finding that 73-87 parts should be interchangeable with my 69 parts. But is this only between trucks and suburbans, or will they also be interchangeable with vans and cars?