power steering - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

primetime · 02-18-2010, 11:04 AM

how hard is it to swap in a power steering system? i have a 1977 swb with inline 6. i have not learned which inline 6 it is yet. seems that it could be a 250 or 292. but how difficult is it to install power steering? i feel like i'm driving a "duece-and-a-half".

**old Rusty C10** · 02-18-2010, 11:34 AM

tiy will need the power steering pump with the brackets and spacers for that and the other engine accessories the steering box and the lines to start. You will also need a different set of pulleys and the belts and the harmonic balancer pulleys will have to be changed. Its a heck of alot easier if you remove the radiator shroud. I do not remember but im sure someone else will chime in if you have to change the lower part of your steering column to fir the gear on the top of the steering box. ITs not hard its direct bolt up stuff, but it can be tricky and time consuming to line it all up correctly.

D13 · 02-18-2010, 01:01 PM

First you need to know what L6. side covers (on passenger side of engine) are 4 1/2" on 250 and 6" on 292. C10 is 90% a 250 but check. Brackets do NOT interchange between them. Next, is your head and intake all one piece (hint -is there a removable mainfold between the carb and the valve cover, if there is only 1 casting then yours is 'integrated)'. Upper brackets do NOT interchange between them.

You will need a double groove balancer (probably already has one) and a double groove water pump pulley (probably doesn't have one) plus the correct brackets. Some set-ups use a double groove alternator pulley too but usually you can get aroun this (assuming you don't have AC or a smog pump). I'm not sure if a V8 pump will work or not, you'd have to check (the pulley location relative to the brackets must line up with the balancer and the location of the tube on the pump must clear the brackets). V8 brackets will NOT work, don't know about the pulleys. Then the hoses (cam be made by NAPA, be sure you have the correct outlet and inlet. Then a steering box and pitman arm (and there are 2 differnt hose threads possible at the box).

Best bet is to find out which motor you have then find a truck like yours to scavenge for parts.

primetime · 02-18-2010, 07:38 PM

as far as the steering gear box goes, what years can i take from? i have access to a 72 c10 with power steering. 2wd same as my 77.

02-18-2010, 11:04 AM	#1
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	power steering how hard is it to swap in a power steering system? i have a 1977 swb with inline 6. i have not learned which inline 6 it is yet. seems that it could be a 250 or 292. but how difficult is it to install power steering? i feel like i'm driving a "duece-and-a-half". __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

02-18-2010, 11:34 AM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,287	Re: power steering tiy will need the power steering pump with the brackets and spacers for that and the other engine accessories the steering box and the lines to start. You will also need a different set of pulleys and the belts and the harmonic balancer pulleys will have to be changed. Its a heck of alot easier if you remove the radiator shroud. I do not remember but im sure someone else will chime in if you have to change the lower part of your steering column to fir the gear on the top of the steering box. ITs not hard its direct bolt up stuff, but it can be tricky and time consuming to line it all up correctly. __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

02-18-2010, 01:01 PM	#3
D13 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Memphis MI Posts: 1,851	Re: power steering First you need to know what L6. side covers (on passenger side of engine) are 4 1/2" on 250 and 6" on 292. C10 is 90% a 250 but check. Brackets do NOT interchange between them. Next, is your head and intake all one piece (hint -is there a removable mainfold between the carb and the valve cover, if there is only 1 casting then yours is 'integrated)'. Upper brackets do NOT interchange between them. You will need a double groove balancer (probably already has one) and a double groove water pump pulley (probably doesn't have one) plus the correct brackets. Some set-ups use a double groove alternator pulley too but usually you can get aroun this (assuming you don't have AC or a smog pump). I'm not sure if a V8 pump will work or not, you'd have to check (the pulley location relative to the brackets must line up with the balancer and the location of the tube on the pump must clear the brackets). V8 brackets will NOT work, don't know about the pulleys. Then the hoses (cam be made by NAPA, be sure you have the correct outlet and inlet. Then a steering box and pitman arm (and there are 2 differnt hose threads possible at the box). Best bet is to find out which motor you have then find a truck like yours to scavenge for parts. __________________ 1987 2 ton 1982 250/TH350 beater in progress Dad's 1981 3/4 L6 3 on tree posi and no options, awaiting restoration or scrapping Plus a mess o' tractors

02-18-2010, 07:38 PM	#4
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: power steering as far as the steering gear box goes, what years can i take from? i have access to a 72 c10 with power steering. 2wd same as my 77. __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)



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