Power steering conversion in '57 3200

[1project2many]

Why do people stay away from power assist systems for stock or mild trucks with stock beam axle? I've seen complete 70's and 80's Corvette systems available for under $200 on E-bay/ Craigslist which would provide a cylinder and control valve. That would allow you to keep the stock steering and geometry and if done well it will appear stock.

FWIW I once had a Safety (the S looked like the Saginaw S) power steering setup from a 57 GMC 3/4 ton that was fully optioned. While Chevy used a power assist cylinder, GMC used a power box similar to modern cars. The system worked well although I tried to use it with a modern pump and ultimately had troubles keeping seals installed. I haven't seen one of those boxes again but I'm always on the lookout.