Questions on Power Steering for a 70 Short Stepper

[bzblaine]

I have read so many threads addressing this topic. I am extremely novice so I have a couple of question, and would like a couple of confirmations.

A little about the truck
I have the 1970 C10 Stepside Shortbed. I currently has manual steering and its killing me. it has a late 80s 468 jammed into it. I'm working on an extreme budget and just can afford new parts for now.

Questions and Confirmations

1. From my understanding, changing from manual to power will not require frame mods for my year. Correct? ... if its required, I can make the dimple, its no problem..

2. I understand that I can use gearboxes from 67-86 and they will all bolt up and use same fittings..

3. From 87-91, the will bolt right up but will require an adapter fitting. Or, I can change the pump port with the one from the 87-91 pump.

4. Being as I am using a late 80s engine, would I need to use the mounting brackets from a similar year, or will any BBC bracket work? What about using universal style pump brackets?

5. Will I need a new steering coupler?

6. Being as I am using a late 80s engine, Would i have to use a newer style pump with bracket?

7. Pitman arms.... if I use a 67-86 box, I will have to get a PS pitman, I believe .. if I use a 87-91 box, what pit would I use?

8. For any box from 67-91, will it require any other steering components? Idler, Center link. ETC.

9. For 67-91, will any box work from the C10, C20, C30? What about the R series? 4X4? C/K 1500 2500 3500?

I'm so sorry if these question were answered on another thread. I must have read over 50 different thread over the last 2 weeks before deciding to propose some questions. There was conflicting info on some other things which is why I'd like confirmation for those.


Any info will help. I will have to get everything from a junk yard and my budget is very tight, so I want to make sure I have all the facts before pulling and purchasing parts.

Thanks in advance.

[VetteVet]

Try these, you probably have read some of them.

https://www.google.com/search?domain...D%3A1%3B&hl=en

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by VetteVet

Try these, you probably have read some of them.

https://www.google.com/search?domain...D%3A1%3B&hl=en

Yeah, I've read about all of them. I didn't see these questions answered. That's why I was hoping for clarification.

[Bigdav160]

I thought the GMT400 trucks had an inboard mounted steering gear so that application is a no-go.

Wait, unless you are talking Blazer, Suburban and OBS Square Body
Never mind. I can't help with your questions

[buds56]

I'll give it a try based on my experiences

1- Yes

2- Yes but around 1980 the fittings were changed to metric and a set of Lee adapters ( https://leepowersteering.com/collect...sae-conversion )may be needed depending on the year of your PS pump and hoses.

3- In 88 they changed the body style except for Suburbans C-30 and Blazers which still used the old squarebody style until around 91.


4- Not familiar with the BBC bracketry


5- I would get a new one anyway


6- Once you get a PS pump on your block, it depends on the hoses and the year of your box, 80 and newer, metric fittings


7- 8-9-Yes- a PS pitman arm, I would stick to 87 and earlier to avoid confusion when buying parts.

Hope some of this helps,Good Luck