Front end swap, again

[MS66]

If you are going to use a 1969 up saginaw power steering unit, you need to change out the steering column to a 1969 up column. The 68 column won't work with the saginaw box.

Originally Posted by 67 twins

Why? I don't believe this is true. It'll work with a 67 column and aren't 67 & 68 columns the same.

No, they aren't the same. One is a '67, and one is a '68..... I kid. I'm almost sure they're the same, but don't hold me to it. What steering sector did you use on your swap?
Chris, you have all the '67s up there with you, save us some.

[67 twins]

Originally Posted by MS66

No, they aren't the same. One is a '67, and one is a '68..... I kid. I'm almost sure they're the same, but don't hold me to it. What steering sector did you use on your swap?
Chris, you have all the '67s up there with you, save us some.

My wife's is the only one converted( personally I would never convert one to power steering. In my opinion it's a waste of time & money.) I don't know what box was used initially because it was already converted when we got it. However I later swapped it for one from an 81 donor because it had significant slop. Now you might think whomever did the conversion modified the column but I can assure you that's not the case. I know because later I also replaced just the steering shaft because her lower bearing had come apart and scored the shaft. I used an original 67 shaft that I got from member DON D. everything went together with no problems.

[ZEKE68]

Its been ten years so I do not remember all of the details, but I know that I HAD TO replace the 68 steering column when I installed a 69 up Saginaw PS box in my 68. As you know the 68 trucks were optioned with a different type of power steering than the 69 up trucks. Try it and see.

[67 twins]

Originally Posted by ZEKE68

Its been ten years so I do not remember all of the details, but I know that I HAD TO replace the 68 steering column when I installed a 69 up Saginaw PS box in my 68. As you know the 68 trucks were optioned with a different type of power steering than the 69 up trucks. Try it and see.

I believe you DID change your column. I don't believe you HAD to. The reason being, I have never heard anyone else say this. If it were so many other people would have mentioned it before. You're the only one!

[MS66]

Originally Posted by 67 twins

My wife's is the only one converted( personally I would never convert one to power steering. In my opinion it's a waste of time & money.)

Good for you, you don't have a broken wrist giving you fits when you're driving an old farm truck.

Originally Posted by ZEKE68

Its been ten years so I do not remember all of the details, but I know that I HAD TO replace the 68 steering column when I installed a 69 up Saginaw PS box in my 68. As you know the 68 trucks were optioned with a different type of power steering than the 69 up trucks. Try it and see.

No sir, I am not familiar with the differences between the '68 spec PS sectors compared to the '69 and later sectors. Is that what some on here have referred to as the "Armstrong" PS box, or is that a play on words? I get the comment about swapping columns, but I'm still trying to figure out the EXACT reason something needs to be changed. Whether it is because of the length of the steering shaft, or the flange where the rag joint mounts, or most likely both. BTW, you're not the only one that has mentioned there is a difference between them. Thanks.

Originally Posted by 67 twins

I believe you DID change your column. I don't believe you HAD to. The reason being, I have never heard anyone else say this. If it were so many other people would have mentioned it before. You're the only one!

No, he isn't the only one that mentions there is a difference, several on here have mentioned it. From every year Chevy truck I've ever worked on, depends on the gear box and column, there can be different configurations of the rag joints connecting the column shaft to the sector. It can be a PITA to get the proper joint. That may be part of what some people have had problems with is the rag joint configuration, then there might be the length, being that the steering shaft on my '68 is semi solid. I haven't looked at it rag joints yet. Good thing you don't want PS on yours.