Another Power Steering Conversion Thread

[Captainfab]

Once you have an alignment done, and the tierods adjusted to achieve equal turning both ways, you should be good. You can use the original idler arm or convert to the '73-'87 idler. I typically convert the entire steering linkage to the '73-'87 components.

[Heater63]

Thanks Captain,.... one other thing I just thought of...I haven't measured the length of my '63 idler arm and compare it to the length of the '86 PS pitman. I would think they should be the same length, so that the arc of travel would be the same. If the '63 is too long, that could be part of my issue.

[brokenspoke]

Any suggestions on hose part numbers for pre metric box and pump???

[64fleetside]

V8? Try Edelman #70911

[Captainfab]

That depends on what engine you have. If it is a small block, does it have a short or long water pump?

Originally Posted by brokenspoke

Any suggestions on hose part numbers for pre metric box and pump???

[brokenspoke]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

That depends on what engine you have. If it is a small block, does it have a short or long water pump?

283.... short pump....

[MalibuKasey]

hmmmm good info. Im stoked.... Im sending Capt. the cash today for a couple of his kits. Me and a buddy are going to do them at the same time. I just have to rebuild the box first. not that I "have" to... but I want to.

[Captainfab]

Then the easiest option is to find a pump, brackets and pulleys for a '68-'72 truck. Get the hoses for the same year of truck as the pump.

Originally Posted by brokenspoke

283.... short pump....

[ol_skool_chevy]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Then the easiest option is to find a pump, brackets and pulleys for a '68-'72 truck. Get the hoses for the same year of truck as the pump.

So you said for a 283 with a short water pump its easier to use a 68-72 pump and brackets and pulleys with same year hoses. but
1. Will those hoses fit all 68-88 C 10-20-20 trucks power steering boxes?..

2. Was there ever a quick ratio box from GM that will work?
I already know about after market quick ratio boxs

[1955 mancave]

WOW what a great read, alot of great info, now i will wait to hear from cpt-fab so i can order some parts.

[Captainfab]

Sorry, I somehow missed this post.

Those hoses will fit a '68-'79 power steering box. In 1980, GM went to a Metric with an O-ring style fitting.

I'm not sure if there was an actual quicker ratio, but there was a variable ratio box available as an option in the mid to late 70's. Might have been available other years also, that's just the years I have seen them. Somewhere I have a part number for a rebuilt quicker/variable ratio steering box. I'll see if I can find it.

Originally Posted by ol_skool_chevy

So you said for a 283 with a short water pump its easier to use a 68-72 pump and brackets and pulleys with same year hoses. but
1. Will those hoses fit all 68-88 C 10-20-20 trucks power steering boxes?..

2. Was there ever a quick ratio box from GM that will work?
I already know about after market quick ratio boxs

[88Lt1wagon]

Here's a list I've compiled and prices at the Spokane Pull and Save. Am I missing anything for these conversions?

[Captainfab]

You do not want a steering box from a '88-'98. Those mount on the inside of the frame and will not work. You need one from a '68-'86 C series truck, or the '87-'91 R series truck.

Are these parts not available down in the Tri-Cities?

Some of those parts you will need 2 of. Such as the lower control arms, spindles, rotors, calipers, etc.

Depending on your capabilities, you may find it easier to connect your original steering column, if you also purchase the tube and flange I sell.

Originally Posted by 88Lt1wagon

Here's a list I've compiled and prices at the Spokane Pull and Save. Am I missing anything for these conversions?

[88Lt1wagon]

We don't have a Pull and Save down here, our junk yards are pretty proud of their junk. That's all well and good for a piece or two at a time, but it'll save me a lot of money to drive up to Spokane for a day or two and get the bulk of what I need.

Haha, I don't know why I didn't think to double the prices for things that are on both sides, I'll update them, my main concern was getting a comprehensive list before I head off to the yard. It'll probably be after New Year's before I get up there, but I feel better about it.

I'll probably get your tube flange, too. You've been an awesome resource on this board, thanks for all your help :-)

[Bearcamp]

So in other words if I want to install 72-87 upper and lower control arms, disc brakes and power steering from the donor truck I would have to go through the same mods you did? I was thinking I could just bolt on the box and away we go?

[Captainfab]

When you come up to Spokane, you could also pickup the parts from me if you want. I'm about 30 miles from Pull and Save.

In fact I also have some of the parts you are wanting from Pull and Save.

Originally Posted by 88Lt1wagon

We don't have a Pull and Save down here, our junk yards are pretty proud of their junk. That's all well and good for a piece or two at a time, but it'll save me a lot of money to drive up to Spokane for a day or two and get the bulk of what I need.

Haha, I don't know why I didn't think to double the prices for things that are on both sides, I'll update them, my main concern was getting a comprehensive list before I head off to the yard. It'll probably be after New Year's before I get up there, but I feel better about it.

I'll probably get your tube flange, too. You've been an awesome resource on this board, thanks for all your help :-)

[Captainfab]

If all you want is power steering, you do not have to change anything else. Just install the box with an adapter plate. If you are wanting front disc brakes, there are about 3 ways to go about that. Here is a thread that explains most everything you will need to know. It is in the '60-'66 FAQ Index at the top of the 60-66 forum main page. Lots of other informative threads linked in there.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=367260

Originally Posted by Bearcamp

So in other words if I want to install 72-87 upper and lower control arms, disc brakes and power steering from the donor truck I would have to go through the same mods you did? I was thinking I could just bolt on the box and away we go?

[88Lt1wagon]

Awesome, sounds good

Originally Posted by Captainfab

When you come up to Spokane, you could also pickup the parts from me if you want. I'm about 30 miles from Pull and Save.

In fact I also have some of the parts you are wanting from Pull and Save.

[likaroc13]

Okay, I need some help please. My dad is working on my truck in MS & is having some issues with the idler arm. Now I went the more unconventional route I suppose. I have the original '66 centerlink, a new '66 idler arm, new '66 outer tie rods (for inner location), new '72 outer tie rods (for outer location), new '72 pitman arm, POL conversion sleeves, & new '72 P/S gear box.

My dad says that the idler arm is not hooking up to the centerlink correctly. He said it puts the centerlink in a position so that it hits the crossmember. I saw where this was questioned towards the end of page 2 & top of this page. From what I understand, the '66 idler arm should work. Can anyone shed some light on what he might be doing wrong?