73-87 crossmember swap with manual steering

[62stepside longbox]

Hey everyone. I'm picking up a '78 donor truck in a couple days. I bought it to use the front crossmember, rear end, 5 lug stealies, power brakes and possibly power steering. My question is can I swap to the later crossmember without using the power steering gearbox? Can I use the manual gearbox that is allready on the truck? My reason for wanting to do this is because the truck has a 235 and a power steering pump bracket would have to found or made for it. So I would like to stay with the manual steering for now. Thanks

[Captainfab]

I'm not sure if the '60-'62 may be different, but I know on the '63-'66's you can use the original manual steering box with the later model steering linkage.

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I'm not sure if the '60-'62 may be different, but I know on the '63-'66's you can use the original manual steering box with the later model steering linkage.

Thanks for the response John, I'll try it and if it doesn't work I'll just switch over to power steering

[notsolo]

62 Steering box will work fine, I used and 83 cross member 25 yrs ago no problems. If you go with power steering you will most likely have to alter or change steering column.

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by notsolo

62 Steering box will work fine, I used and 83 cross member 25 yrs ago no problems. If you go with power steering you will most likely have to alter or change steering column.

Ok that's good to hear, if i do use power steering I think I'll need to cut the steering shaft and put in a hollow piece of tubing ( so the steering wheel doesn't shoot right up at me if I get in an accident).