68 convesion manual to power steering

[Erl]

I am presently converting my 68 3/4 4x4 from manual to power steering. I have the power box and am geting ready to mount it to the frame (dimpling the frame). But before I do this I would like to get all the parts together. The steering arm for the manual unit is straight and is held on with 4 bolts. I believe that a U shaped steering arm is required. Is a 69 P/S steering arm (U shaped) the only one that will work with the closed nuckle? Will the drag links from a 70-72 model work? Does anyone have these parts to sell?
Thanks
Erl

[kwmech]

Are you saying the frame is already dimpled? Otherwise everything should bolt up including the drag link. Most of the swaps I have done included a disc brake front axle. You may want to verify that the taper in the arms are correct.

OOPs I reread your post--I think the difference in the length of the drag link will be about 2-3 inches if the link is going to lay flat, and you want to keep the drum brake front axle/closed knuckle, you may have to have the hole welded up on the arm and retapered for a shorter tie rod end and then possibly a custom threaded tube to connect them together. Or you could go disc brake now and get it over with

[Erl]

Does the steering shaft that is connected to the steering wheel and rag joint need to be changed.

[olblue60@aol.com]

Hi Erl

I am collecting parts to do the same thing to my 68 K10 suburban. I know what you are questioning about the drag link.
If your 68 is like mine, the manual drag link is pretty much fixed with the link bolts pointing the same direction out of each end of the link.
I was noticing that in the LMC parts catalog(which by the way seems to have the most suspension parts available) That they have a clear diagram of the 4WD power steering setup. The draglink in the picture there shows the draglink with the theraded link bolts pointing in opposite directions,with an ajustable sleeve in the center.All 3 parts are just less than $75, and to me should be new when converted anyway. I dont have the experience of the conversion yet, but it looks like something that needs to be different for the conversion? Their catalogs are free if you have the time to get one. Good diagram to compare what you have against what you may need.

John

[687980chevy]

My 68 K-10 has allready been changed,(before I bought it)It also has a late model(85) axle.It looks all stock from the rag joint up. I can measure steeringshaft distance ect. if you need it.I have an ajustable draglink like a 73-87 4x4.Hope this helps

[Erl]

I have included a photo to show what a 69 model with factory power steering looks like (thanks 1969GMC). The power steering arm was unique to the late 68 and 69 4x4 trucks. The 70-72 style steering arm will not work. The power steering arm is about 6 inches in length and the manual is about 7.75 inches (center to center). The picture shows a solid drag link as you stated. I have not found the solid 69 drag link new. I have purchased the three piece 70-72 set from NAPA that LMC shows. The NAPA parts are US made Dana. The 69 steering arm has a different taper for the tie rod end than the 70-72 tie rod end. I am looking for the proper tapered reamer to resize the hole. I hope to have it figured out in a week or two.
I hope your frame has the intention in place (late 68 models) to accept the power steering box. I just spent the weekend modifing the frame and drilling new mounting holes. If you have any questions on how to do it let me know.

[olblue60@aol.com]

Sounds like you are alot further along in the research than me. Any info is appreciated. My frame is like yours used to be without the indention for the box. Thanks

John