power steering conversion questions(lots of em)

[19GMC63]

Hey guys,
I've searched and searched and have found several different answers.

What work is involved in converting a 2wd truck to power steering?

I know I need to get a pre-87 box and pump/brakets and lines. (i'll make a trip to pull-a-part for that)

Once I have all that, what will I have to do?
Will the newer pitman arm work with the old centerlink?
Will I have to shorten the steering shaft? If so, how do I go about doing that?
If I can get the newer steering column with the box, should I just do that?
And do I need that adapter plate? If so, who has the cheapest one?

thanks in advance

[LILRED66]

I have done the conversion on several '64-'66 Chevy trucks, both two wheel drive and 4x4, as well as 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton. I have found this site very informative in teaching the basics of the conversion and I suggest you give it a try:

http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/power_steer.html

I personally, install new steering components. I don't like the notion of installing something that has 20 plus years of use on something as important as steering. Power steering pumps and gear boxes will last that long with moderate wear & tear, however I prefer to install new, if my budget allows.

I have purchases a kit offered on eBay, to do a few of the power steering conversions. It runs around $400.00 and includes new components, including, power steering pump, engine mounting brackets, hoses, Saginaw power steering gear box, Pitman arm and steering column adapter sleeve and rag joint. For the money, buying a kit with all new equipment, is worth the investment.

Some of these kits also include the frame backing plates, for frame stiffening and gear box mounting. I don't use these kits now, because I have them custom fabricated from stainless steel and Grade 8 fasteners. They look like this:

[19GMC63]

I would love to buy new, but this tuck is a low budget build. My wallet just isn't fat enough.

thats a good idea on the custom plates. How much did it cost to get those custom fabbed?

[19GMC63]

Thanks for the link, a lot of usefull info.

So if I get a steering column and box off the same donor truck, I wouldn't have to shorten anything right?

[LILRED66]

Here is a link to a current eBay auction for the power steering conversion kit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/60-66...27461304QQrdZ1

[David Flores]

Here's another one, used.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1963-...QQcmdZViewItem

[19GMC63]

anyone know where the cheapest adapter plates can be found?

[55dude]

Originally Posted by LILRED66

I have done the conversion on several '64-'66 Chevy trucks, both two wheel drive and 4x4, as well as 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton. I have found this site very informative in teaching the basics of the conversion and I suggest you give it a try:

http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/power_steer.html

I personally, install new steering components. I don't like the notion of installing something that has 20 plus years of use on something as important as steering. Power steering pumps and gear boxes will last that long with moderate wear & tear, however I prefer to install new, if my budget allows.

I have purchases a kit offered on eBay, to do a few of the power steering conversions. It runs around $400.00 and includes new components, including, power steering pump, engine mounting brackets, hoses, Saginaw power steering gear box, Pitman arm and steering column adapter sleeve and rag joint. For the money, buying a kit with all new equipment, is worth the investment.

Some of these kits also include the frame backing plates, for frame stiffening and gear box mounting. I don't use these kits now, because I have them custom fabricated from stainless steel and Grade 8 fasteners. They look like this:

don't happen to have a copy of the template or pattern of these do you. or maybe a pdf on computer you could e-mail a guy?

[LILRED66]

Sorry I don't have a copy of the template or a .pdf file. The cheapest I have seen them for is about $65.00. Maybe you can find a used kit at a swap meet or on eBay for less money.

Tony

[Woogeroo]

here is something to read up on:

Power Steering and a Tilt Wheel for the '65

rez install instructions, pg 1

rez install instructions, pg 2

Power Steering Retrofit - Make Your Classic Truck More Driveable
Adding Power Steering - 60-66 trucks


-W

p.s.

different vendors sell the REZ kits, you can call REZ and find out who might be closest to you.

REZ Engineering - No website yet, call or write - power steering kit. used trucks to part out(particularly 4x4). 1960 - 1966 Chevy/GMC. - PO Box 1584 - Great Falls, Montana 59405 - Ph. 406-727-9267

[steverino66]

I bought an 83 donor truck for $200, grabbed the entire front end, crossmember, steering box, tilt column and all, bought a steering conversion kit from CPP on eBay, $85 shipped:
http://stores.ebay.com/Classic-Performance-Products
I haven't put it all together yet, plan to have the frontend soft parts replaced.