Converting to power steering - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fire235 · 03-24-2005, 05:01 PM

I have a 68 non-power steering truck that I would like to convert to power steering. The frame already has the dimple that is required, but I am unsure what all parts I will have to buy. Can anybody tell me ALL that will be required to make this swap. I was told I would have to change out the center link, pitman arm and coupler. Is that true, and if so where can I get the parts needed? Thanks for the info.

shifty · 03-24-2005, 05:42 PM

The following is a list of the parts you will probably need and an idea of what they cost to buy brand new. If you're buying used parts, you can get for as little as ¼ of the cost of new, but ... someone already used some of the life out of it.

Pitman arm for power steering - $40
2WD rebuilt power steering box - $225
Power steering pump/fluid resevoir assembly - $80

Mounting brackets for the pump/resevoir are necessary and may come with it. Also necessary are the two hydraulic lines that connect the pump to the power steering box.

I think that's everything. If not, I guess someone else can chip in. I also have a '68 (shortstep) without PS, but with the dimple. I created another thread on this a while back (search forum for "dimple").

NOTE: I think there may be two types of pulley on the PS pump and resevoir, so ... just a heads up.

stickshift_or_walk · 03-24-2005, 06:34 PM

And the coupler (rag joint). The input shaft diameter is different on the PS gearbox. Pull one from a donor Chevy PU (can be up through early 80's) and get a rebuild kit (if needed) from the Help! section at the parts store.

You can also use a later model pump if you can find one with the right pulley. You may run across metric o-ringed fittings on the back of the pump. You can use a fitting from an old worn-out pump to retrofit to the non-o-ring hoses that are correct for your model year. The big fitting (arrow below) screws out from the rear of the pump and can be interchanged as needed. Don't lose the spring.

SSOW

68speedalert · 03-24-2005, 07:51 PM

Your biggest problem is finding the mounting brackets for the pump. Finding a complete donor truck is the easiest. Late model pump mounts(73 & up) will not work with our truck's waterpump. (sbc v8). You can go with later waterump, but then need to put alt. on other side of engine.

What engine you got?

As mentioned in another thread, you won't have to change the drag link, get a pitman arm for a 68-70 truck.

BTW, many guys find donor a 73-87 truck, and completely change the crossmember. It bolts right in I've been told. This gives you a ps box, disc brakes, sometimes a sway bar. All you need is the pump and hoses. Be aware that it will be a 5 lug set up.

longhorn71 · 03-25-2005, 02:32 AM

I put a 84 c-10 set up in the 72 1-ton.
Here is what i did
the power box,water pump,brackets alternator bracket,pitman arm,it all bloted in.The rag joint also macthed up.

**pjmoreland** · 03-25-2005, 03:55 AM

You may also need two-groove crankshaft and water pump pulleys if you don't already have them, and a belt. There's also a little clamp shaped like an "M" that holds the hydraulic lines to the top of the chassis.

fire235 · 03-25-2005, 09:47 AM

Great info guys. Thanks for the replies.

**ScottH** · 03-25-2005, 11:39 AM

Not to highjack the thread, but would a pitman arm from a 71-72 work in the 68, or is it specific to that year w/PS?

68speedalert · 03-25-2005, 02:22 PM

Read here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=147515

longhorn71 · 03-25-2005, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottH

Not to highjack the thread, but would a pitman arm from a 71-72 work in the 68, or is it specific to that year w/PS?

the putman arms are the same(2wd anyways)from 68-84 i heard.the 84 pitman arm work on my 72

Rod · 03-26-2005, 01:58 AM

pitman arm has to come from PS box, using your manual box pitman arm wont work.

03-24-2005, 05:01 PM	#1
fire235 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: East Texas Posts: 76	Converting to power steering I have a 68 non-power steering truck that I would like to convert to power steering. The frame already has the dimple that is required, but I am unsure what all parts I will have to buy. Can anybody tell me ALL that will be required to make this swap. I was told I would have to change out the center link, pitman arm and coupler. Is that true, and if so where can I get the parts needed? Thanks for the info.

03-24-2005, 05:42 PM	#2
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	The following is a list of the parts you will probably need and an idea of what they cost to buy brand new. If you're buying used parts, you can get for as little as ¼ of the cost of new, but ... someone already used some of the life out of it. Pitman arm for power steering - $40 2WD rebuilt power steering box - $225 Power steering pump/fluid resevoir assembly - $80 Mounting brackets for the pump/resevoir are necessary and may come with it. Also necessary are the two hydraulic lines that connect the pump to the power steering box. I think that's everything. If not, I guess someone else can chip in. I also have a '68 (shortstep) without PS, but with the dimple. I created another thread on this a while back (search forum for "dimple"). NOTE: I think there may be two types of pulley on the PS pump and resevoir, so ... just a heads up. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

03-24-2005, 06:34 PM	#3
stickshift_or_walk Left Foot Functioning Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duncan, OK Posts: 348	And the coupler (rag joint). The input shaft diameter is different on the PS gearbox. Pull one from a donor Chevy PU (can be up through early 80's) and get a rebuild kit (if needed) from the Help! section at the parts store. You can also use a later model pump if you can find one with the right pulley. You may run across metric o-ringed fittings on the back of the pump. You can use a fitting from an old worn-out pump to retrofit to the non-o-ring hoses that are correct for your model year. The big fitting (arrow below) screws out from the rear of the pump and can be interchanged as needed. Don't lose the spring. SSOW __________________ 69 C10 (#1 son's ride) 72 C20 (Dad's farm truck) 82 K30 (Ex - brush pumper project)

03-24-2005, 07:51 PM	#4
68speedalert Semi-Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 390	Your biggest problem is finding the mounting brackets for the pump. Finding a complete donor truck is the easiest. Late model pump mounts(73 & up) will not work with our truck's waterpump. (sbc v8). You can go with later waterump, but then need to put alt. on other side of engine. What engine you got? As mentioned in another thread, you won't have to change the drag link, get a pitman arm for a 68-70 truck. BTW, many guys find donor a 73-87 truck, and completely change the crossmember. It bolts right in I've been told. This gives you a ps box, disc brakes, sometimes a sway bar. All you need is the pump and hoses. Be aware that it will be a 5 lug set up. __________________ '68 50th Anniversery LWB Custom Fleetside, '77 305 v-8, turbo 350, factory speed alert (still works), '71 drivetrain w/front discs. Some call it ugly yellow, others call it Ochre '83 Jeep CJ-7, <80,000 miles, original owner '04 Chevy Suburban, 4x4, 2500, 6.0 ltr, Predator Diablo programmer '95 GMC K1500 Extended cab

03-25-2005, 02:22 PM	#9
68speedalert Semi-Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 390	Read here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=147515 __________________ '68 50th Anniversery LWB Custom Fleetside, '77 305 v-8, turbo 350, factory speed alert (still works), '71 drivetrain w/front discs. Some call it ugly yellow, others call it Ochre '83 Jeep CJ-7, <80,000 miles, original owner '04 Chevy Suburban, 4x4, 2500, 6.0 ltr, Predator Diablo programmer '95 GMC K1500 Extended cab

03-25-2005, 02:32 AM	#5
longhorn71 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: CANADA Posts: 1,681	I put a 84 c-10 set up in the 72 1-ton. Here is what i did the power box,water pump,brackets alternator bracket,pitman arm,it all bloted in.The rag joint also macthed up.

03-25-2005, 03:55 AM	#6
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,426	You may also need two-groove crankshaft and water pump pulleys if you don't already have them, and a belt. There's also a little clamp shaped like an "M" that holds the hydraulic lines to the top of the chassis.

03-25-2005, 09:47 AM	#7
fire235 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: East Texas Posts: 76	Great info guys. Thanks for the replies.

03-25-2005, 11:39 AM	#8
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,187	Not to highjack the thread, but would a pitman arm from a 71-72 work in the 68, or is it specific to that year w/PS?

03-26-2005, 01:58 AM	#11
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	pitman arm has to come from PS box, using your manual box pitman arm wont work. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.



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