65 factory power steering?

[srsummers]

I bought a 1965 or 1966 long bed 3/4 ton truck for parts. It has power (drum) brakes and power steering. I haven't seen power steering like this before. It has a hydrolic steering dampner not a hydrolic steering gear box. Are these any good? Should I put this set up on my 65 short bed or go with a more modern hydrolic steering gear box? Would this older style power steering pump work with a newer power steering gear box?

[joe231]

I believe it is called "power assist"
I see them on ebay from time to time, not cheap
I don't know how well it works, you should be able to adapt the old pump to a newer steering gear, but the newer pumps are cheap
I know you can use the brackets to mount a newer pump to a 283-327

[LILRED66]

Ditto what joe231 says. Power-assist steering was available on the 4-5-6 Chevy trucks, similar to the car set-up of the same years. This system used a hydraulic cylinder, in lieu of a power steeering gear box, to achieve the power feature. They are rather pricey, per what I have seen on eBay.

I have a few trucks that have this factory set-up on them and they work fine. The pump, mounted to the engine, is the same Saginaw old style pump. If it works properly, you can use it with the factory set-up or utilize the pump with a Saginaw power steering gear box, with the proper hoses.

If you like factory, which I prefer, it can be used successfully. Keep us posted on your decision.

PS, welcome to the forums from Kansas City, KS. Remember to post early and often, especially photos. Happy Holidays.

[srsummers]

Yes, the power assist still works...it just leaks. Can you still get parts for that set up? I haven't seen any yet?

[LILRED66]

Truck and Car Shop sells the following:

Item #63-14106 - Power Steering Control Valve Seat Kit for $13.00

Item #63-14107 - Power Steering Hydraulic Cylinder for $119.00

Item #63-14108 - Power Steering Cylinder Repair Kit for $13.00

Item #63-14109 - Power Steering Cylinder End Mounting Kit for $7.00

All of these items are on Page 107 of the May, 2008 Truck and Car Shop catalog.

I hope this information is helpful and good luck with your project.

Happy Holidays.

[srsummers]

Thanks for all of your help Lilred66. I hope to get some pictures of my project posted soon.

[83burban]

I recently restored this system. I got all my steering gear from this guy. Great products, very helpful, I was very impressed and pleased with his work. Pricey...but I am doing a full frame-off and want everything to be perfect.

I plan on getting custom stainless lines made using the old ones as a template as soon time permits

www.chevyps.com