1968 4x4 power steering question

[68C15]

my boss keeps talking about the 68 4x4 he had. it was manual steering with the closed knuckle front end. he say he tried to swap in some power steering but was unable to find parts. he say the pitman arm swung off a horizontal shaft. anyone confirm this and/or have pics?

[jerry moss]

i don't have pics but i have done this conversion a few times using a steering box from a 71 on up 4x4. it takes some fabrication/modification on the frame rail and steering shaft but is really pretty simple conversion.

[breeh]

Originally Posted by 68C15

...he say the pitman arm swung off a horizontal shaft. anyone confirm this and/or have pics?

This is true. The geometry on the 68 steering setup is completely different. Like Jerry said, it can be done by converting to the later 69-72 style. When I did this I also converted to the later open knuckle, disc brake front axle. If I remember correctly it seems that there was some problem connecting the closed knuckle drum axle to the later power steering box. It must take some kind of modified drag link.

[Livrat]

I concur with Breeh.. it is all different than the open knuckle version front axle..
A closed knuckle axle with factory power steering. (apparently only available in 69) used a special pitman arm (the one bolted to the knuckle).
I converted a 68 closed knuckle axle to power steering with a 71 and newer PS box and drag link and found a dodge tie rod end that had the correct threads and taper to work with the 71 drag link and 68 closed knuckle arm. it did not steer correctly as the geometry was off and it did not turn fully to one direction.. I got lucky and found a 69 closed knuckle parts axle that had the correct PS pitman arm.

[Coleman]

I also went through this exercise. I had to put in a kit for the frame, build a drag link, wasn't the greatest. I'm dropping in a new later model disk setup so I can actually get the truck to turn around in a smaller radius.