Manual to power steering conversion

[gregg72340]

Everybody always asks about the brake swap from a 73-87 to our trucks, but can you use a power steering box when you do the conversion as well, I know the fittings can be an issue but are there any other snags?

Thanks

[gottrucks]

I put the later box on my '72 swb about 25 years ago. The details are a bit foggy now, but the box bolted right on with no mods needed. The box that I used required a different style of hose end than the original did, but, the box you choose may not. Physically, the hoses would bolt up, but they would not seal. I made some adapters to make it work. Most parts houses can custom make the hoses now, so you could just get them made with the original ends for your pump, and the ends that your new box requires, if they are different than the original.

[gregg72340]

Originally Posted by gottrucks

I put the later box on my '72 swb about 25 years ago. The details are a bit foggy now, but the box bolted right on with no mods needed. The box that I used required a different style of hose end than the original did, but, the box you choose may not. Physically, the hoses would bolt up, but they would not seal. I made some adapters to make it work. Most parts houses can custom make the hoses now, so you could just get them made with the original ends for your pump, and the ends that your new box requires, if they are different than the original.

Cool thanks that was the answer I was hoping for

[ChevLoRay]

I think the only issues are when you have an early '67, compared to the later ones and on through '72. There's something about the frame, where the box mounts that is an issue. You didn't say what year you have, though.

[gregg72340]

Originally Posted by ChevLoRay

I think the only issues are when you have an early '67, compared to the later ones and on through '72. There's something about the frame, where the box mounts that is an issue. You didn't say what year you have, though.

I have a 68 so it SHOULD have the bump to fit a power steering box.....Hopefully anyway LOL

[ChevLoRay]

I work with a guy who has the '67 LWB Fleetside that he bought new, as the '68's were about to come out. He added PS to it, last year, after he found that his age was starting to catch up to his abilities. He found a complete unit from a '72, in a wrecking yard. Got the pump, pulleys and steering box and put it on his truck. Here's his truck.....

[msgross]

frame is the biggest issue, if it's an issue at all. 68 4WD's still had the flat frame and require a bracket to mount the box. Be sure to pull all of the parts from the donor including bracket (if it mounts to your block, not the heads) pump, pulley's... I found it difficult to get all of the pulley's to match up.

[71 super]

Just put ps on my 68 and it was no problem. I would check with teeitup as he gets really good parts and passes on the deals. I would also suggest to get the 71-72 bracket set as the correct 68 bracket is tough if the motor is not pulled (it took 2 hours to install the support bracket) there were only 4 bolts , but the 68 mounts under the motor pad.