1968 Chevy C50 questions. Pictures and videos.

[Campbel45]

Hey guys, I just finished replacing my exhaust on my somewhat new-to-me C50 grain truck. Being under the truck for a little bit now, I've noticed a couple things I'm not sure about. Below are questions, pictures and videos!

#1. Power Steering with assist ram - I have the front axle up on jacks and noticed the steering wheel will started slowly turning to the right when I started the truck up. Under the hood, a slight hum is coming from the power steering lines. Not too loud, but noticeable now that my exhaust is quite. My power steering line also has a cooler. Is this factory? Normal?



#2. PTO noise - my PTO and pump is engaged by two cables just below the dash on the left side of the steering wheel. I noticed that PTO universal joint has some play so I will replace those. But what I'm concerned about is the amount of noise that comes from the PTO when its engaged. I've tried looking for videos of PTO engagement with these old trucks but can't find any that I hear THIS much noise. What do you think? The transmission has oil to the oil fill line. Based on how the pump was installed, I have to assume this has been swapped or moved at one point. Besides the noise, the truck dumps just fine. I also think its weird the pto shaft is so close to the parking brake.

Loud PTO 1968 Chevy C50 - YouTube

PTO universal joint play 1968 Chevy C50 - YouTube

#3. What do you think this is? Spare tire?

[1976gmc20]

Just my opinions:

1. Nothing about that PS installation looks factory.

2. That cantilever pump bracket is pretty weird, and could be causing some resonance. I would pull the shaft off and see if the noise is in the PTO or the pump. I set up all of mine for a self-loader from scratch, and it not only was not that noisy but it looked better too even with all the salvaged and cobbled together parts. If it's not pump noise, then I guess drain some gear oil and pull off the PTO and inspect and turn it by hand.

3. Probably, but I wouldn't trust that tubing to frame weld

[Bimus]

The PTO may need another gasket the gear in the transmission and the gear in the PTO may be to close to each other not enough back lash .

Some times the back lash seams fine till the transmission warms up and then shifting the gears is stiff or stiff and then gets worse as it warms up .

[Campbel45]

Wanted to give somewhat of an update:

#1. Based off of the service manual, my power steering box has a flow adjustment to equalize left and right pressure. I assume my steering wheel wanting to turn right must be because the steering box needs adjustment. I'll report back once I've done some maintenance on it.

#2. I pulled the pto and the gears look great. I did notice it wasnt engaging all the way by how the cable was positioned. Manually engaging the pto gear fully, there is still quite a bit of noise but not as much. I think the noise must be from the universal joints. I wonder where I can go to get these replaced?

[1976gmc20]

I wonder where I can go to get these replaced?

Some sort of agricultural or industrial supply place.

Tractor Supply might have the parts.

[mike1971c10]

I don't know if I'm too late to help you or not. Here goes if the ujoint cap have a snap ring on the inside of the shaft, it would be a Spicer 1000 series shaft. It would use a 5-170s spicer ujoint. Hope that helps
mike

[blackice087]

Hi @Campbel45! I found your post while looking to resolve my c50 power steering issues lol. I just wanted to share that the bracket with the hose running through it on your PS pump and the cooler aren't factory, but everything else looks correct. I can send you a quick video or picture if you'd like. Do you still have the truck?

[Campbel45]

Yes I still have the truck! Thanks for the help. I kinda figured the power steering cooler was non-factory by how odd it looked.