71 C10 - How hard is it to change from Manual Steering to Power Steering?

[Yamariv]

So I just realized that pretty much all of my steering play is coming from the Steering Box. In looking at the crazy replacement prices, I was wondering what it would take to switch the truck to a power steering setup?

Do they make kits to do it or will I be stuck having to find a donor truck and steal all the parts off of it? Is this even a realistic upgrade to do?

[RustyPile]

I just finished that very same swap a couple years ago on my '71.. Prowl your local salvage yard and obtain mounting hardware, brackets, etc. and cores for the exchange.. Cordone supplied the reman units Edelman supplied the hoses. You'll also need to replace the pitman arm and idler arm with PS pieces.. Replace the rag joint while you're at it. Unless you have worn parts, it's not necessary to replace tie rod end, ball joints, or center link. I obtained every single piece locally, didn't mail order nuttin...

[Grumpy old man]

I don't know how many power steering parts trucks there are in Regina, Saskatchewan ? The power steering pump bracket will be the hardest piece you'll need to find , Start placing WTB ( Want to buy ) ads on the parts board , You'll need the double fan pulley and double crank pulley ,The pump /Hoses and steering box , Someone out there has all the parts you need , Try to buy OEM before going aftermarket .

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I don't know how many power steering parts trucks there are in Regina, Saskatchewan ? The power steering pump bracket will be the hardest piece you'll need to find , Start placing WTB ( Want to buy ) ads on the parts board , You'll need the double fan pulley and double crank pulley ,The pump /Hoses and steering box , Someone out there has all the parts you need , Try to buy OEM before going aftermarket .

Sorry for the delay boys, was tied up snowmobiling yesterday Loaded the truck with the sled in the back and drove 1 hr each way to a buddies house to ride. Truck ran like a top!

So it sounds like I need a whole bunch of stuff but it does seem doable.

Mine is the 250 I6, do you guys know if the brackets and pullies are different for my engine than the small blocks? I'm guessing they must be.. I'll look for a local donor truck but that might be a tough one to find a base model I6 truck with power steering :S

I see Summit and some other companies have full kits, anyone have experience with those? Are they Ok quality?

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by Yamariv

................I see Summit and some other companies have full kits, anyone have experience with those? Are they Ok quality?

SBC brackets are different from the I6 brackets.. Those Summit kits are just what you need if you have money to burn.. I've already covered what you need, including brand and part numbers.. I paid less than $500, including Moog pitman arm and idler arm, neither of which is included in those Summit "kits"...

Just remember -- Those steering parts are HEAVY and shipping is a part of Summit's pricing.. Don't get me wrong.. I am a customer of Summit's, their customer service is exemplary, but only when I can't find parts locally.

[Accelo]

I just junked my manual steering box. I figured "Who would ever want that"? It was a mistake. As mentioned by RustyPile, doubtful you would have wanted to pay the shipping to Canada.
Remember, a lot of the square body steering parts will fit. Bet those are a lot easier to find.
Cheers

[Already Gone]

I just installed a Borgeson PS Quick Ratio box on my 72 C10, V8 truck if that makes a difference, and have the original from the truck. It has 92,000 mies on it but worked perfectly and would be willing to sell and we live not that far apart. also have te original PS Pump as well as replaced it witha new Borgeson PS Pump as well. Cant help with any brackets though as I neede to reuse them.

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I don't know how many power steering parts trucks there are in Regina, Saskatchewan ? The power steering pump bracket will be the hardest piece you'll need to find , Start placing WTB ( Want to buy ) ads on the parts board , You'll need the double fan pulley and double crank pulley ,The pump /Hoses and steering box , Someone out there has all the parts you need , Try to buy OEM before going aftermarket .

I was thinking about the pulley situation..My I6 250 is a newer probably 1977 ish version and has a double crank pulley but not a double fan. I remember reading somewhere that the power steering runs only off the crank, is that true?

Is it possible I have all I need for pulleys with the double crank? (Fingers Crossed)

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

I just installed a Borgeson PS Quick Ratio box on my 72 C10, V8 truck if that makes a difference, and have the original from the truck. It has 92,000 mies on it but worked perfectly and would be willing to sell and we live not that far apart. also have te original PS Pump as well as replaced it witha new Borgeson PS Pump as well. Cant help with any brackets though as I neede to reuse them.

Hmm, this might be a good option! I'll send you a PM

[Bonestock3ott]

Be advised you will need to determine if your engine has an integrated head or is non integrated ( pre 1975 I believe) as the brackets are different. I believe the post 1975 the head, intake and exhaust manifolds are cast as one piece.

[Bonestock3ott]

FYI ,there are some 6cyl power steering pumps listed for sale in the 73 -87 parts board

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by Bonestock3ott

Be advised you will need to determine if your engine has an integrated head or is non integrated ( pre 1975 I believe) as the brackets are different. I believe the post 1975 the head, intake and exhaust manifolds are cast as one piece.

Ok, ran out to the garage and took some pics! The exhaust and intake look separate to me but let me know what you think. Since my engine is blue, I always assumed it would have been around 77 or 78 but who knows! Lol

[Bonestock3ott]

That looks like this motor I have sitting in the garage so I would say it is at least a pre 75 head and manifold set up

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by Bonestock3ott

That looks like this motor I have sitting in the garage so I would say it is at least a pre 75 head and manifold set up

Just did some googling and found the attached pic on another thread of an integrated head and I definitely don't have that style!..

Interesting, so my engine..well at least the head is 1974 or earlier! The blue has always thrown me off cause GM started that in 77.. The PO said he found a newer model GMC truck 250 when the (what he thought was original) engine blew up.

[Warrens69GMC]

Not all motors 76-84 have the integral head. I have a 250 from a 1979 that has the intake separate.

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

Not all motors 76-84 have the integral head. I have a 250 from a 1979 that has the intake separate.

What, really? Why would GM still continue to build an old version of the engine head? Interesting..

[Yamariv]

Can someone please clarify about the brackets for the power steering pump?

In my research I keep seeing 2 different looking pumps (pics below) and it seems each pump has a different style bracket that attaches to the back of it. Is this correct, are there two different brackets at the back? (facing the back of the truck)

[72SB]

Originally Posted by Yamariv

I remember reading somewhere that the power steering runs only off the crank, is that true?

Is it possible I have all I need for pulleys with the double crank? (Fingers Crossed)

My 72 I6 has factory PS and the belt goes to crank & WP. Alt just to crank. Double pullys each