Hey, Folks,
Right now, I'm up to my armpits in alligators with a power steering project for my solid-axle '59 Apache. I don't know if anyone is interested in following this or not. If so, perhaps it would behoove you to speak up. Here's what I've learned thus far:
While surfing through an on-line shop manual, I discovered that the GM power steering system for this model was the Saginaw 'linkage' type (sensor valve on drag-link with power ram on cross-link). I quickly realized that this uses exactly the same PS system components (with a slight valve body difference)that C-2 and C-3 Corvettes have, and are thus readily available. In fact, I saw a complete Vette PS system advertised on E-Bay a couple of weeks ago.
I'm currently modifying the drag-link using a '74 Dodge 0ne-ton left-hand-thread tie-rod end (7/8" dia.) and adjuster sleeve to fit the driver's side spindle arm hole. The Vette valve body and cut-down cross-link make up the rear of the drag-link. The power ram will go from the left-hand side of the solid axle over to the right-hand side of the cross link rod just like the original. The PS pump fits on my Chevy 350 block on the driver's side below the alternator. My current bugaboo is threading the Corvette linkage rod (7/8" dia.) with a 7/8 X 18 RH thread die (from Victor Machinery, N.Y.) to fit the '74 Dodge adjuster-sleeve. And, yes, I did graft the Vette pitman arm onto the stock truck pitman arm using a very, very beefy weld.
If anyone is interested, I'll issue further posts. When finished, this should look like the original PS system with no modification to the steering box or wheel.
Regards,
Apache Kid
