Might as well toss in my $.02! First of all there are a couple questions that must be addressed before you start making major mods to your trucks steering and front suspension.
1. Are you under the impression that power steering will make your truck "drive" better or make it "steer easier?" Driveability and not having to fight to keep it between the white lines can be corrected, in many cases by adjustment and replacement of worn components such as kingpins, tie rod ends, sloppy drag links, and tweaking the box back to specs. Costs for completeing these repairs are relatively reasonable and once you've made them you're going to be able to enjoy driving your machine.
2. Are you under the impression that adding power steering is a magic bullet and will cure all your problems? If you are, think again! Most of the kits available for conversion are expensive, contain about 75% of the components to actually get it working and don't address the remainder of the worn components that effect driveability. The stock 1 groove harmonic balancer places limitations on adding belt driving accessories. I'm not aware of a "kit" that gets you up and running without additional components and some creative engineering.
3. Is Power steering better than manual steering? Granted, it makes low speed turns easier but there are trade-offs. I personally don't like the outboard GM mounts that tack the box on the very front of the 50 year old frame between the spring mounts. Maybe I'm overly cautious but it just doesn't appeal to me! The Toyota box conversion seems like a more viable alternative if you decide to go with P/S. I've used it on other straight axle conversions and have found it works like a charm. However, I'm not aware of any vendor who offers the full kit for our vintage of trucks.
4. Are you under the impression that straight axles are somehow inferior to IFS? That dropping in a "clip" is easy, cheap, or even necessary? Granted, having a nice cushy ride, factory discs and a rack steering setup appeals to many but once again, it's not something that everyone needs or even wants and if it isn't done correctly will create it's own set of major problems. The straight axle is simple, bulletproof, can support front discs, and when in good repair, will offer driveability that is as good as any IFS. However, it will always give you a harsher ride quality than an IFS. I consider it a small price to pay compared to IFS conversion. And afterall, it's a truck!!
Oh, and by the way.....that semi that just passed you doing 85 mph hauling 80,000 pounds is more than likely running a straight axle. I wonder why?
Dave
