The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Power Steering for 55 2nd series 3600?

I have a Chevy 1955 3600 with original everything. Wanting to add power steering. This truck was purchased by my father new in 1955. So I want to keep as close to original as possible. It has been a project for a few years now but its running and on my way to making it worthy of a daily driver.

Any suggestions on what to use for power steering conversion would be helpful. Also if there is a name of someone in northern California who would do the work.

George

The common conversion uses a 84-87 Toyota 4X4 steering box. Several aftermarket suppliers offer a kit which I believe is referred to as a 500 series box. It includes the steering box, pitman arm, drag link, steering shaft u-joint, and hardware. You will also need a pump w/brackets, hoses, pulleys & belt. I have installed several of them. ABS power Brake in Orange, CPP, and others sell the kits.
Fred

If you can stay away from CPP as of lately. We have had serious issues with unsafe steering components from them. Not just one problem but many...... The Toyota box was the best but hard to find a good one .

I went with EPAS electric power steering, 53 3100. All the performance sports cars are using it and I believe a lot of American cars. Easy install, model specific. Just cut a chunk of steering column out, bolt it in and run power. Have to flat spot the shaft. No steering box, power steering pump, hoses, brackets, pulleys or belts. It's adjustable on the fly as to how much power you want so you don't lose the "feel" of the road. It's worth looking into at the least. The motor is about the size of a pop can and tucks up under the dash. It torques off the column so no mounting brackets. It even works with the engine off. You could literally install it with a hacksaw and a file.

Nice looking George.

John

I fully agree with Mick that the electric steering assist is the future. However, it is just that, an assist. You still use the original steering box and related components. I have seen many worn out steering boxes on these 60+ year old trucks. In many cases someone is looking to upgrade to PS because the box, drag link, and pitman arm are worn out. They may also want to make a change because it steers like an old truck. Look at the overall condition of all steering components before changing anything.
Fred

Fred is 100% correct. I completely went through every part and replaced and upgraded when possible.