The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Power Steering recomendation 1956 3200

I want to add power steering to my 56 3200. It is a stock front end and is going to stay that way. I have a BB 454 and it is only slightly lower because of the leaf springs I installed. It is close to stock height. I would like to use the stock column. I have seen a few kits but not really sure which way to go.

Right now I have good clearance with the stock steering box and the L-88 exhaust manifolds I installed. I prob have almost 1" of clearance.

I was thinking one of those kits that replaces the original steering box and stays in that location if possible.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Frank

You can use the ram assist type p/s and everything stays the same except the drag link. Requires a bracket on frame and tie rod. Column remains untouched. Used on Chevy through 1964, Mustang through 1970, and Corvette till about 1990. Next option is a power box from a mid eighties Toyota 4wd. Box mounts in same place and style as the factory box. The factory column needs cut, anchored to toe board, mated to steering shaft, and a bearing installed in column tube.
Another is to use electric p/s where assist motor is between dash and fire wall and everything outside is untouched. We used to use Saturn Vue units but the Toyota Prius is now a much cleaner install.

...I may be wrong but they had power steering units in '56. Can't you replace the original with a power steering one and find a mount for the power steering pump?? Just curious. the saginaw steering boxes were used for many years but not sure about 56.

Yes, they had p/s in 1956 but it was the ram assist type and the p/s pump was mounted on the back of the generator.

A 1957 Bel-Air I owned had the pump on the back of the generator, too. Interesting setup.

If you buy one of those generator/pump/ram combos these days, your checkbook will need some CPR. The system didn't work well when it was new, and over half a century later, it hasn't gotten any better. Hanging the power unit and hydraulic hoses out in the open and constantly flexing the lines is one of the dumbest ideas a car designer ever came up with. The electric power assist involves the least amount of butchery of the steering system, and retains all the original geometry of the straight axle setup.
Jerry