S Stove bolt Tom 1 Online OP 'Bolter I am going to put a SBC V8 in this 1950 truck With Automatic trans and power steering. My Question is how many people on this have converted to power steering and what did the use. How many of you have used the conversion kit were you use a power steering box from 1968-1976 chevy truck. My question is did you have to relocate the front shocks and how do you like the set up.Thanks Tom
I put the 800 series power steering box conversion on my '57 GMC years ago. The box mounts on the outside of the frame, forward of the front axle. Hated it because of the bump steer I encountered, caused by a very short and non-horizontal drag link. The steering arm broke (luckily at very low speed while pulling out of my driveway) and I went back to stock.
It's well worth it as long as you make sure that you end up with a horizontal drag link and additional caster shims. I've installed 6 of these set-ups already for myself and others. The only bump steer issue was with a 49 3100 with a dropped axle. Was able to correct it with a different pitman arm. As far as moving the shocks to the rear, pretty easy.
I got a PM from jmoore and I can't figure out how to send him pictures on a PM so I thought I put it out here for anyone interested.
He asked me what electric power steering I had. I got mine from EPAS performance. If I didn't buy it direct then I bought it from Summit.
I haven't installed mine yet but I did install the same one on a friends 53. I have a 53 3100. He has been using it for about 3 years with no issues. He drives his truck a lot. It's smooth as silk and he loves the adjustable gain. He's always showing off turning the wheel with one finger before he starts it.
It's also a nice feature if your engine dies on the road, you still have P/S. If it fails it just becomes manual again.
For my wants and needs it was a simple choice. I have already rebuilt my stock box.
For me, option 1. power steering pump, pulleys, brackets and hoses. Power steering box, steering column, mounts and some conglomeration of shafts and U joints. Then you have to deal with the steering geometry. I'm sure it can be done but most I've seen have some compromises.
Option 2. go to the junkyard and tear an electric system and controller out of some other car and try to hack it in and hope it works.
I chose option 3. Wait until I could afford the $1500 and buy a top of the line dedicated system for my truck.
This is a one day project with refreshments. If you had to you could install this with a drill, hacksaw and file. You just cut a chunk out of the column and shaft. Then double D the shaft. Then put the motor inline. It torques off of the column so you can clock it up under the dash. One power wire. You have to look under the dash to even know it's there. I drilled out the throttle bezel and put the gain switch there. Then I drilled out the throttle knob and used it on the gain switch. It looks stock and you just twist it to adjust the gain.
I also have electric A/C compressor with remote condenser that goes under the truck. Duel diaphragm booster under the cab.
My engine compartment will look completely stock except for the 1000hp 6-71 blown 292. JMHO.
Photos cannot be sent in Private Messages. Obtain an email address and send them that way.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne 4dr 230 I-6 one owner (I’m #2) “Emily” ‘39 Dodge Businessmans Coupe “Clarence”
"I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
By posting the pictures here, jmoore can see them (as well as the rest of us). PM him with the link to the post here.
Or, Option 2 ... you can link the images to a PM.
I think first Option would be the easiest. Plus he'll have all your description.
Peggy M I don't mean to brag, but ... I just put a puzzle together in one day and the box said 2-4 years. "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words, and that which cannot remain silent." ~ Victor Hugo / 'Les Misérables'
AMC Pacer front suspension? Is that a somewhat rare conversion choice?
Back in the day the Pacer was the go to platform for V8 and IFS set ups.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne 4dr 230 I-6 one owner (I’m #2) “Emily” ‘39 Dodge Businessmans Coupe “Clarence”
"I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
... you can link the images to a PM.
