I have been looking at Steering Gears and wanting to convert to power steering. I have found that I need a reverse steering gear. Has anyone else found reverse steering gears that would work? I have seen lots of part numbers and from what the supplier sites say they are reverse, but then some other place says the same part number is standard rotation. I want to keep my box in the same location so I want to go with a reverse box. I have seen trucks with the same part number used in 1 tons and 2 tons. So I am thinking that a 1 ton gear from a modern truck would be fine for replacing a '56 manual gear. Some of the models I have looked at are the 2002 Kodiak truck, 2002 1 ton Chevy Express van. Many trucks and have also looked at reversing the gear box from a guy who describes it on the HAMB. I want to stay away from mounting it outside the frame or in front of the axle.
There is a modern steering box to fit in the old location that fits a Toyota(don’t laugh) Pittman arm to the new box that fits in the old hole. CPP probable source. Otherwise a modern Delphi(Saginaw) box can be inserted outside the frame(special mounting required) to do the job. Some fabrication required! Other options exist for two tons utilizing modern(‘99-‘02+-) hubs/spindles without tires sticking outside fenders!
Ed
Last edited by EdPruss; 06/12/20231:51 AM.
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
I have looked at that CPP option for a while. I am wondering if it is a good option. I have discussed this very gear with another member and it may not be. However, my bus is only a 4500 and shorter than a full size extended cab truck. So my thinking was kind of like if the CPP one is used for the 3100 pickups why not mine. Would a 1 ton modern gear be as good if not better than a 1956 1.5 ton gear?
I'd be afraid to use anything smaller that 1-1/2 ton rated, the last thing you want to have happen is for something to break when you hit a pot hole at 60 mph.
Mike B
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD
That's something I am heavily considering for sure. I live somewhat close to Redhead Steering Gears and I think I am going to pay them a visit in person to see what they have. I think I looked at a few possibilities for size and strength that I can fabricate a mounting adapter for and make work. I'll see.
