The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk CCP Powersteering conversion kit

Hello Wise Ones,
Its been a few years since I have been able to start back on my 59 Panel.
I have ordered the following parts from CCP in southern California, powersteering conversion kit, Stock brake pedal power brake booster/master cylinder and 5 lug disc kit.
And now I see there is a new rack& pinion powersteering kit from no limit engineering.
Has anyone installed the powersteering kit from CCP? I am really interested in how this setup works and if I should use the CCP kit or get the rack & pinion set up instead. Also wondering how the disc power brake set up works? good or bad please someone tell me how your truck stops with the conversion verses the stock drum setup and if there are any good installation tips or does the stuff bolt right up?
My truck will have a 454 th400 combo with a 12 bolt rear from a chevelle.
Thanks Bill

I didn't use the CPP rear brake kit, I did use a different one. I have power 4 wheel disc brakes on my 57 Suburban - stops great. Wouldn't want to use the old drum system.

The kit is basically a bolt on. As I recall it takes a couple of hours to install.

Bill,
I had one of the power steering assist units on my 56, I tried everything possible to make it work correctly. They are OK for slow speeds and parking but do not give you a good feel of the road to the point of being scairy to drive. If you have any wear in your steering box and tie rods it makes it even worse. If you are going to have that kind of power, you would be better off replacing the straight axle with a Camaro clip or a Mustang II type front end.
Fred

I'm not a fan of the rack and pinion on a straight axle approach. The engineering problems can be overcome, but you are still adding unsprung weight that will hurt both handling and ride.

I would stick with a front mounted Saginaw unit. They work very well with a straight axle. CPP has a Toyoto kit, but the stock configuration would most likely be a problem with your setup. I have not had any experience with the Toyoto kit, but it looks like it would be great for a I6 application.

Does anyone know why the Toyota kits are only advertized for 55-59 trucks? It looks like it would work well in an AD, replacing the original box. IS there a fit problem?

Thanks guys

59PTruck,

I'm not sure what type steering you're referencing with a company called 'CCP.' If it's 'add-on-linkage' type, like the original stock GM 1950s PS then I have a bit of info.

For PS boxes and rack-and-pinion, take the other guys' advice. I have the 'add-on' PS on my '59 Apache PU. Like most anything, it has its pluses and minuses. I adapted C-2/C-3 Corvette PS components (drag-link valve body and hydraulic ram) to my rig. Had I gone to the PS steering box type system, I would have taken a strong look at the 70s Dodge truck reverse-rotation PS box.

Let me add this: Don't even fool with drum brakes! The disc brakes are a jillion percent more effective. 4-wheel disc brakes are a gazillion percent more effective!

Good luck,

I installed 2 Toyota power steering conversions, one on my 56 3100 and the other on a 56 F100. Both have been working well for over 5 years. I have seen the Saginaw conversions and as far as I know they work well also. I have not seen Toyota kits for AD trucks but don't know why they wouldn't work. I also have the 5 lug disc brake conversion on mine and it works fine, big improvement over the stock brakes.
Bill has indicated that he is installing a big block in his 59. Just considering parts cost, about $700 for a disc brake kit and another $700 to $900 for the steering, you can get the base Mustang II for about that amount and have your steering & brakes. You also have to consider the condition of your existing straight axle components before you add upgrades to them.
Fred

Here is a link to what I think is the Dodge saginaw box. Looks like a very nice conversion. It fits much closer to the frame than the typical saginaw conversion. I did one years ago where I made my own conversion plate. I actually cut into the frame and installed a bent plate to get the box closer to the frame. This was on a one ton duelly, there was tire rubbing on the box .

Link to Dodge box.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1484219366080251109huOecf

I suspect the reason CPP has not made the Toyota conversion for the AD truck is they just haven't got to it yet. Here is a link to a home fabricated Toyota conversion.

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http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/journal.php?action=view&journalid=2439&page=1&reverse=1

Those photos above look like Ford boxes to me. Here's what a Dodge box looks like:

http://www.partsamerica.com/Product...amp;ptset=A&sourcepage=SEARCHRESULTS

[img]http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f257/eurekabud/930G-MAP.jpg[/img]

In addition, I was speaking of using the PS box in 'drag-link' fashion right where the stock steering box exists, rather than 'cross-link' fashion mnounted up front. NOTE: the box has to be bolted at right-angles to the frame to use in this manner. REMEMBER: You can get two rotation modes in a Dodge PS box. Work out the required rotation before buying one of these.

RE: Paying 700 - 900 bucks for either steering or disc brakes, I didn't pay anything near those costs - not even half.

For a look at the 'power assisted' steering system layout as I have mine now, go to:

http://www.classicperform.com/power1.html

NOTE: GM used this type system for C-2/C-3 Corvettes as well, and is virtually the same setup (valve body in drag-link + hydraulic ram attached to cross-link rod).

Is the company referred to 'CCP' or 'CPP'?

I don't pay that much for this stuff either but that is what these places are asking for it. For example page 72 of the current Truck Shop catalogue, 5 lug disc brake kit with booster, $699. If you can get parts from a 74 Malibu doner car like I did, buy the brackets, booster & MC, you can reduce the price considerably. There are many ways to arrive at the desired result, a person just has to figure out what fits their needs.
Fred