The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk power steering conversion advice

I'd like to install power steering on my 60 Apache C10. Any advice or tips would be appreciated. I want to use the original column, I've read that it can be cut down to fit the new steering box. Is it worth the expense to convert to power steering? I really like the truck but I think it would be more enjoyable to drive with power steering.
Joe

It was definitely worth the expense on my '63. The original steering box was worn out and it was difficult to keep it in my lane. The truck drives much better now, especially at low speeds. I had to cut the steering shaft, and I got a friend who is a certified welder to do the welding to connect the "rag" joint. I can weld some, but not confident enough to trust my life (and others) to my welding.

Thanks for the information. What kind of conversion kit did you buy? I think I'll buy a rebuilt power steering pump and steering box rather than using used parts. Classic Performance products has a kit for around $100 for the mounting brackets and a connecting sleeve for the steering column. I think I can convert it for around $500 using new and rebuilt parts.
Joe

Check with 4-5-6 Chevy Trucks. He is a member on here and I think he has several of the brackets to convert to power steering and I know for a fact that he has done several. He would be glad to help you I am sure.

If you have a V-8 there are stock and aftermarket pump brackets available. If it has the 235 6 you will probably have to fabricate the brackets and also come up with a suitable crank pulley. I am not aware of anyone producing these items and people are always looking for them.
Fred

Thanks for the help,I do appreciate it. I just want to get all the parts lined up I need and have an understanding of what I'm doing. I won't be working on it until the spring, it's still pretty cold here. The truck does have a 350 V-8 in it.
Joe

cal55 you have a pm from me.

bill

Tony "4-5-6 Chevy Trucks" did mine on my 63 k10 and it looks factory, he used the orginal column and it looks great, i would think you might be able to convert for cheaper than $500.00 i bought a used but in good shape steering box for 60-70 dollars and the mounting kit was about 100.00 and then Tony helped me out with installation.

I bought a kit from REZ Engineering for my 64,it was the best investment, next to the disc brakes that i have made.Definately use a kit. I used a box from a '80 3/4 ton and a salvage pump. If the box shows no signs of leaking then a used box is okay. My local parts store has a reman. pump for about 40 bucks.

Thanks for the tips guys, I bought the steering box,pump,pitman arm, and hoses from Rock Auto for a 1969 pick-up C10 and the the kit from Classic Performance Products. I went over my budget,maybe I should have bought used parts instead of rebuilt. Hopefully everyting will fit as should. It was still cheaper than buying a complete kit. I think I'll just need the pump pulley and a few misc.items. I'll need the coupler welded on the steering column too by someone since I don't know how to weld or own a welder. I'm sure it will be worth the effort and expense. Thanks for all the help.
Joe