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I'm currently working on getting everything together to install power steering on my 52 Chevy w/235 inline 6. I got a power steering box out of a 81 Toyota pickup 4x4 (the style that is similar to the stock box). I'm working on designing some brackets to mount a power steering pump to the drivers side of the block, where the generator/alternator was mounted originally (alt being moved to passengers side of block).

My question is, I went today looking for a power steering pump that can be easily mounted where I want it. I looked at gm pumps and the mounting holes where positioned where it would make the brackets more complicated then wanted. I was looking at other brands and noticed a pump from a dodge pickup would mount perfectly. Would I be able to use a dodge pump with a Toyota box?

Yes. They all use pressure about 1000-1200 lbs. It can be adjusted by the pressure relief spring but its not likely to be nessesary. You will have to have the hoses made up as the fittings will be different.

thanks, I wanted to make sure this would work before I buy the pump. Ive heard of the problems with a ford power rack and a gm pump, didn't know if there were any other problems with mix/matching brands.

since we are on the subject of power steering pumps and such. While looking through the yard I noticed various size pulleys on a number of pumps. Majority from 4 to 6 inch diameters. Anyone know if there is a certain diameter pulley I should use?

The Toyota box operates on the same pressure as the Ford rack which is about 900 PSI. Im not sure what Dodge uses for a pump but it is more than likely much higher as stated previously. You can use spacer washers in the control valve on the GM pump to lower the pressure. The Dodge may be similar. The pulley size may not make much difference since you are going to have to do some experimentation with the pressure. You might take a look at a Toyota pump since you plan to fabricate brackets.
Fred

a little different situation, i put a gm pump on a amc pacer ifs and blew the seals twice, the second time with a reducer valve.

I will take a look at the Toyota pumps, I just don't like the separate/remote reservoir. Would a Nissan pump be similar and work with the Toyota box?

From my experience most rack & pinion steering systems such as Mustang II and foreign stuff use about 900PSI. The self contained steering boxes like the factory Saganaw on a Chevy truck operate on about 1300 PSI. I installed my Toyota box in 2000 with a GM pump using spacer washers to reduce the pressure. It has daily usage and has worked flawless.
Fred

A few thoughts and questions.

Im coming up with some bracket designs to mount a p/s pump to a gm inline 6. one way is moving the alt to the passenger side of the motor and mounting the p/s pump where the alt/gen was. Because Im planing on making these drawings available, I also want to create a bracket that will mount both the alt/gen and p/s pump on the driverside. But I got to wondering, what would be best, to have the p/s pump on the bottom which would have a larger (3-5 in) dual groove pulley and the alternator on top running off of the second belt groove on the p/s pump, or vis versa. If the alt. is on top, will it be turned fast enough to charge, if it was on the bottom, would the p/s pump be turned fast enough to make the pressure its suppose to?


and second, anyone got pictures of the toyota box installed? Did you keep it in the location of the stock box or move it? I was thinking of making a bracket that would position the toyota box so that the output shaft was in the exact spot as the stock output. It would also tilt the box so that there wasn't to big of a angle to the output of the steering column (not stock). And lastly, and im probably wishing in one hand ........, does the stock pitman arm work with the toyota box? If not what do I have to do/get.

and to play it safe Im going to stick with using either a toyota or nissan power steering pump. Goimg to try and find something a bit newer though, maybe late 90's.

Chris,
I bought a kit which included the stering box, a new pitman arm, drag link, mount bracket, universal joint, & hardware for the conversion on my 56. If you send me an email I can send you a picture of the set up in my truck and the installation instructions (for a TF truck). I haven't figured how to post to this forum.
Fred

Chris, Toyota has an electric pump in the MR2. However I believe that the Toyota and Nissan parts come from the same supplier, however I do not know if they are built to the same pressure specifications

Yeah I heard of the electric pump. I wish I could of found one but Ive come to learn they are very hard to find and can be very expensive.

I just pickup up a toyota pump and nissan reservoir at the local yard today. Got the brackets designed and just have to find someone/someplace that will laser or water cut them out.