The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 56 Chevy power steering conversion

I want to convert my stock steering on my 56 3100 to power steering and I want to keep the straight axle.

Has anyone done this? Is there a "bolt in" kit available that you can recommend?

There is the slave cylinder set up out there and power steering box...is one better than the other?

Thanks,

Mike B

I'd also like to hear from anyone that knows of a PS setup that can be used with without changing the steering box. I have a friend with COPD that would like to find a power steering set up for a stock '50, 3100.
Thanks
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Chevy up through 64, Ford Mustang up through 70, and Corvette up to 80 or so used the assist cylinder. The drag link has the control valve in it and all the fabrication that is needed is one bracket on the frame for one end of the cylinder and another on the tie rod for the other end. They work well and feel good but not the best for a lowered truck since they have hoses running between them that have to have slack to allow lock to lock turning. You don't touch the factory steering box and the drag link with the control valve is a direct bolt in replacement for the non-p/s one so the steering geometry stays exactly the same. I have a 64 Chevy chassis with the body off if you need a picture of the factory p/s set up.

CPP sells a power assist that is an add on. It uses a control valve and a cylinder as coliover described for the 60's trucks.
They are also quite pricy. I had one on my 56 and did not like the way it handled on the road. It was fine for parking and slow speeds but that was it. You have to remember that it only backs up your original gear box so the steering needs to be in good condition.
I have installed several Toyota PS conversions on TF trucks. They require modifications to the column and steering components so they are not a "bolt in". Mine has been in place for 10 trouble free years.
Fred

Fred,

I'm building this truck for my wife to drive. Power assist would be nice as I've already rebuilt EVERYTHING on the chassis and now she says she wanted power steering!

The truck is all stock as far as ride height is concerned.

How do you like the Toyota set-up? Is it really better?

Thanks for your input!

Mike B

I recommend the Toyota box. I have installed them on TF trucks and F100's. It has the same number of turns lock to lock as the stock box so it doesn't oversteer. It also gives you a good feel of the road, works smooth, and trouble free. You will need to reduce the pump pressure on a GM PS pump for it to work properly.
Fred

I always see the Toyota box for the TF trucks. Since it is a side-output box, does it work well for AD's or is there a problem I am unaware of?

Is the Toyota box a conversion "kit" Fred or are you using used parts from older models? Do you know a source? I found one for F100s - but no mention of TF.

Thanks, Dale

The Toyota box can be purchased as a kit. The unit is from an 84-87 4X4. It is the same as the F100 with a slightly different mount bracket. I get mine from ABS in Orange CA. abspowerbrake.com. I have not installed one on a AD truck. They have a different frame configuration and I'm not sure about clearances. It probably wouldn't work on an AD with a V8 as there are issues with exhaust clearances with the stock gear box.
Fred

Well I've come up with a plan. I already rebuilt the original steering and front end so I'm going to leave it as-is for now and focus on getting the truck on the road. If at a later date I need to add power steering I think I will just add the Power Assist Unit, it's a bolt on set-up. Installing a Toyota box will require more modifications that I want to make. It would also interfear with the stock Em Brake linkage.

Thanks for everyones input!

Mike B

I just used a longer bolt on the E brake cable bracket. It took about 3 minutes to figure it out.
Fred

I am interested in using the Toyota steering box for the power steering conversion for my 1957 Chevy pickup. I would appreciate your help assembling the parts I'll need. I would also like to convert the front from 6 lug to the later model chevy 5 on 5.

Do any of you know which power steering conversion, if any, will work on the gmc trucks with the stock pontiac v8 engine? The starter is on the drivers side of the engine.

Hi,
I sell a kit that has everything you need if you are still looking. You can reach me at 281-993-5068. Thanks Don

Don,

Welcome to the Stovebolt

What type of kit do you sell, Power Steering Box, Power Assist or Power Rack???

I would like to see more info, do you have a link to a web page showing your product?

Mike B

Bolt in power steering box. Stock location. Go on ebay.

The Toyota box does NOT work on the GMC V8 (Pontiac) according to Bill Hanlon over on the Classic Parts site. I'm sure you could PM him for details.