The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1951 4400 steering ???

Wondering if the steering column can be removed from the steering box in order to update to a newer column and to move the stock box to clear a big block. Id really like to use the stock box. Anyone have any experience with this?

Hy lunchbox, the steering column is not removeable other than by cutting/pulling the mast jacket off and modifying the shaft by cutting and adapting a "U" joint. You will have to move the box outboard quite a bit to clear a big block (if there is enough room to do that). There are other boxes that you could install in place of the original steering box, a lot depends on how hard you're going to work your larger truck, hope that helps.

Hey thanks 3b. So technically I could use my stock gearbox / a lower portion of the steering shaft (just a nub out of the box to attach a ujoint) by cutting the mast jacket off at the top of the box? Do you know of sources for other boxes (e.g. vehicles they would come from) that would work? Im not trying to beat up my truck as far as use is concerned, but would still like to be able to still use it as originally intended.
Thanks

Hy lunchbox, you will gain some clearance when the mast jacket is removed, but I don't know if you can move the steering box outboard enough to get the clearance you will need. There are kits available to mount later GM power steering boxes to the front of the left frame rail, but these are car or pickup boxes at best and I would be concerned that they were strong enough if you ever taxed the truck to its design limit. If you tried searching for "power steering conversion" you might find some tips, I think Grigg suggested a Toyota steering box, and quite a while ago an Isuzu NPR was mentioned, hope that helps.

Both Grig and I have used International scout boxes. We both had several pictures of our conversions unfortunately mine were lost to the take over of Web shots. I will have to take some new pictures and get a new posting sight.
My convention was done on a 56 that now has a big block with long tube headers.

Oh we are not far from one a another I am in Roy just south of Tacoma drop me a PM if you would like to come and see the steering box and system mounted.

Hevyhauler. I will def come down to check out your rig. sounds alot like the direction i'm going with mine. I just found a couple isuzu boxes locally that i'm going to take a look at. I'll let you all know how it goes
Joe