Power steering help

[zane2513]

I know I read a thread on power steering conversion brackets when using a newer steering gear box but I can't seem to find it. What year of power steering gear box do I need to use and what pitman arm do I use?
Thanks,
Zane

[Matt's k5]

i used a 75 chevy 3/4 ton 2wd gear box with the orginal pitman arm attached i think from 72-87 should work but some time in the 80's they went with metric fittings if that does'nt bother you i pulled from from pick and save 35 bucks i chose the cleanest one of them out there i got my conversion kit from cpp they make one for 60-62 and 63-66 about a 100 bucks but well worth it later matt

[SIR]

if your truck is a 1/2 ton a 72 box is what you want....and if you can find a whole truck get it....

[LILRED66]

There are many conversion kits available on the market. That being said, I decided to create a better mouse trap, so I had my kit lazer-cut from .125", 304 stainless steel, coupled with Grade 8 fasteners. By doing so, I think our kit is superior to the other kits offered on the market. I realize it is a competitive marketplace and the customer has the right and ability to chose the best bang-for-their-buck.

When doing the power steering conversions on the 4-5-6 Chevy trucks, you can utilize a GM Saginaw power steering gear box and pump from a '68- '86 Chevy/GMC truck. Later in this range, the hose fittings were changed to metric, so it is important to get the box and pump with the same fittings or you will have to have custom high pressure and return hoses fabricated.

I have done numerous power steering conversion on customer's trucks, as well as, my own personal rigs, so I am trying to share my trials and tribulations with others to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes I have made in doing the conversion. My recommendation is to purchase the complete kit, vs purchasing used parts or piecing together a system. The steering system is important and the condition of used equipment is not an exact science, so buying new is better, in my humble opinion.

I have found the best deal for a complete power steering conversion kit for these trucks can be purchased from: www.carsteering.com I do not benefit, in any way, by recommending them, but I have been very happy with the kit. They offer a warranty and I have personally used their kit on a number of trucks, including my own. For the money and elimination a lot of frustration finding the right parts, I give the nod to purchasing the complete kit.

[protrash64]

What did you change in your kit, Tony? I dont see any 'stand-offs' but dont see anything else. The backing plate?

Its been about 5 years since I did mine.

[zane2513]

LILRED66
Thanks for the info, been reading this forum for a while now a can tell that you know what you are talking about. Would love to get more info about your kit you can pm me. I already have the steering gear box. Do you know where I can find the pitman arm for this setup? I am putting in newer motor from an 87 corvette which has a power steering pump which I know I would have to get new hoses made, I just not sure I like the look of the pump and where the reservoir sets. Do you have a suggestion what I could change it too?
Zane

[protrash64]

I was staring right at the spacers and it didnt register!!!!!

[LILRED66]

The primary change I made was .250", 304 stainless steel, vs. 1/8" mild steel...Grade 8 fasteners vs. Grade 5 fasteners...chrome offset spacers vs. mild steel offset spacers, otherwise my kit does the same thing as the others on the market. For roughly the same price, my kit offers these up-side benefits.