1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

aztim1968 · 04-22-2011, 09:14 PM

Hello all, new to this so here it goes, I am thinking of installing power steering in my 1968 chevrolet c10. My question to you all is what exactly do I need to complete the conversion. I know I need the power steering pump,gearbox,and hoses. Is this an easy swap? Any and all help would be appreciated,
Thanks Tim

blue betty · 04-22-2011, 10:34 PM

Hi there, I just did this conversion in my 67. Besides the used gear box, rebuilt pump, new hoses, bolts, belt, pulley, new pitman arm and new rag joint (old one was destroyed taking it off, grinded the rusty bolts off much faster). Thats about all I needed pretty quick and simple installation. Took me about three hours with no air tools. Oh and I got an alignment done after as well. Runs great so easy to steer now, almost to easy one finger. I should have did this years ago. Good luck

aztim1968 · 04-22-2011, 11:11 PM

Thanks Blue Betty, did you get your gearbox from a salvage yard or a parts house. I found most of the parts I need a O`reillys auto parts except the power steering pump brackets, do you know where I can find those brackets.

prostreetC-10 · 04-22-2011, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue betty

Hi there, I just did this conversion in my 67. Besides the used gear box, rebuilt pump, new hoses, bolts, belt, pulley, new pitman arm and new rag joint (old one was destroyed taking it off, grinded the rusty bolts off much faster). Thats about all I needed pretty quick and simple installation. Took me about three hours with no air tools. Oh and I got an alignment done after as well. Runs great so easy to steer now, almost to easy one finger. I should have did this years ago. Good luck

Why did you need a new pitman arm? I did the swap with the setup off my 68 3/4 ton onto my little swb. Didn't have to mess with the arm at all. Drives great. I just used the gear box and went with a much newer pump since I hate the res on the fender well. Was just curious.

aztim1968 · 04-23-2011, 12:34 AM

just got a quote from Eklers for a complete setup that includes pump,gearbox,pitman arm,hoses and new rag joint plus pulley for 804.00 including shipping. If anybody knows where I can find it cheaper please let me know.
Thanks Tim

aztim1968 · 04-23-2011, 12:39 AM

By the way, how do I post pictures of my truck on this thing? I still live in the stone ages

5150.4.67 · 04-23-2011, 01:36 AM

You might need to clearance the frame a bit, or space the power box out as it is a little bigger. I modified mine using some heat and a 5 lbs hammer.....

jadedbird · 04-22-2016, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue betty

Hi there, I just did this conversion in my 67. Besides the used gear box, rebuilt pump, new hoses, bolts, belt, pulley, new pitman arm and new rag joint (old one was destroyed taking it off, grinded the rusty bolts off much faster). Thats about all I needed pretty quick and simple installation. Took me about three hours with no air tools. Oh and I got an alignment done after as well. Runs great so easy to steer now, almost to easy one finger. I should have did this years ago. Good luck

This was helpfuk
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natestep · 06-14-2016, 07:18 PM

I'm also doing a conversion on my 67. I used donor parts from a 80 1 ton. My problem is the drag link is a lot heavier on the 1 ton and my tie rods are way smaller than the holes in the drag link. I can't find a drag link that looks right. You would think an 80 C10 would work but according to pictures they won't work. The links I'm seeing have ends on them and I'm needing one that all four hook ups are holes. Any help?

natestep · 06-14-2016, 08:17 PM

I'm also doing a conversion on my 67. I used donor parts from a 80 1 ton. My problem is the drag link is a lot heavier on the 1 ton and my tie rods are way smaller than the holes in the drag link. I can't find a drag link that looks right. You would think an 80 C10 would work but according to pictures they won't work. The links I'm seeing have ends on them and I'm needing one that all four hook ups are holes. Any help?

prostreetC-10 · 04-23-2011, 01:58 AM

On my 68 it was a direct fit with zero issues.

72freak · 04-23-2011, 05:52 AM

A 1967 frame is different and requires a spacer plate or homemade spacers (nuts) or a different style set up....68 and up is normally a direct bold on.

You will also need to check your engine block and make sure you have the holes you need to mount the pump.

I have done this conversion 10 times atleast and I have always bought complete set ups from board members, scrap yards, ebay, etc. I have NEVER spent more than $200 for a complete kit with pulleys. The only thing new I buy are the hoses.

DO NOT BUY Orieleys pumps and gear boxes...JUNK!

**oldgold70c10** · 04-23-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72freak

DO NOT BUY Orieleys pumps and gear boxes...JUNK!

I've had my Orielly's gear box on since '07 without issue

72freak · 04-24-2011, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldgold70c10

I've had my Orielly's gear box on since '07 without issue

It is my understanding that Orieleys went through a restructuring period and are now using some different vendors. I use them exclusevley and never had any problems with their parts untill about 2 years ago. YES!!! I have many many many parts that have held up but have had a string of bad ones recently. I have had 3 power steering gear boxes start leaking or stop working properly from different vehicles, LOTS AND LOTS of electrical parts go bad early...heck....last week I got a bad power steering pump, cam shaft possition sensor and another 3 month old Orieleys steering box stop working. I am now stuck because they have my core now so I have to keep going back. They offer $20 back for the inconvenience or to pay the mechanic to cjhange it again if you have a recipt from a shop.

Buy what you want from where you want....This is just my experience with them.

Old Yeller 1970 · 04-23-2011, 03:10 PM

My advice would be to seek out the parts either from a donor truck, salvage yard or a member on the forum. $800 is way to much, IMO. I did it to my '70 many moons ago. It's well worth it. I finally had to install a rebuilt gear box, today in fact, that I purchased from Advance Auto. They have them very reasonable right now. They're only $139+$45 core charge. At the moment you can get 15% off plus $50 towards your next purchase of $100 or more. That could go towards a pump.
Here's a link.

c10327 · 05-11-2012, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Yeller 1970

My advice would be to seek out the parts either from a donor truck, salvage yard or a member on the forum. $800 is way to much, IMO. I did it to my '70 many moons ago. It's well worth it. I finally had to install a rebuilt gear box, today in fact, that I purchased from Advance Auto. They have them very reasonable right now. They're only $139+$45 core charge. At the moment you can get 15% off plus $50 towards your next purchase of $100 or more. That could go towards a pump.
Here's a link.

Hello I have a 1970 Chevy c10 , I am doing a steering conversion from manual to power steering . I have bought everything through my local advance auto parts like power steering box an pit-man arm , everything fits except the end of the pit arm the goes into the drag link ? to small an won't tighten up properly , the diameter of the stud that goes through the drag link is smaller than the manual steering pit arm . do you know the correct pit arm for my application ? Thanks in advance . Robert

67Slider · 04-23-2011, 06:16 PM

Anyone willing to post some pics of pulleys and mounting setup on this one? I am just about ready to do mine too. Could use some visual help.

aztim1968 · 04-23-2011, 06:39 PM

I just ordered the complete setup from ecklers it comes with all mounting brackets,hoses,pump, pitman arm, pulley,gearbox and new rag Joint. when it comes in I will take pictures of before,during and after pictures.

67c10rustbuket · 04-24-2011, 12:05 AM

I got my PS conversion from donor parts trucks and im using a 95 serp setup not v belts, easily found at junk yards. 67 needs a spacer otherwise its straight bolt on. but hey if you got the money a new kit is the way to go.

67c10rustbuket · 04-24-2011, 12:07 AM

click on "go advanced" below to the right to attach a pic.

c10327 · 05-11-2012, 11:28 AM

Hello I have a 1970 Chevy c10 , I am doing a steering conversion from manual to power steering . I have bought everything through my local advance auto parts like power steering box an pit-man arm , everything fits except the end of the pit arm the goes into the drag link ? to small an won't tighten up properly , the diameter of the stud that goes through the drag link is smaller than the manual steering pit arm . do you know the correct pit arm for my application ? Thanks in advance . Robert

**kwmech** · 07-06-2012, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c10327

Hello I have a 1970 Chevy c10 , I am doing a steering conversion from manual to power steering . I have bought everything through my local advance auto parts like power steering box an pit-man arm , everything fits except the end of the pit arm the goes into the drag link ? to small an won't tighten up properly , the diameter of the stud that goes through the drag link is smaller than the manual steering pit arm . do you know the correct pit arm for my application ? Thanks in advance . Robert

Make sure you didn't get an arm from a '71-72. tapers are different between drum and disc brake

Old Yeller 1970 · 05-11-2012, 08:01 PM

Robert,
I did that conversion about 20 years ago so my memory is too fuzzy to recall the details with enough clarity to give you any guidance. I'm sure someone else will chime in that will be of some assistance.
James

poway · 07-05-2012, 03:15 PM

Hello: I have a 1968 chevy panel with "power assist". I'm referring to the kind that has the hydraulic cylinder between the frame and the linkage and uses a manual steering box. I'd like to convert it to a power steering gearbox and dump the hydraulic cylinder setup. It has the power steering pump and hoses. Anyone see any problems with just bolting up a rebuilt power steering box and reconnecting the hoses to it? AutoZone has Duralast rebuilt units for $125.00 + $45.00 core. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

*ck5566* · 06-14-2016, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poway

Hello: I have a 1968 chevy panel with "power assist". I'm referring to the kind that has the hydraulic cylinder between the frame and the linkage and uses a manual steering box. I'd like to convert it to a power steering gearbox and dump the hydraulic cylinder setup. It has the power steering pump and hoses. Anyone see any problems with just bolting up a rebuilt power steering box and reconnecting the hoses to it? AutoZone has Duralast rebuilt units for $125.00 + $45.00 core. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Any parts with the name like "Duralast" I would stay away from, just my experience & my .02 cents.

04-22-2011, 09:14 PM	#1
aztim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: phx,az Posts: 18	1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion Hello all, new to this so here it goes, I am thinking of installing power steering in my 1968 chevrolet c10. My question to you all is what exactly do I need to complete the conversion. I know I need the power steering pump,gearbox,and hoses. Is this an easy swap? Any and all help would be appreciated, Thanks Tim

04-22-2011, 10:34 PM	#2
blue betty Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ontario Posts: 44	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion Hi there, I just did this conversion in my 67. Besides the used gear box, rebuilt pump, new hoses, bolts, belt, pulley, new pitman arm and new rag joint (old one was destroyed taking it off, grinded the rusty bolts off much faster). Thats about all I needed pretty quick and simple installation. Took me about three hours with no air tools. Oh and I got an alignment done after as well. Runs great so easy to steer now, almost to easy one finger. I should have did this years ago. Good luck __________________ 1967 GMC Fleetside.

04-22-2011, 11:11 PM	#3
aztim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: phx,az Posts: 18	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion Thanks Blue Betty, did you get your gearbox from a salvage yard or a parts house. I found most of the parts I need a O`reillys auto parts except the power steering pump brackets, do you know where I can find those brackets.

04-23-2011, 12:34 AM	#5
aztim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: phx,az Posts: 18	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion just got a quote from Eklers for a complete setup that includes pump,gearbox,pitman arm,hoses and new rag joint plus pulley for 804.00 including shipping. If anybody knows where I can find it cheaper please let me know. Thanks Tim

04-23-2011, 12:39 AM	#6
aztim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: phx,az Posts: 18	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion By the way, how do I post pictures of my truck on this thing? I still live in the stone ages Last edited by aztim1968; 04-23-2011 at 12:39 AM.

04-23-2011, 01:36 AM	#7
5150.4.67 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 411	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion You might need to clearance the frame a bit, or space the power box out as it is a little bigger. I modified mine using some heat and a 5 lbs hammer.....

06-14-2016, 07:18 PM	#9
natestep Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Cave City Ar Posts: 6	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion I'm also doing a conversion on my 67. I used donor parts from a 80 1 ton. My problem is the drag link is a lot heavier on the 1 ton and my tie rods are way smaller than the holes in the drag link. I can't find a drag link that looks right. You would think an 80 C10 would work but according to pictures they won't work. The links I'm seeing have ends on them and I'm needing one that all four hook ups are holes. Any help?

06-14-2016, 08:17 PM	#10
natestep Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Cave City Ar Posts: 6	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion I'm also doing a conversion on my 67. I used donor parts from a 80 1 ton. My problem is the drag link is a lot heavier on the 1 ton and my tie rods are way smaller than the holes in the drag link. I can't find a drag link that looks right. You would think an 80 C10 would work but according to pictures they won't work. The links I'm seeing have ends on them and I'm needing one that all four hook ups are holes. Any help?

04-23-2011, 01:58 AM	#11
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion On my 68 it was a direct fit with zero issues. __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video!

04-23-2011, 05:52 AM	#12
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion A 1967 frame is different and requires a spacer plate or homemade spacers (nuts) or a different style set up....68 and up is normally a direct bold on. You will also need to check your engine block and make sure you have the holes you need to mount the pump. I have done this conversion 10 times atleast and I have always bought complete set ups from board members, scrap yards, ebay, etc. I have NEVER spent more than $200 for a complete kit with pulleys. The only thing new I buy are the hoses. DO NOT BUY Orieleys pumps and gear boxes...JUNK! __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere!

04-23-2011, 03:10 PM	#15
Old Yeller 1970 DON'T TREAD ON ME Join Date: May 2005 Location: Crosby County, TX Posts: 989	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion My advice would be to seek out the parts either from a donor truck, salvage yard or a member on the forum. $800 is way to much, IMO. I did it to my '70 many moons ago. It's well worth it. I finally had to install a rebuilt gear box, today in fact, that I purchased from Advance Auto. They have them very reasonable right now. They're only $139+$45 core charge. At the moment you can get 15% off plus $50 towards your next purchase of $100 or more. That could go towards a pump. Here's a link. __________________ Old Yeller

04-23-2011, 06:16 PM	#17
67Slider Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pueblo West, CO Posts: 944	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion Anyone willing to post some pics of pulleys and mounting setup on this one? I am just about ready to do mine too. Could use some visual help. __________________ 67 C10 Stepside 66 Mustang Coupe 99 Burb 2500

04-23-2011, 06:39 PM	#18
aztim1968 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: phx,az Posts: 18	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion I just ordered the complete setup from ecklers it comes with all mounting brackets,hoses,pump, pitman arm, pulley,gearbox and new rag Joint. when it comes in I will take pictures of before,during and after pictures.

04-24-2011, 12:05 AM	#19
67c10rustbuket Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Mustang, Oklahoma Posts: 2,806	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion I got my PS conversion from donor parts trucks and im using a 95 serp setup not v belts, easily found at junk yards. 67 needs a spacer otherwise its straight bolt on. but hey if you got the money a new kit is the way to go. __________________ Dan <---(my name) 67 SWB C10 project "GEORGIA"-59 Brookwood 2dr wag...Next project-03 Tahoe 4x4 5.3 family ride-07 Hondur Accord, commuter car

04-24-2011, 12:07 AM	#20
67c10rustbuket Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Mustang, Oklahoma Posts: 2,806	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion click on "go advanced" below to the right to attach a pic. __________________ Dan <---(my name) 67 SWB C10 project "GEORGIA"-59 Brookwood 2dr wag...Next project-03 Tahoe 4x4 5.3 family ride-07 Hondur Accord, commuter car



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05-11-2012, 11:28 AM	#21
c10327 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Hartford Vermont Posts: 57	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion Hello I have a 1970 Chevy c10 , I am doing a steering conversion from manual to power steering . I have bought everything through my local advance auto parts like power steering box an pit-man arm , everything fits except the end of the pit arm the goes into the drag link ? to small an won't tighten up properly , the diameter of the stud that goes through the drag link is smaller than the manual steering pit arm . do you know the correct pit arm for my application ? Thanks in advance . Robert

05-11-2012, 08:01 PM	#23
Old Yeller 1970 DON'T TREAD ON ME Join Date: May 2005 Location: Crosby County, TX Posts: 989	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion Robert, I did that conversion about 20 years ago so my memory is too fuzzy to recall the details with enough clarity to give you any guidance. I'm sure someone else will chime in that will be of some assistance. James __________________ Old Yeller

07-05-2012, 03:15 PM	#24
poway Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Poway, CA Posts: 119	Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion Hello: I have a 1968 chevy panel with "power assist". I'm referring to the kind that has the hydraulic cylinder between the frame and the linkage and uses a manual steering box. I'd like to convert it to a power steering gearbox and dump the hydraulic cylinder setup. It has the power steering pump and hoses. Anyone see any problems with just bolting up a rebuilt power steering box and reconnecting the hoses to it? AutoZone has Duralast rebuilt units for $125.00 + $45.00 core. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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