Is this power steering original???

[kdevore2]

My 66 has power steering but it looks like a conversion of some sort maybe. It uses a hydraulic ram located where a steering stabilizer would go and a control valve connected somehow between the pitman arm and the draglink. Hoses go from the PS pump to the valve and from the valve to the ram. Is this original or a conversion? If it is a conversion, what is it???

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by kdevore2

My 66 has power steering but it looks like a conversion of some sort maybe. It uses a hydraulic ram located where a steering stabilizer would go and a control valve connected somehow between the pitman arm and the draglink. Hoses go from the PS pump to the valve and from the valve to the ram. Is this original or a conversion? If it is a conversion, what is it???

Sounds original. most older ps used the hydraulic cylinder.One hint of advice. If you work on one do not keep your arms or hands inside the steering wheel when you start it up. if the prop valve is a little off it will spin the wheel faster than you can say &%$#.

Mike

[kdevore2]

Thanks for the info and advice mbgmike.

[ChiefRocka]

Originally Posted by mbgmike

Sounds original. most older ps used the hydraulic cylinder.One hint of advice. If you work on one do not keep your arms or hands inside the steering wheel when you start it up. if the prop valve is a little off it will spin the wheel faster than you can say &%$#.

Mike

Yeap BEEN THERE !!!!!!!!!

I installed new lines on my 64 Impala years ago...the two small lines were backwards....When I started the engine, as soon as pressure built up the steering wheel rocked violently side to side......Luckly my hands were no where near the wheel....

John

[Hilandr451]

Originally Posted by kdevore2

My 66 has power steering but it looks like a conversion of some sort maybe. Is this original or a conversion? If it is a conversion, what is it???

That is a rare bird right there. It's what's known as "power assisted" steering. It was an option in all GM trucks from 1961 to 1967 I believe. Although rather rare in the light duty Chevy trucks and a little more common in GMC's it was pretty much standard equipment in all C60 & C80 series trucks. I used to drive a 1968 Dodge 1-1/2 ton tow truck and it had the exact same setup.

Even though it is rather rare, I'm tearing mine out in lieu of a hydraulic steering box setup from that later models. I once sold one I pilphered out of an old GMC to a guy for $200.00 with out the pump so my original should bring a few duckets at the "post restoration" swapmeet.

[Americanrider]

Dang, I asked $40 for one unit and $60 for another I sold. Guess I'd better re-consider my prices. Here is a Power ram setup from a 66.