swap from power to manual steering? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rattleon · 02-25-2011, 06:05 PM

I'm going to swap out my power for manual steering in my '70. I'm just wondering if it's a direct bolt in and if so what years will work? I'm thinking anything after '68, but don't know for certain and are all the ratios the same? also as an option what about using the power steering gear box and just plug it or loop the lines. Would it turn/work harder than a manual box because of gear ratio or are they the same? Thanks for any info.....Jeff

**Captainfab** · 02-26-2011, 01:25 AM

A manual box from '67 thru mid 70's should bolt right up. I think a regular manual steering box would function better than a power box in a closed loop configuration. As far as I know all OEM truck boxes are the same ratio.

rattleon · 02-26-2011, 11:03 AM

Thanks for the input Capt. I think I found a good used '72 box yesterday. I just wasn't sure if they were all the same, so I just need to go and get it out.....unfortunately we got about a foot of new snow here at my place yesterday/night which changes the days events. How about you guys up North, did you get hit by this last storm?

CSGAS · 02-26-2011, 01:14 PM

The stock style steering arms (that bolt to the uprights) should be a different length for the two different boxes as well; any confirmations?

If so, I am sure many members who have upgraded to one-piece drop spindles or from manual-to-power steering would have the manual arms.

**Captainfab** · 02-27-2011, 12:24 AM

Oh yeah, we got about a foot of snow, near zero temps and high winds. Was a little below zero last night. We've got another storm coming tonight/tomorrow. Supposed to get another 6-12 inches. Supposed to be a little warmer though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rattleon

Thanks for the input Capt. I think I found a good used '72 box yesterday. I just wasn't sure if they were all the same, so I just need to go and get it out.....unfortunately we got about a foot of new snow here at my place yesterday/night which changes the days events. How about you guys up North, did you get hit by this last storm?

cableguy0 · 02-27-2011, 12:37 AM

Power boxes dont work very well without having a pump. A manual box is a much better way to go. Im pretty sure the pitman arm is different between the two but the rest of the linkage is the same.

02-25-2011, 06:05 PM	#1
rattleon Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 44	swap from power to manual steering? I'm going to swap out my power for manual steering in my '70. I'm just wondering if it's a direct bolt in and if so what years will work? I'm thinking anything after '68, but don't know for certain and are all the ratios the same? also as an option what about using the power steering gear box and just plug it or loop the lines. Would it turn/work harder than a manual box because of gear ratio or are they the same? Thanks for any info.....Jeff __________________ 1970 c-10 short/step box morphing into street/strip 1967 RS/SS convertible Camaro 1932 Henry Ford steel 5 window coupe highboy hotrod 1931 full fendered model A sedan AV8 traditional hotrod. 1934 Ford 5 window coupe and a (pile-of-parts) 1929 Model A coupe, plus our "normal" people vehicles.

02-26-2011, 01:25 AM	#2
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: swap from power to manual steering? A manual box from '67 thru mid 70's should bolt right up. I think a regular manual steering box would function better than a power box in a closed loop configuration. As far as I know all OEM truck boxes are the same ratio. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

02-26-2011, 11:03 AM	#3
rattleon Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 44	Re: swap from power to manual steering? Thanks for the input Capt. I think I found a good used '72 box yesterday. I just wasn't sure if they were all the same, so I just need to go and get it out.....unfortunately we got about a foot of new snow here at my place yesterday/night which changes the days events. How about you guys up North, did you get hit by this last storm? __________________ 1970 c-10 short/step box morphing into street/strip 1967 RS/SS convertible Camaro 1932 Henry Ford steel 5 window coupe highboy hotrod 1931 full fendered model A sedan AV8 traditional hotrod. 1934 Ford 5 window coupe and a (pile-of-parts) 1929 Model A coupe, plus our "normal" people vehicles.

02-26-2011, 01:14 PM	#4
CSGAS optomistic ah-so Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 544	Re: swap from power to manual steering? The stock style steering arms (that bolt to the uprights) should be a different length for the two different boxes as well; any confirmations? If so, I am sure many members who have upgraded to one-piece drop spindles or from manual-to-power steering would have the manual arms. __________________ Rubbing is Racin' Ribbing is Bench Racin' 1970 C-10 lwb Fleetside. Originally 350 2-bbl 3-on-the-tree, m/b, m/w, m/s no a/c. Currently running on a '76 Camaro 305.

02-27-2011, 12:37 AM	#6
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: swap from power to manual steering? Power boxes dont work very well without having a pump. A manual box is a much better way to go. Im pretty sure the pitman arm is different between the two but the rest of the linkage is the same. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

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