Power steering conversion

[Blue Heeler]

Hey guys i'm gonna do the power steering conversion on the Blue Heeler, i'm asking what year gearbox should i order? Thanks......

[Captainfab]

You can use a steering box from any '69-'87 C10, C20, or C30. The one thing to be aware of is that in 1980-81 the fitting style changed from SAE inverted flare to a metric size with an O-ring. Which ever box you end up with, getting a pump with the same style of fittings makes getting hoses easier.

Let me know if you need the adapter plate.

Originally Posted by Blue Heeler

Hey guys i'm gonna do the power steering conversion on the Blue Heeler, i'm asking what year gearbox should i order? Thanks......

[Blue Heeler]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

You can use a steering box from any '69-'87 C10, C20, or C30. The one thing to be aware of is that in 1980-81 the fitting style changed from SAE inverted flare to a metric size with an O-ring. Which ever box you end up with, getting a pump with the same style of fittings makes getting hoses easier.

Let me know if you need the adapter plate.

Thanks Captainfab, so i should be good with 1970's gearbox for a c-10 and your kit?

[oldtrux]

regular power steering box is 4.5 turns lock to lock,you can also get a quick turn box 3.5 turns lock to lock.more decisions!!lol

[badblu97]

I just did this, and had no idea about the metric change in '81, and I was in too far, so I had to take the hose and have it rebuilt. (I know, I know, Im bull headed) but avoiding that issue would have been easier if I knew! But yes, CaptainFab's bracket is a must!

[bubba327]

I also used Captain's bracket and a Cardone steering box from a 71 as the crossmember swap was 71 also.
It was easier to remember that every thing on the front steering section,, tierods,, idler arms ,, and crossmember was all from the same year(71)

[Blue Heeler]

Coooooooooool thanks guys....

[Demmit_Hemmit's 65]

I just got done doing the conversion on my 65 suburban.....the bracket from Captainfab worked great and he has very easy instructions to help with the install.....Wow what a difference.........Just a couple of things that i ran into......Make sure if you have a short or long water pump you get the corresponding pulleys. Also, one thing I did find out was the connection (fitting) on back of the power steering pumps are interchangable. I ran into that problem when I got the power steering box off of a 85 GMC pickup and a power steering pump bracket off of a 75 Chevy van. The bracket only worked with the old style pump and the box had the metric hose. I took the fitting from the back of the back of the 85 pump and put it on the 75 pump and didn't have to have a new hose made. Good luck with the change over. I think my money was well spent and the difference in driving is incredible.................................Hemmit

[likaroc13]

using a new Fenco unit from Advance Auto on mine...it's a 3.5 ratio....can't really comment yet since mine is still under the knife...i also purchased a conversion bracket from Captainfab....oh, & my stuff is for a '72 since i'm rebuilding the front with '72 parts...can't wait to test it out!

[bubba327]

Originally Posted by Demmit_Hemmit's 65

. Also, one thing I did find out was the connection (fitting) on back of the power steering pumps are interchangeable.

I found that to be true also. I have a 69 Chevelle that I replaced the worn Saginaw steering gear box with a new Delphi gearbox from a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee, A power steering hose from a Camaro was used and the fittings were metric o-ring style , so I just interchanged the metric and original fittings on the back of the pump(got the metric fitting at the pick and pull). I used bulk power steering hose and hose clamps on the return line. (Found this idea on the TeamChevelle forum site, wow, what a difference!!)

PS. On the instructions that came with the gearbox for the 71, It required a filter to prevent warranty void. I found a inline filter made by Cardone at Schucks for less than 5 bucks that slipped INSIDE the 3/8 return line. I installed one in the chevelle and the 64 both and have no problems at all.
Good luck and have fun, bubba