Quick question on fitment - power steering gear

[Asshat]

Steering gear from 68 suburban?


Will this work on my conversion? Installing 74 c20 cross member and upgrading to power steering.

[cwcarpenter98]

I think the 4x4 steering gears are different, but I'm not 100% sure on that. If it was a 2wd gear, it would definitely work for ya

[The Rocknrod]

Maybe the steering box itself. Nothing else. Not the pitman arm etc. Need a casting number off the box though. In fact being a 4WD the pitman arm shaft size may be too big.

[LostMy65]

I don't think the poster said 4x4.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I don't think the poster said 4x4.

I don’t recall if it was a 4x4, there wasn’t much left of it.

[cwcarpenter98]

If the gear you are looking at getting is the gear in that picture you posted, isn't that a front axle in the background of the picture?

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

If the gear you are looking at getting is the gear in that picture you posted, isn't that a front axle in the background of the picture?

Yeah, I think so. I just don’t remember.
I’ll probably just keep looking; maybe I’ll just buy a new gear.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

If the gear you are looking at getting is the gear in that picture you posted, isn't that a front axle in the background of the picture?

I didn't even notice that.

[kaycee]

I snagged a ps box off a 4x4 frame a few weeks back ,dont know what year it was just the frame and the pitman arm was way different. Looks like the one in the pic. .somehow the one I snagged off the 2 wd sub. got the top cover cracked, the one that has the 4 bolts on top with the set screw. So I was able to swap those covers .

[aotte1]

Yes, as mentioned above, 4 and 2 WD steering gear boxes are different. One way to differentiate them is how the pitman arm attaches to the gear box.
A few photos showing 4WD pitman arm attached to steering gear box by a bolt in pitman arm going through recess in shaft, and tightening onto splines in shaft. The 2WD attaches pitman arm by a nut on bottom of shaft.

[Asshat]

Would this one work, from a 1978 C20?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...032130&jsn=557

I have the 1974 Cront Cross member on my 63 C20.

It is getting harder to find these power steering gear boxes, at least the cheaper used ones.

What is the range of years that will work for these conversions?

[bhap]

2WD and 4x4 steering boxes are the same with the exception of the sector shaft. I had a 1978 K10 box rebuilt and the builder swapped in a 2wd shaft. Later boxes have a variable ratio box but somewhere around 1980 they went to an o-ring fitting instead of the flare. You can swap fitting and get adapters, but it is easiest to buy similar year steering boxes and pumps so you can use stock hoses.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by bhap

2WD and 4x4 steering boxes are the same with the exception of the sector shaft. I had a 1978 K10 box rebuilt and the builder swapped in a 2wd shaft. Later boxes have a variable ratio box but somewhere around 1980 they went to an o-ring fitting instead of the flare. You can swap fitting and get adapters, but it is easiest to buy similar year steering boxes and pumps so you can use stock hoses.

So, I take it, that is probably a ‘no’.
My front crossmember is from a 74, so I think it should bolt up ok. And, my power steering pump is from a 63, so I could see there being an issue with the hoses. Either way, I’ll probably have to use an adapter.

[MT65]

Originally Posted by Asshat

So, I take it, that is probably a ‘no’.
My front crossmember is from a 74, so I think it should bolt up ok. And, my power steering pump is from a 63, so I could see there being an issue with the hoses. Either way, I’ll probably have to use an adapter.

Don’t let the hoses dictate what you use, the adapter to turn any of those into a #6 an is relatively cheap, then your local hydraulic shop can make whatever hose length you need, and you can put it wherever you want it, not having to deal with any factory configuration. At times this is the most cost effective route as well...

[Captainfab]

You need a '68-'86 C series or '87-'91 R series steering box and pitman arm. The K/V series steering boxes will NOT work for a 2wd application. In 1980 the fitting style changed from SAE to Metric with an o-ring.

[Asshat]

Ok. I got a question...

I have a PS gearbox from a 72 C20.
Do I need to purchase a new steering coupler for the 72?

I am doing this conversion on my 63, I purchased the bracket from Mr Captain, also the steering coupler.
Just not sure how to put the steering system back together.

These are $45? Wow, thought it would be a little less.

[cwcarpenter98]

On the coupler, you'll need to get the one that matches the splines on your steering gear. There are several different sizes, but where the column attaches to the coupler is all the same

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

On the coupler, you'll need to get the one that matches the splines on your steering gear. There are several different sizes, but where the column attaches to the coupler is all the same

What about the repair kits, that should work, right?

[cwcarpenter98]

It worked for me, but was definitely a struggle. If I were to do it again, I'd probably just get a whole new one

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

It worked for me, but was definitely a struggle. If I were to do it again, I'd probably just get a whole new one

You’re right. Wasn’t easy taking it apart, so I just bought a new one.

[Asshat]

So, when it comes to the pressure hose, this is correct?
And, the pressure port is closest to the frame? It is the larger port in my application.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by Asshat

So, when it comes to the pressure hose, this is correct?
And, the pressure port is closest to the frame? It is the larger port in my application.

And I have these return hose fittings, but the have o-rings. Does the pressure hose need o-rings??

The actual ID of the return hose port is about 0.55”; would that make it a 3/8 AN fitting?

[The Rocknrod]

Yes pressure port nearest the frame.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by Asshat

And I have these return hose fittings, but the have o-rings. Does the pressure hose need o-rings??

The actual ID of the return hose port is about 0.55”; would that make it a 3/8 AN fitting?

Strange - none of these return lines fit. Seems like I need a regular flared fitting, like the pressure hose.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by Asshat

So, when it comes to the pressure hose, this is correct?
And, the pressure port is closest to the frame? It is the larger port in my application.

If that's your box in post 21 then yes you need the inverted flare fittings. Same type I used.