55.2-59 power steering conversion

[popeyestruck]

I've had shoulder replacement on both shoulders so manual steering wont work for me. I'm trying to figure out the best way to move forward on power steering. Truck wont be lowered . 6 cylinder with 3 on the tree. I'd like to keep to stock column. Looking at the 500 series from CPP. looks like it includes everything. How difficult is this for a guy in his garage with basic tools and knowledge? Do I need to mount an alternator? Would I be better off using an electric assist? I could use a walk through

[qbeanie]

The stock column is integral with the steering gear. To retain the original column, you will need to cut the outer tube and inner steering shaft, install a bearing at the cut location and connect the shaft to the new steering box with a coupling.

[popeyestruck]

I plan on using the original steering column. Can the kit be used on a 6 cylinder as far as mounting the power steering pump?

[_Ogre]

like qbeanie says, the stock column won't work without modification
55-59 steering column is built into the steering box, no way to separate them without a hacksaw. yes the kit will fit any motor, you'll just need to make your own pump bracket to attach it to the motor. it can be a very simple fixed bracket as you can adjust the belt tension with the generator/alternator.

this is my pump bracket, same pump as the kit, 2 pieces of 10 gauge flat plate and some 3/8" tubing. all made with a small grinder and drill, nothing fancy smancy

peace out

[popeyestruck]

Where do you attach the pump bracket on a 6 cylinder? I plan on cutting the column

[mr48chev]

Davis speed equipment sells the brackets for power steering on 235 / 261 engines along with brackets for 216 and the later 194/292 engines. https://davisspeedequipment.com/prod...955-62-235261/
not super cheap but that beats the tar out of trying to cobble something together to make it fit.

Classic parts (and a number of others) sells the conversion bearing for the column that lets you cut the column off your box and then shorten the tube to the correct length and install the bearing and THEN cut the shaft to the right length. You then have to rework the end of the shaft to fit the U joint on it. Many grind flats for a Double D connection there. If you are going to use the stock column there is no way to save the box unless you leave a few inches of the shaft so someone can do a similar mod to the shaft to connect it to a different shaft. The box won't have much value though.

The whole thing is rather simple and a lot of guys have done it to keep the stock column and wheel.

The Prius box installed in the column under the dash is gaining popularity as you don't see much of the Prius setup unless you look for it and all the stuff under the hood stays the same. I'd say it takes a bit more thinking things out to get it to work and as mentioned before, most likely draws more amps than a 35 amp generator wants to deal with.

[mick53]

Here's my two cents worth. Watch this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1xggmlvxCA
This is what I'm putting on my 53 3100. I put one on a friends truck a couple of years ago. It's really nice. It works with the engine off. It has a knob for adjustment on how much power you want. Turn it up in the parking lot and turn it down on the highway to feel the road. It's smooth. The video is for a C2 Corvette but it's the same column. You could put this in with a file hacksaw and drill. Nobody even knows it's there. You cut a chunk out of your column, file a couple of flat spots and run a power wire, done. My other option was, Gotta get a power steering box of some sort and figure all that stuff out. Then there is the pulleys, a pump. Some way to mount the pump. Belt, custom hoses. Something going to leak sooner or later. For me it was a no brainer. I'm even going with an electric A/C compressor and remote condenser with electric fan to keep the engine compartment uncluttered. JMHO. Sorry so long winded, Thank you for your time.

[popeyestruck]

That looks like the bracket I'll need . Thanks. I guess I need to decide now about adding air conditioning and alternator, Floridas hot as hell in the summer . I'm going to buy the 500 series kit and then add the bracket. The electric looks nice but I'm not sure if that works with a column shift and its pricey. Thanks for all your help. If theres any members in the Orlando area that want to mentor me on this , I'll buy the beer

[57tailgater]

Are you looking to do the 500 kit that puts the steering box on top of the frame ahead of the axle or the 400 kit that puts the box in the same location as the stock one? I believe the 400 doesn't require all the welding on for the brackets too. You also need to cut out part of the inner fender for the steering shaft for the 500. Just an option I have seen out there. Both will require the steering column mod if using the stock column. Here are their tech pages on these kits:
https://www.classicperform.com/power2.htm
http://www.classicperform.com/tech_a...ch-Article.pdf

[popeyestruck]

I guess I need the 400 series but would need to add a pump and bracket. I was looking at the 500 because I thought it was just a 400 with a pump. I want to use my column modified and and not move the box. What pump do I buy and what Bracket? I keep getting answers to my original question but in pieces. What kit ,pump and bracket do I buy for a direct bolt in? Whats the part # for the conversion bearing for cutting off the steering column.

[57tailgater]

Check this thread out. Maybe the OP can help you too as it looks like he is using a 6 cylinder. Looks to be the 500 kit.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...power+steering

[popeyestruck]

Originally Posted by 57tailgater

Check this thread out. Maybe the OP can help you too as it looks like he is using a 6 cylinder. Looks to be the 500 kit.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...power+steering

Using the 500 kit seems like a lot of extra work with basically the same result as the 400. I messaged him

[G&R's57GMC]

The beauty of the 400 is no bump steer as it uses the stock geometry for the drag link .
Posted via Mobile Device

[dsraven]

I would go with the 400 kit for the sake of the stock geometry.

[popeyestruck]

Originally Posted by dsraven

I would go with the 400 kit for the sake of the stock geometry.

Yes I'm going with the 400. Just making a parts list now. I need the kit . lower bearing, ps pump , bracket. Looks like I can't get everything from the same vendor. While I'm moving things around i think it might be a good time to add an alternator. Do you agree?

[_Ogre]

Idk... That would involve another thread about an alternator bracket

[G&R's57GMC]

Yes add an alternator…. It’s a no brainer

[57tailgater]

Looks like there's reasonably priced bolt on alternator bracket kits available out there for 235/261's. Do a search and they should come up.

[popeyestruck]

Originally Posted by 57tailgater

Looks like there's reasonably priced bolt on alternator bracket kits available out there for 235/261's. Do a search and they should come up.

I think I'll use this one https://www.ebay.com/itm/221832329574

[57tailgater]

Here's another truck thread on another forum that has this conversion: https://www.trifive.com/threads/prou....226040/page-2