One more question on power steering with solid axle

[47AD]

I thought I'd ask one more question about using power steering with a solid axle on my 47AD. I have read a lot of information on power steering options but was hoping to get some feed back from those who have used this type of kit:

http://www.ecklerstrucks.com/chevy-t...1955-1959.html

I've read tire rubbing, when turning full left or right, is possible if you go with too wide of a tire. Just looking for feedback on how these kits drive and feel and is the last thing I'm wondering about before I decide whether to keep the solid axle or not.

I have also seen pictures of the power steering kit that uses a Toyota Land Cruiser steering box but it would have an interference fit with the left side exhaust manifold when installing a SBC V8.

Dan

[NEWFISHER]

What size tire are you trying to run?

Lowered with a dropped axle?

who's axle and steering arms?

Did you shim the axle to put the caster back into it?

[mr48chev]

It might be worth calling Ecklers and asking what wheel tire combos they suggest with that setup. If I were to run it I think I would wait to buy my wheels and tires until after I had it on the truck and working rather than buying them before. That is because wheel offset and or tire height/width may play a big factor in how they clear.

[wolffcub]

I have the same kit. Easy install. Good fit with no rubbing. Just keep in mind about bump steer if you drop the truck later with lower leafs or an dropped axle. Im running 235's on 7" rims with a BS of 3.75"

[wolffcub]

After I lowered the leafs I just had to flip the steering drag link to the top on one end and my bump steer went away.

[dwcsr]

Take a look at this.
http://www.chevyps.com/kits.html

look at the 55-59 truck section.
I did something similar on a 47 3800. It is very similar to the corvette steering from 62 - 83 also used on 63-67 Chevy C series trucks and a lot of late 50's 60's cars.

[47AD]

I guess leaving out important details can make a difference If I keep the solid axle, I would be using Sid's 3" dropped axle and all the parts that go with it. Leaf springs would be new, made to stock measurements and ideally, 15" wheels. CPP has the same power steering kit and their instructions claim no wheel width wider than 7" and no backspacing more than 3.5". They also sell a pitman arm for lowered trucks which would also hopefully help with bumpsteer.

wolffcub,

How does the steering feel when you're driving your truck?

I haven't touched anything on the truck yet. I thought it would be better to ask questions first before I started making a plan on which way to go with it. I appreciate all of the advice and for all the quick responses.

Dan

[nvrdone]

Ok, I'm looking at using a Toyota Land Crusier steering box, but I'm thinking about mounting it forward near the radiator support.
Right now I have a ' dropped I beam from Sid's. New king pins, tie rod & ends etc. Also added shims to bring it to 6 der caster. I have no bump steer and it tracks great at freeway speeds.
The only reason to add power steering would be to make it easier parking and slow speed turns.
After all, my kids tell me i'm older than dirt.

[wolffcub]

The kit you posted a link to is the same kit that CPP sells. The CPP is the actual kit I got. I went thru 2 fluid reservoirs due to them being poorly made and leaking at the neck.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

Take a look at this.
http://www.chevyps.com/kits.html

look at the 55-59 truck section.
I did something similar on a 47 3800. It is very similar to the corvette steering from 62 - 83 also used on 63-67 Chevy C series trucks and a lot of late 50's 60's cars.

I have been looking at this for a while trying to figure out now it works. Wouldn't the hydraulic part on the right end of the drag link need to be mounted to the frame to provide leverage to a ram to move the link? Or does it have an internal ram that extends the link??

[dwcsr]

It consists of a drag link that has a control valve and an assist cylinder and in the valve there is a shaft that goes against the pitman arm ball, it senses direction and force of the push or pull. That moves a shuttle valve that allows fluid to pass in one pipe of the other on a slave cylinder attached to the tie rod and one end to the axle pushing or pulling the tierod. I'm almost done with the one I'm doing and I'll post some better pictures

[OrrieG]

Ok now I understand, did not see the slave cylinder on the tie rod. Thanks.

[76er]

Is that the same kit that uses the cpp400 or 500 series steering box that bolts to the stock location?

[roger55]

Originally Posted by 76er

Is that the same kit that uses the cpp400 or 500 series steering box that bolts to the stock location?

It's a 400 box and no one has mentioned that kit yet in this thread. I have the CPP 400 box installed in my truck. I haven't driven it out on the street yet but have around my property. So far, I think it's going to be great.

If you need details, check out my build thread. There are some considerations you have to deal with if you go this route.

[76er]

Great, thanks i'll do that.

[76er]

Roger, looked over your build thread as you suggested, lots of questions were answered and got lots of great ideas. Thanks. Realize i'm a newbie here but gotta say, don't know what you do for a living but judging from what i saw on your thread, if it's not rebuilding/recreating old Chevys your in the wrong line of work my friend. Keep inspiring us all.