68 K1500 power steering conversion

[mygmctruck1]

Anyone converted your 68 K1500 to power steering ?

If so I need a little direction . My steering arm is straight and with a power steering conversion , I am having difficulty finding the right parts to get the steering from the drag steering box to the steering arm.
I am sure I have to change the steering arm but can not find a replacement for this truck.
I can make it work by cutting the steering drag link ball joints between the pitman arm and the steering arm but that's not the answer.

Anyone.

my truck is a 68 K1500 , was a V6 but now a V8

[61K10]

ck out my build 68 is similar i think.

[mygmctruck1]

Originally Posted by 61K10

ck out my build 68 is similar i think.

From all the information I have gathered , the 68 GMC K1500 steering set up is unique and Chevy didn’t have anything like it .
Do you have a pic to help me out .

[GSP7]

Originally Posted by mygmctruck1

From all the information I have gathered , the 68 GMC K1500 steering set up is unique and Chevy didn’t have anything like it .
.

Id like to know about this GMC unique steering differing from a chevy truck

[mygmctruck1]

Originally Posted by GSP7

Id like to know about this GMC unique steering differing from a chevy truck

The main difference is the steering arm on the K1500 is straight and mounts with 4 bolts . The Chevy is a curved arm and mounts with 3 bolts.

There in lies the problem. Getting the right parts to connect the straight arm and the power steering arm. Very short distance and getting the right drag link parts , no body has an answer . At least I haven’t gotten one.

I had to alter the arm length on the drag like tie rods and also the adjuster . It’s not correct but for now I can steer it. No one on this forum has been able to answer the question , where to get correct parts.

[61K10]

go to the 60-66 forum and do a search for 4x4 or my build power steering or my build of my tk (61k10 build) you need to post up some pics of your axle and frame at the steering box. You have a closed knuckle ft axle, the one with a curved steering arm is an open knuckle axle. There is another set-up that uses a dodge steering box.

disregard the disc brake set-up

[mygmctruck1]

Originally Posted by 61K10

go to the 60-66 forum and do a search for 4x4 or my build power steering or my build of my tk (61k10 build) you need to post up some pics of your axle and frame at the steering box. You have a closed knuckle ft axle, the one with a curved steering arm is an open knuckle axle. There is another set-up that uses a dodge steering box.

disregard the disc brake set-up

Here’s mine very much like yours. The distance from the C to C of the tie rod is 13” in order to get mine to even get close I had to cut the adjuster sleeve and the tie rods and I know that’s not right. So if we actually have the same set up ?

Where did you get your parts?

[61K10]

Yes the same set-up. So whats your problem?

You have to shorten the steering arm to get back your turning radius. Here's the parts i used for the drag link and a pic of my shortened steering arm (have plated it on both sides for safety now) someone on here just drilled a new hole to shorten it (tapered of course) and cut the end off. I also put 4* shims on the axle to get some more caster.

[mygmctruck1]

Originally Posted by 61K10

Yes the same set-up. So whats your problem?

You have to shorten the steering arm to get back your turning radius. Here's the parts i used for the drag link and a pic of my shortened steering arm (have plated it on both sides for safety now) someone on here just drilled a new hole to shorten it (tapered of course) and cut the end off. I also put 4* shims on the axle to get some more caster.

Finally got the answer I needed ( Thank you ). When I first saw your pic , I thought the steering arm was altered. How much did you cut off ?

Thanks again

[61K10]

I shortened it 1 1/2". I thank it makes the steering quicker also, and not too my liking.

drilling a new hole might be easier if you can get the right reamer for the taper. I had a pro welder do mine, and then i welded 1/8" plates on both sides.

Post back up and tell me how it steers.

[mygmctruck1]

Originally Posted by 61K10

I shortened it 1 1/2". I thank it makes the steering quicker also, and not too my liking.

drilling a new hole might be easier if you can get the right reamer for the taper. I had a pro welder do mine, and then i welded 1/8" plates on both sides.

Post back up and tell me how it steers.

Thank ,yes I will let you know how it steers. If I do have it drilled and tapered , I have a machine shop do it. Either way i’m Not going to tackle this.