Louisiana Classic Truck Club

I want to upgrade to P/S on my truck. I have the frame exposed and have printed the Classic Trucks article on how to do it but I'm confused on a few things. http://www.classicperform.com/power6066.htm

I understand I need to purchase 1969-'87 2wd, Chevy truck power steering gearbox and pitman arm. But what type or model of pump do I look for. Also I will need to buy the frame plate that a lot of truck outfitters sell.


I have the oem unit but everyone tells me to upgrade to a more modern unit because after I get through buying new high pressur hoses and fittings it would have been cheaper to upgrade, I don't know what way to go, any thought on this? I have the 305 V-6 and will need to use the OEM brakets I have. I also have the upper and lower 2 groove pulley set so I'm OK on that end.

Has anybody who lives close by done this yet I'd love to get some one on one pointers. Maybe I can stop by your place?

Thanks
Jake






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O.K.

I figured out what the problem was, other than my stupidity. In the OEM shop manual they show the "old Style" power steering unit that incorporated a Power Cylinder Ram to move the Tie Rod. This was done away with in the early '60's becasue the Saginaw Power Gearbox was "invented" or adapted to be used on these trucks.

I could not for the life of me figure out how the rod/cycliner was used. I did not understand that it was done away with. I don't have those parts and will not want to use it any way!

In the 2 different articles writeen for Classic Trucks, neither one exlained about the older style, it just assumed that you did not have it.

With this explained I now understand that I need to buy or find a 1969-1987 2wd half-ton Chevy Truck Power Steering Box and matching year Pitman arm. This will attach directly to the Powere Steering Pump mounted on the V-6.

WHEW I'm glad that's over! I do a complete photo shoot and write up for our BB as well as Jolly's and others.

I've read somewhere that a power steering box from a '78 or so will give you quicker steering and also have the beveled flare style hose fittings. I think GM went to the o-ring style fittings in the later years.

For lunch today I drove by the new “Pull-A-Part” yard in Harvey, next to the Harvey Canal. It just opened after Katrina. First, I want to say this has got to be the neatest and best kept parts junk yard I’ve ever seen. All the cars and trucks are grouped together by brand. There are sections for GM, Ford, Dodge/Chrysler and import, etc. All are set up where you can easily get 2-3 people around them without fighting for space. All of them are at least 1-2 feet off the ground sitting safely on rims that won’t shift. The yard is white lime stone and CLEAN no oil or grease issues. Each vehicle had a white sticker in it that states the year of manufacture, so you won’t waste time looking at the wrong thing. They provide wheel barrows for you to haul your parts in, placement bins for your core exchanges. A counter work area so you can clean up your parts on site. A wash up area with both hot and cold water with degreaser for your hands. If you just want to look around, it will cost you $1.00 but you feel like a kid in a candy store.

The counter has several CPU’s that are touch screen driven and you can search for either the vehicle by year, really cool. The parts prices are listed on the main screen. A power steering gear box with Pitman arm is $39.99 or $45.00 with a warranty (even exchange if the parts breaks)

I went through the yard and found not one, but 5 Saginaw power boxes, for the years 72-86. Beginning in 1987, the gearbox was moved to the inside of the frame rail and reversed, so that’s why you must find a 1967-1986 box. 3 had the steering column still attached, 2 had the pumps still attached and 2 were standing all by themselves. Most of the trucks were missing the outer fender and well as the inner fender, so the gear boxes are right there in your face.

I’m taking off a half day tomorrow and will pull 2 of the boxes. I’m pulling another one for a friend who wants the upgrade also. That will leave 3. I can if truly needed will go back and pull more but I would like payment in advance, we can deal with the shipping later. Also a Cigar will be required.


So if you car serious on making this change let me know.

Jake Groby

Hi all,

I went to the Pull-A-Part Yard today and got two Saginaw gear Boxes. One from a 1974 Chevy and one from a 1983 Chevy, both have the pitman arms intack. Total damage was only $66.00. I have a ton of pictures from the yard , but can't post them till Monday. YOu are not going to believe the condition of these type of parts yards.

Jake

Main Site
http://www.pullapart.com/

Locations
http://www.pullapart.com/Locations/L...?locationId=14

Prices
http://www.pullapart.com/Pricing/Mai...c=14#pricelist

This is the album with the upgrade I put the Pull-A-Part yards pics in this on.


http://rides.webshots.com/album/571837084bSxNPf

Jake