1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Hello all, new to this so here it goes, I am thinking of installing power steering in my 1968 chevrolet c10. My question to you all is what exactly do I need to complete the conversion. I know I need the power steering pump,gearbox,and hoses. Is this an easy swap? Any and all help would be appreciated,
Thanks Tim

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Hi there, I just did this conversion in my 67. Besides the used gear box, rebuilt pump, new hoses, bolts, belt, pulley, new pitman arm and new rag joint (old one was destroyed taking it off, grinded the rusty bolts off much faster). Thats about all I needed pretty quick and simple installation. Took me about three hours with no air tools. Oh and I got an alignment done after as well. Runs great so easy to steer now, almost to easy one finger. I should have did this years ago. Good luck

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Thanks Blue Betty, did you get your gearbox from a salvage yard or a parts house. I found most of the parts I need a O`reillys auto parts except the power steering pump brackets, do you know where I can find those brackets.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Why did you need a new pitman arm? I did the swap with the setup off my 68 3/4 ton onto my little swb. Didn't have to mess with the arm at all. Drives great. I just used the gear box and went with a much newer pump since I hate the res on the fender well. Was just curious.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

just got a quote from Eklers for a complete setup that includes pump,gearbox,pitman arm,hoses and new rag joint plus pulley for 804.00 including shipping. If anybody knows where I can find it cheaper please let me know.
Thanks Tim

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

By the way, how do I post pictures of my truck on this thing? I still live in the stone ages

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

You might need to clearance the frame a bit, or space the power box out as it is a little bigger. I modified mine using some heat and a 5 lbs hammer.....

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

On my 68 it was a direct fit with zero issues.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

A 1967 frame is different and requires a spacer plate or homemade spacers (nuts) or a different style set up....68 and up is normally a direct bold on.

You will also need to check your engine block and make sure you have the holes you need to mount the pump.

I have done this conversion 10 times atleast and I have always bought complete set ups from board members, scrap yards, ebay, etc. I have NEVER spent more than $200 for a complete kit with pulleys. The only thing new I buy are the hoses.

DO NOT BUY Orieleys pumps and gear boxes...JUNK!

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

I've had my Orielly's gear box on since '07 without issue

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

My advice would be to seek out the parts either from a donor truck, salvage yard or a member on the forum. $800 is way to much, IMO. I did it to my '70 many moons ago. It's well worth it. I finally had to install a rebuilt gear box, today in fact, that I purchased from Advance Auto. They have them very reasonable right now. They're only $139+$45 core charge. At the moment you can get 15% off plus $50 towards your next purchase of $100 or more. That could go towards a pump.
Here's a link.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Anyone willing to post some pics of pulleys and mounting setup on this one? I am just about ready to do mine too. Could use some visual help.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

I just ordered the complete setup from ecklers it comes with all mounting brackets,hoses,pump, pitman arm, pulley,gearbox and new rag Joint. when it comes in I will take pictures of before,during and after pictures.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

I got my PS conversion from donor parts trucks and im using a 95 serp setup not v belts, easily found at junk yards. 67 needs a spacer otherwise its straight bolt on. but hey if you got the money a new kit is the way to go.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

click on "go advanced" below to the right to attach a pic.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

It is my understanding that Orieleys went through a restructuring period and are now using some different vendors. I use them exclusevley and never had any problems with their parts untill about 2 years ago. YES!!! I have many many many parts that have held up but have had a string of bad ones recently. I have had 3 power steering gear boxes start leaking or stop working properly from different vehicles, LOTS AND LOTS of electrical parts go bad early...heck....last week I got a bad power steering pump, cam shaft possition sensor and another 3 month old Orieleys steering box stop working. I am now stuck because they have my core now so I have to keep going back. They offer $20 back for the inconvenience or to pay the mechanic to cjhange it again if you have a recipt from a shop.

Buy what you want from where you want....This is just my experience with them.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

X's 2 If you have a early 68, I tried the spacer route, Didn't like it.
I was saved from myself by some fellow members here, there is a thread on it.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Hello I have a 1970 Chevy c10 , I am doing a steering conversion from manual to power steering . I have bought everything through my local advance auto parts like power steering box an pit-man arm , everything fits except the end of the pit arm the goes into the drag link ? to small an won't tighten up properly , the diameter of the stud that goes through the drag link is smaller than the manual steering pit arm . do you know the correct pit arm for my application ? Thanks in advance . Robert

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Hello I have a 1970 Chevy c10 , I am doing a steering conversion from manual to power steering . I have bought everything through my local advance auto parts like power steering box an pit-man arm , everything fits except the end of the pit arm the goes into the drag link ? to small an won't tighten up properly , the diameter of the stud that goes through the drag link is smaller than the manual steering pit arm . do you know the correct pit arm for my application ? Thanks in advance . Robert

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Robert,
I did that conversion about 20 years ago so my memory is too fuzzy to recall the details with enough clarity to give you any guidance. I'm sure someone else will chime in that will be of some assistance.
James

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Hello: I have a 1968 chevy panel with "power assist". I'm referring to the kind that has the hydraulic cylinder between the frame and the linkage and uses a manual steering box. I'd like to convert it to a power steering gearbox and dump the hydraulic cylinder setup. It has the power steering pump and hoses. Anyone see any problems with just bolting up a rebuilt power steering box and reconnecting the hoses to it? AutoZone has Duralast rebuilt units for $125.00 + $45.00 core. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

poway,the ram assist is a 67 only option.Later years used the power box.Yours may have been updated,installed by a dealer or on a 67 frame.Lots of possibilities.I'm not sure about the pump but GM wasn't one to redesign the mousetrap so I assume(keep in mind this is a guess) that the pump/brackets are the same as for a power gearbox.IIRC You will need the correct year pitan arm for the year model.You will probably need new hoses.The PS gearboxes up to about 1986 work,later ones are 3 1/2 turns lock to lock,earlier are 4 1/2 and seem mushy(my opinion) to me.The nut looking fitting on the back of the pump,that the large hose goes into is replaceable and can be used from a later pump.This may allow you to run factory hoses if you use parts all from the same year.Any hydralic shop should also be able to make hoses to fit your application.
Check your frame,where the gearbox mounts for an indention for clearance,you'll need to heat the frame and dimple it for the pitman shaft if it's not dimpled.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

I don't think ALL '67 frames need spacers. I have a friend who has a '67 that he bought new. It was late in the model year. It had "armstrong" steering, but at his age (70+), he felt that power steering would be nice. So, he found a suitable donor vehicle and scabbed onto the parts he needed. No spacers were needed and now he's smilin'.

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

Make sure you didn't get an arm from a '71-72. tapers are different between drum and disc brake

Re: 1968 chevrolet truck power steering conversion
 

I know on my 67 3/4 ton custom camper I didn't have to do any fab work or add spacers. I used a gear box from an 83 C10 and it bolted right on. The frame already had the dimple in it. And yes, it was the original frame.