I am restoring my 56 Chevy 3100 P/U and finished disassembly and sandblasting all parts down to the frame. Now starting to reassemble and trying to stay as near stock as possible with few exceptions. I would like to try and put power assisted steering on my inline 6 (235). Can someone give me a few pointers on that possibility? i.e. What type of conversion kit is practical and what not original parts are needed besides the kit? Can I still keep my original gear box and column together with the original 3-speed shifter on the coulmn? Another thought I have is if I put all new kingpins, tie rod ends and front bearings, etc in and a good tight or rebuilt original gearbox, would I really need power steering all that much. Thanks in advance for the help and comments. Br
I paid somebody to in a cpp kit for power assist,and it works very well. also upgraded wheel bearings,replace all tie rod ends,bushings,etc. Make sure that your leaf spring bushings and pins are in good condition-or your truck will still steer poorly. Mine is now super tight-and i went to the effort of getting the steering box rebuilt also.
Thanks for your help Thanks for your comments about my post. I failed to mention that I also put new spring bushings and brackets on all leaf springs. I've about decided to go the route to rebuild my steering box and put a new drag link on her to see what kind of steering I will have. I am trying to stay as much original as possible and this would follow that process if it works out well. I plan on driving the truck on local jaunts and just for nostalgic use. I have the original engine, trans and rear and other items. Thanks again for your comments. Br
My 55 tough to steer I have a 55 with new king pins and a good gear box and its tough to turn. I had the 6 cylinder and now a 350 and the weight difference didn't seem to matter. I think its my big radial tires that's causing it. I had a 56 3/4 ton with skinner tires and it turned much easier. Also, I have a new stock steering wheel and its so slick its almost impossible to handle with one hand.
