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Power steering conversion (FYI)

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BamaJohn66

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I performed the power steering conversion this weekend using the Rez Eng.Bracket I purchased from Chevy Duty,It was a breeze and installed great looks like it is a factory install,The only changes I made to the directions aided in the easy install,My gear box came from a 75 1/2 ton,along with the gear box I got the steeering shaft also,my stock column has a 3/4 " round shaft all the way to the stock gear box,the directions have you drilling the old rag joint and going to great links to retrofit everything,I sinply went just above the new gearbox where the shaft is round before it turns flat/round and cut the shaft on the new shaft,the inner dia.is exactly 3/4 and slid up over my old shaft,after welding the two shafts together it looks like a factory job,no drilling rag joints or using a 3/4 drill bit to get the old shaft out of the old rag joint fitting,most of Rez instructions was on drilling and using the un-needed parts,I can take pictures if anyone is interested super easy install.
 
got a 61 1/2 ton , wanting to convert to power steering ,with this rez bracket you are talking about can i use any 70s or 80s pump& box& still have your install results ?
 
rem48, Yes you can acheive the same result. Did it on my '61. The '60-'62 frames are boxed at the front, so require a little extra drilling, and some longer grade 8 bolts to replace those that come with the kit. The top, rear bolt will require a notch across the top of the frame, again due to some slight difference in the frames from the '63 and later trucks. I installed mine in about three hours, taking my time, and skipped the rag joint fiasco, by getting the entire shaft from the donor vehicle. After I welded the shaft together as described above, for extra peace of mind, I drilled, and put a 5/16" grade 8 bolt and nut thru the two shafts about two inches below the weld. Can't be too careful with your steering, ya know. Try to get the pump, and steering gear from the same donor vehicle, so you dont have to special fabricate hoses.
 
If you get CLASSIC TRUCKS mag. there was an awsome article in there that went step by step through the whole process and also gives a few pointers, if you guys want a copy of the article give me a call 1-800-741-1678 ex. 500 Jesse Hazell Chevy Duty Tech.
 
Here is a link to the article.

http://customclassictrucks.com/techarticles/84378/

DValentine
 
john,read your how to on the steering box convertion and im interrested in those pictures you took , if i could get them i would appreciate it. i printed out the how to from the tech at chevy duty and it does include alot more than you say,but is still appreciated ,thanks for your time on this.
 
66GMCinAB
I am just starting the power steering conversion and have the kit and new steering box and pump from an 84 GMC. I have cut the shaft as you suggested. How far up from the original rag joint did you cut the original shaft. I would much rather follow your method than the kit instructions. As you indicated, the old and new shaft outside and inside diameters are nearly identical. Thanks for the idea and sharing. Perhaps Chevy Duty should add this possibility to their instructions.
 
I cut the original shaft on the old gear box right where the instructions from REZ said too. 11/16" above the old rag joint, if I recall correctly. Cut the replacement shaft as long as possible, just below where it tapers into an oval shape at the top. That puts the old shaft length where it just lines up with the bottom of the new rag joint for the best strength,(there's no hollow area in the shaft that way) and leaves plenty of room to drill for an "insurance bolt" below the weld. I did mine myself,(without the fender and front bumper in the way) but an extra pair of hands could come in handy when sliding the shafts together, and maneuvering the heavy box into position, getting the pitman arm into the link, and getting the first bolt started all at once. One other note, I waited til everything else was installed before sizing up the bumper bracket trim, and found I only had to grind about 3/16" of an inch off the top corner. Took 20 seconds on the bench grinder, opposed to cutting a chunk out of it with a saw. Mine's a '61, that could be different on the '63 and up models. HTH.
 
I have recenty got ahold of a 1965 4x4, and i am learning alot about them. In reading your post, made me curious. my truck has power stearing, did any of them come stock that way!
the reason i am asking, is that i had recently found out, that the vin, on the cab says that it is a 1965 3/4 ton 2 wheel drive, but the frame is definetly a factory 4x4 frame. i am right now trying to find a way to look up the vin off of the frame. ( no one seems to find any reference to the frame vin)
I would appreciate any help
thanks
Bob
 
I was told if it's a chevy look under your cab on the frame like under your seat and there should be a plate right there, just what I was told haven't looked meself.
 
66GMCinAB
Great to see pictures. I notice that you have installed power brakes. Did you do this yourself, and if so can you provide information on what vehicle you took it from and how it went. Manual brakes only have 2 bolts and power requires 4. Thanks for any sharing.
 
I have found the vin # off of the frame, but i can not find anyone that has any reference to the number. my local chevy dealersip does not have any info that goes back that far.
i would appreciate any info
thanks
bob
 
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