Arizona64
Member
I've heard a lot of different ideas on converting to power steering. What is the best way to do this on a 64' Chevy Pickup?
Regards,
Arizona64
Regards,
Arizona64
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Power Steering
- Thread starter Arizona64
- Start date
dvalentine
Charter Member
Hi Arizona,
Start with a REZ Engineering Adapter plate. DO NOT attempt to bolt the power steering box directly to the frame for two reasons.
The first is that the lower bolt will align below the frame rail leaving only three mounting points. The second is that with power steering, these frames are notorious for stress cracking. The REZ adapter includes a backing plate that adds strength to the frame significantly reducing the chance of cracking. The adapter will align the box perfectly to the column as well.
On the column side, if you keep the original "javalin" (as in spear) column, you will need to cut to shorten it, and replace the rag joint with one compatable with the box.
When I did mine, I installed a rebuilt tilt column and replaced the rag joint with a Borgesen universal joint. I then used a new Double D shaft cut to fit, and installed a Borgensen steering dampner at the end of the column.
For a steering box, use a 1967-72 800ps box. I used one that was "performance tuned" to 2 1/2 lock-to-lock turn.
Aside from disc brakes, the best improvement you can make to these trucks !
Start with a REZ Engineering Adapter plate. DO NOT attempt to bolt the power steering box directly to the frame for two reasons.
The first is that the lower bolt will align below the frame rail leaving only three mounting points. The second is that with power steering, these frames are notorious for stress cracking. The REZ adapter includes a backing plate that adds strength to the frame significantly reducing the chance of cracking. The adapter will align the box perfectly to the column as well.
On the column side, if you keep the original "javalin" (as in spear) column, you will need to cut to shorten it, and replace the rag joint with one compatable with the box.
When I did mine, I installed a rebuilt tilt column and replaced the rag joint with a Borgesen universal joint. I then used a new Double D shaft cut to fit, and installed a Borgensen steering dampner at the end of the column.
For a steering box, use a 1967-72 800ps box. I used one that was "performance tuned" to 2 1/2 lock-to-lock turn.
Aside from disc brakes, the best improvement you can make to these trucks !
Arizona64
Member
Great advice! What do you think of the pw/steering conversion kit from #####? I was thinking of buying a new column from Ididit (comments/suggestions?) Why a 67-72 box?
Regards,
Arizona64
Regards,
Arizona64
Arizona64
Member
(Ok, let's try this again)
Great advice! What do you think of the pw/steering conversion kit from B-R-O-T-H-E-R-S ? I was thinking of buying a new column from Ididit (comments/suggestions?) Why a 67-72 box?
Regards,
Arizona64
Great advice! What do you think of the pw/steering conversion kit from B-R-O-T-H-E-R-S ? I was thinking of buying a new column from Ididit (comments/suggestions?) Why a 67-72 box?
Regards,
Arizona64
dvalentine
Charter Member
They most likely sell the REZ adapter, but ASK first.
If you want a show quality column then you can't do better than IDIT. If you want to save some $$ then look for a tilt column from a 70-ish Chevy van. (ignition switch NOT on column) I found a rebuilt column, ready for final paint at a swap meet for $150. If you want to relocate the ignition to the column, nearly any one will do.
Most difficult part of the swap is patching the column wiring harness in. The column bolts right up in minutes.
The 67 - 72 is the 800ps model. It allows the use of the power steering pitman arm with the stock centerlink and is what the REZ adapter is made for.
If you want a show quality column then you can't do better than IDIT. If you want to save some $$ then look for a tilt column from a 70-ish Chevy van. (ignition switch NOT on column) I found a rebuilt column, ready for final paint at a swap meet for $150. If you want to relocate the ignition to the column, nearly any one will do.
Most difficult part of the swap is patching the column wiring harness in. The column bolts right up in minutes.
The 67 - 72 is the 800ps model. It allows the use of the power steering pitman arm with the stock centerlink and is what the REZ adapter is made for.