This article will show how I converted my 1963 Chevy C10 truck from manual steering to power steering. These methods can be used on 1960 through 1966 Chevy C10 2WD trucks. Professional installation is recommended if you don't have the proper tools or automotive mechanical knowledge to do it properly and safely. Steering failure can result in serious injury or death. Don't take chances.
Power steering brackets for your 1960-62 Chevy truck 235ci engine can be obtained from Davis Speed Equipment. Click the LINK HERE.
Converting manual steering to power steering can be summarized in 4 steps.
1. Remove the manual steering box and mount a power steering box to the vehicle frame.
2. Modify the steering wheel shaft to properly connect to the power steering gear box.
3. Connect the power steering box to the steering linkage.
4. Install the power steering pump, brackets, hoses and belts with proper alignment.
1. Remove the manual steering box and mount a power steering box to the vehicle frame.
2. Modify the steering wheel shaft to properly connect to the power steering gear box.
3. Connect the power steering box to the steering linkage.
4. Install the power steering pump, brackets, hoses and belts with proper alignment.
Hopefully the pictures save time and explain things with fewer words.
Additional tools:
Socket wrenches - SAE and Metric Grinder with cut wheels Hand files for metal 3lb sledge hammer Crescent wrenches |
Adjustable wrenches
Cotter pins Drill Press Caliper Measuring tape Steering wheel puller |
Marking pen
Masking tape Shop light Safety goggles Allen wrenches Loctite or other thread lock |
FYI: I've been told that the 1973-1979 PS gearboxes use hoses with SAE fittings and the 1980-1987 gearboxes use hoses with METRIC fittings. Some power steering boxes use hoses with O-rings. Mine did not have 0-rings. So check the hose fittings before purchasing hoses.
In case of a collision, the lower shaft is designed to collapse on impact to reduce the chance of injury to the chest of the driver.
Inspect and clean the lower shaft to see if it can be used.
Install a new rag joint if there is any rotting or damage.
Install a new rag joint if there is any rotting or damage.
The same basic procedure is used to install a PS gear box in 1960-66 Chevy trucks but the 1960-62 trucks use a different bracket than 1963-66 trucks. Power steering adapter brackets are available from vendors.
I used this particular bracket before and was very pleased with the results, so I'm a repeat customer.
I used this particular bracket before and was very pleased with the results, so I'm a repeat customer.
Part 1: Power Steering Gear Box Installation
**If you will be using an aftermarket steering column, I recommend that you first disconnect the rag joint from the gear box, then remove the factory steering column. Finally, remove the manual gear box from the frame. Instructions are HERE.
*** Review the next several photos. You have 2 options.
1. File a new groove in each of the raised flat surfaces INSIDE the PITMAN ARM. This worked best because I could then install the PITMAN ARM in any position I wanted.
2. File down 4 splines on the gear box OUTPUT SHAFT instead. See photos. This allows the PITMAN ARM to be "clocked" a few degrees. I have used this method but found the first method to be better.
1. File a new groove in each of the raised flat surfaces INSIDE the PITMAN ARM. This worked best because I could then install the PITMAN ARM in any position I wanted.
2. File down 4 splines on the gear box OUTPUT SHAFT instead. See photos. This allows the PITMAN ARM to be "clocked" a few degrees. I have used this method but found the first method to be better.
I prefer cutting new splines INSIDE the pitman arm with a file. See photo below.
Part 2: Steering Column Modification
If you will be using an aftermarket steering column, please examine the shape of the sleeve at the bottom of the column. It might have a sleeve for a DD steel shaft. If so, then you should use a universal joint with a DD on both ends. You will need to buy a segment of DD steering shaft to connect the universal joint to the steering column.
Follow along below if you plan to continue to use your original steering shaft.
**If you accidently cut the lower shaft too short, you have two options to remedy the situation.
1. Remove and replace the inner DD rod with a new DD rod - See RESOURCE LIST section of this DIY.
2. You can drill out the two holes in the lower sleeve and extend the inner DD rod, (but not more than 1").
1. Remove and replace the inner DD rod with a new DD rod - See RESOURCE LIST section of this DIY.
2. You can drill out the two holes in the lower sleeve and extend the inner DD rod, (but not more than 1").
**Now is the perfect time to examine the lower steering column bearing. It may need to be replaced or rebuilt.
Follow this LINK and look for the section about the lower bearing.
Follow this LINK and look for the section about the lower bearing.
Did you remember to inspect the column lower bearing?
Now is the perfect time to do it!
Now is the perfect time to do it!
Part 3: Power Steering Pump and Hoses
Keep in mind that different engines require different power steering pump brackets.
I'll show pictures of factory style PS pumps and brackets for 1963-1974 in-line 230 and 250 engines (non-integrated head) as well as the 283 SBC.
I do not have information about the inline 292 brackets.
Your SBC might have heads that allow the PS pump to be in a different location, so some of this might not apply to your engine bay.
Redesigned aftermarket brackets for the inline 230 and 250 engines are available at a reasonable price.
I'll start with the inline 230 that's in my 1963 C10.
The last few pictures show the brackets I used on a 1966 Chevrolet 283ci engine.
I'll show pictures of factory style PS pumps and brackets for 1963-1974 in-line 230 and 250 engines (non-integrated head) as well as the 283 SBC.
I do not have information about the inline 292 brackets.
Your SBC might have heads that allow the PS pump to be in a different location, so some of this might not apply to your engine bay.
Redesigned aftermarket brackets for the inline 230 and 250 engines are available at a reasonable price.
I'll start with the inline 230 that's in my 1963 C10.
The last few pictures show the brackets I used on a 1966 Chevrolet 283ci engine.
Finding the right power steering hoses for your application will take some research. If your PS pump is on the driver's side of the engine bay you will likely need a high pressure hose that is 30" - 33" long if you want to avoid cutting a passageway through your inner fender. There are too many variables for me to know what hose will work for you. Vendors and auto parts stores list hoses with all types of fittings. Fitting combinations include male/male, male/female, O-ring, etc, so I suggest you find the correct hoses for your PS pump and steering box BEFORE you start the installation.
My power steering pump high pressure hose was about 33' long with an 11/16'' female fitting at the pump and a 5/8' male fitting at the steering box. The return hose has a male fitting at the steering box and uses a simple hose clamp at the pump.
The RESOURCE SECTION at the end of this DIY has a parts list that may help.
My power steering pump high pressure hose was about 33' long with an 11/16'' female fitting at the pump and a 5/8' male fitting at the steering box. The return hose has a male fitting at the steering box and uses a simple hose clamp at the pump.
The RESOURCE SECTION at the end of this DIY has a parts list that may help.
Here's a video showing the inline 230ci final result.
Let's take a look at the PS brackets for a 283 SBC.
4. Resource List
This list of parts is not comprehensive. As I searched for the right parts I wrote down notes because some vendors are not very helpful or just don't have the answers.
This parts list MIGHT save you some time but your application might require completely different parts altogether.
**NOTE - I needed to carefully custom bend the hard line on every high pressure hose I've purchased so it would fit my application. Don't expect it to fit your application right out of the package.
The following vendors might have what you are looking for:
CaptainFab - PS and other useful brackets for Chevy trucks.
Alan Grove Components - engine brackets for power steering, air conditioning etc.
Yogi's Inc - Sells Alan Grove brackets and other hot rod stuff.
Davis Speed Equipment - PS brackets for the 1960-62 Chevy 235ci.
SummitRacing.com
TruckandCarShop.com
RockAuto.com
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Autozone
This parts list MIGHT save you some time but your application might require completely different parts altogether.
**NOTE - I needed to carefully custom bend the hard line on every high pressure hose I've purchased so it would fit my application. Don't expect it to fit your application right out of the package.
The following vendors might have what you are looking for:
CaptainFab - PS and other useful brackets for Chevy trucks.
Alan Grove Components - engine brackets for power steering, air conditioning etc.
Yogi's Inc - Sells Alan Grove brackets and other hot rod stuff.
Davis Speed Equipment - PS brackets for the 1960-62 Chevy 235ci.
SummitRacing.com
TruckandCarShop.com
RockAuto.com
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Autozone
Yogisinc makes a nice bracket LINK HERE (part 602L) for the 230 and 250 inline 6 engines. You can keep your single groove crankshaft and water pump pulleys. That alone will save you $50 and labor. The PS pump mounts low and uses a double groove pulley. The alternator is turned by a single belt coming from the PS pump. A nice design that I have seen in person.