Technical 1955 - 1959 Chevy truck question

I'm currently putting a dropped axle under my 55 Chevy truck and want to upgrade the steering box. Does anyone behave any suggestions for a upgraded manual steering box and where to get it. Thanks

 

The only "upgrade" I can think of, is to overhaul it, they usually need a new pitman shaft bushing and seal. And some fresh grade 0 grease.

Do you have some particular reason you want to upgrade it? Maybe if there's something wrong with it, we can help you figure out how to fix that problem.

 

Those are pretty damn good steering boxes from the factory, maybe just needs a rebuild as squirrel mentioned

 

I agree with the guys above. I had a '57 PU as my daily driver for 10 years. Did a frame-up on it twice, ended up with a 327 & TH-400. Never even thought about changing the steering -- it worked great.

 

Great thanks for the info I bought this truck not running and I going through it so I thought it would be a good time. But if they are good I just rebuild it.

 

I know there is a conversion kit to convert a 567 car to roller bearings in the idler arm, called "poor man's power steering". Maybe check with CPP or Brothers or some other supplier and see if there is a similar kit for a truck? I've driven mine for 30 years without....Although I have bad carpal tunnel now so I think I just might take my own advice......

 

trucks don't have an idler arm....

 

And that would be why I couldn't find it.......

 

Speedway lists a power steering conversion for these trucks. Don't know how well this conversion works but it is out there.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/1947-59-Chevy-Truck-Power-Steering-Conversion-Kit,25170.html

 

that's the crappy one...think about how the geometry will work, with those short arms.

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.