1955 Pontiac 605 steering box upgrade

I'd read up on doing this conversion before digging in, and it seemed pretty straight forward, but I've run into a snag. I upgraded my 1955 Safari to the 605 steering box, as derailed on pontiacsafari.com , and my original pitman arm is slightly smaller than the splined shaft on the new gearbox. Everything I've read said the old pitman arm would work. The 605 box appears to have a 1.125" shaft and my '55 pitman arm seams to be closer to 1". Has anyone run into tuis and can someone guide me to the correct parts that I need to make this work? Thanks in advance for any help!

 

Speedway sells a 605 pitman arm as do many other vendors. I have purchased new arms thru Napa in the past as well.

 

Thanks. I do see that but was worried that the length and amount of drop wouldn't work for my application, along with it not having the correct pivot ball. Is there a way to put the ball on it and is it ok to heat and bend them ? Thanks again for the response.

 

replacement balls can be sourced like this one from:
https://www.jegs.com/images/photos/200/202/202-rp21028.jpg
check the taper or ream the arm to fit
Forged arms can be heated and bent. Let it cool slowly

 

PS & manual used different pittman arms. Was your rig a manual?

 

My car has the original bulky power steering box setup, which will be available for someone who could use it, once I get my upgraded steering sorted out.

 

Thanks. That's very helpful info. Any idea how I can tell if a pitman arm is forged or cast?

 

They were all forged, look at the thick parting line.

 

Thanks!

 

I've it figured out. It requires the early style 605 gear box that has the snap ring retaining the upper cover as opposed to 4 bolts holding the cover on. Lares has an updated one that is the early style with the smaller output shaft, but a bolt on top cover. Lares part # is 11206. Hope this helps someone else doing this conversion and thanks for everyone's input who tried to help me figure this out!

 

Hello, I have a 1955 Pontiac Star Chief and my power steering box has gone bad. Is your steering box still available? I could really use some help getting another one. Thanks, Josh

 

Yes, I actually have 2. 1 I've cleaned and painted (not rebuilt) and 1 original and untouched.

 

What are you asking for them? Thanks for responding.

 

No problem. $250 for either box, $350 for either with the column.

 

Would you please send a few pictures. Thanks

 

Sure, but it'll have to be after I get off work tomorrow.

 

I'm thinking that is the same thing as what I did on the 57 Starchief I had around 1980. I swapped boxes using the old pitman arm and slid the column down a little to match up with the new box. I never got it running as my wife hated the faded lime fire green and traded it for a 63 Chevy ragtop. I always wondered if who ever got it had issues with leg or lap room with the wheel being closer to the dash.

 

Was able to go out and take pics this morning. The cleaned and painted one is the one that was in my car, working good, but had a small leak. The other box and column I got used, was told is good, but I never tried it out. These are heavy and large so shipping will be expensive, but you're more than welcome to pick it up. I'm in Sacramento, CA. The cleaned and painted one, I began to dis***emble the shaft to make it easier to shop, but thats when I changed gears and went with the 605 box installation.

 

I was wondering if you got the 605 installed ?
How did it go, did it give you any more clearance ?
And did you get to drive it yet and what is your opinion of the swap? Any pics?