I've got a 1954 Chevy 3600. Installing a 250 6 cylinder and a 700r4. So.... what's a good option for power steering? I can mount the pump no problem but I'm not the best plan for box and linkage. Thanks for the info.
No expert however there are full kit’s to just brackets and linkage available online. Have you searched?
I have searched but I've also seen complaints of bump steer due to the linkage they sell. I was hoping someone had used a certain kit and was happy with it.
This much I do know. Because sector shaft from steering box is forward of how stock manual steer is. This cause’s the drag link to be very short it comparison. Little drag link and long suspension travel equal’s bump steer.
all the kits I've seen have a really short drag link and pitman arm, and so the geometry is kind of flakey. If you really need PS, you might want to look into the modern electric systems....
Haven't converted a Chevy truck to power steering, but have installed multiple Chevy truck axles into other cars and converted them to cross steer and some to power steering at the same time. I eliminate all the factory tierod, and steering components, and build my own tierods using heim ends. Then I make up my own drag link to attach to the off side p***enger side arm. I like the GM 525 boxes, as they're not overly large, but are heavy enough for larger vehicles. If you're going to keep your stock steering column you'll need to rework the steering column shaft to convert to a double D shaft and a joint to connect to the 525 box spline. The rest of the power steering will be whatever fits your six, and hoses to connect to the 525 power steering box. I personally prefer to swap to a newer column as it makes the whole conversion much easier.
I have done several AD trucks using a 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser steering box with a fabricated pitman arm. This is a F100 but the Ad trucks work pretty much the same. CPP has a pitman arm to fit the Toyota box for the F100 that can be adapted to the AD trucks
That front mounted ( Like later model trucks) power steering conversion is noted for bump steer. Pretty simple to install but as the others said the short drag link and it's angle are issues. I've been wanting to figure out a cross steer setup that is simple and works for years but haven't spent any time on it. Clearance around the steering box is one issue with the AD frame and how things mount on it. Motor mounts and everything else want to be in that same place that the box wants to be in.
I agree with that on the front side mounted box. I did that in the '70's on an AD. I eventually went another direction. I'm starting another AD and have a 605? box that I thought would be great for a cross steer system. Unfortunately due to the design of the original suspension and cab location the box will end up right below the firewall. I guess this is why most people go the Toyota or later Chevy pickup route. I will again go a different direction.
That's one problem as you have 17-3/4 inches from Axle center line to firewall on 47/55.1 Chevy conventional cab trucks. A number of guys on the truck boards are going to the Prius electric power steering that tucks up under the dash.