Just picked up a complete Power Steering Set Up off a 54 Chevy Car application-the column , wheel,steering box, pump etc. The items were pulled off a car years ago and put into storage. I have a couple of stock 46-48 Chevrolet projects and wondered if anyone knows if the stuff will retrofit with little or no modicfication before I start measuring up stuff-Thanks in advance.
I remember how the system is setup on the '49-'54 Chev cars......the steering box sector shaft comes out horizontally on the engine side, the pitman arm hangs down, a drag link goes forward to a bellcrank on the front crossmember, under the engine, and tie rods from there to the steerings arms. But, my clouded memory suggests to me that the '48 back had a steering box lower and more forward in the chassis and was cross steer with unequal length tie rods, short to the left, long to the right. If that is the case, obviously the '54 parts will not be a bolt in. The two main issues I see with adaprting the later unit (assuming my belief about the '48 back is correct), would be providing appropriate mounting points for the steering box on the frame rail and the bellcrank on the front crossmember. Then one has to hope for a miracle, or be prepared to lengthen/shorten the various connecting bits. Start with comparing the design differences or similarities of the pre-'49 with the '49/'54 version. Ray
Had further thought on this matter...........IF....the '48 back is cross steer as I think it may well be, AND you want power steering, adapting a later integral power steering box to your chassis shouldn't be all that difficult. And could likely employ the existing pitman arm/tie rod assemblies. Between many stock boxes, Borgeson offers several modified boxes that might fit the bill. Your original column can be modified on it's lower end with a bushing and u-joint to couple to a new box, add a PS pump to the engine... plumb it and go. IMO that would be the simplest, cleanest install while retaining the original front suspension components. Ray
I have a new rack and pinion setup that should work. You can see it on ebay under 49-54 Chevy power steering. Thanks
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