55 chevy pick up steering issue

Please help me with some direction!
I am building a 1955 2nd seris pickup, I have dropped a small block with auto trans in her, When it comes to steering I have a 1979 chevy short box van with a tilt column I can use for parts , what of the power steering can I use?
The auto trans has a new floor shifter, I wish to remove the trucks cab to get better access to the rust repair so I may just cut the steering ,, can I clean up the van column so its clean turn signals only,
What are my options
Many thanks in advance
Merry Christmas
Bo

 

What are you aiming for when you're done? Do you want to install power steering? do you want to install a tilt column?

If you want to do both, then don't cut the original steering box...take it out complete, and give it or sell it to someone who needs it.

If you just want to add power steering and keep the original column, you might have trouble setting up the power box so that the steering works properly. Something about the length of the drag link, angles, etc.

If you want to keep the original steering gear and install the tilt column, you'll find that the Ujoint in the tilt mechanism doesn't like having that much torque applied to it, it's just a piece of plastic.

 

Thanks Jim I think most of all I would like the tilt option, I can handle the non pwr steering, I put it in the post becuase the van has it,

Thanks for the direction,, Bo

 

power steering is nice but its not when the front tire hits the unit

 

There are ways to do anything including s****ping the whole front axle and steering and installing a modern clip.

But the old axle will work fine if you give it a little help. First replace any worn parts like tie rod ends etc. If the king pins are worn, new ones are not expensive. Take the front axle out and take it to a good auto machine shop, they will press out the old pins, install new bushings and hone to a perfect fit on their Sunnen hone.

Put the whole thing together with new shocks and get an alignment done and you will be surprised how nice it drives and how easy it is to steer.

For even easier more precise steering install a steering damper and have the caster set as close to 0 as they can get it.

I know guys who rebuilt their fifties front ends this way, both beam axle pickups and independent cars, and took away all desire for a front clip or new suspension.

 

Great advice, except for this:

The king pin bushings on the 1/2 ton chevy trucks float, they do not need to be pressed or honed.

 

Thanks Guys I intend on keeping the straight front axle,, for all the kewl reasons

 

had some time today and i pulled the donor van column

 

here are a few shots from taking advantage of some warm December days,,,

check out thr red thread covers on the shock studs,, Was this stock? Oh and check out my great helper offering cool water, Thanks !

 

a few more

 

Nice truck, kinda rusty but I guess you have that a lot up there. No, the stud covers are not original. Dash it not cut up, that's rare. and it has the original heater switch, that's also rare.

 

Hi Jim,, The research on this truck says she was built in Balt. Md, I bought her forma man in Long Island NY, and he said he bought her from a farmer in New Jersey, I really like the dash and locking glove box. I have a sb 350 with aTH 400 mounted in her and I am begining the sheet metal work, I removed the tailgate with some muscle and BP blaster, now I have to see about rebuilding the bottom corners of the gate!