hey all, just wondering if anyone has done the 605 steering box into a 56 olds conversion. I live in Australia and before i order some gear i just wanted to make sure it is something that will fit up without massive cutting and reworking. i already have the factory old 100 turns lock to lock power steering with the massive steering box. I am looking to change it to run the smaller 605 so i can run some decent pipes. im also open to any other suggestions, all bar rack and pinion or mustang two front ends. cheers dell
do a search on here for 1956 Olds power steering...or other words with it. There was a thread on 2 hambers wanting to help a woman swap her 56 to PS from manual, and I would think someone must have talked about modern swaps, even though they wanted original PS.
A 605 box will bolt to the stock holes, and the stock pitman arm will fit it. The frame has to be trimmed for clearance at the front of the box, then a modified patch welded in. It's about a 2" by 2" area.
thanks mate, appreciate the help. Mods dont sound too bad as long as the pitman arm still lines up in the right spot. did read over the other threads but they werent much help. am looking that the 605 as a last resort as i have read they arent the best steering box. Any one used a jeep grand cherokee box ina 50's swap? I have found they are 12.75:1 and should almost bolt in. cheers dell
the 605 box is a very good box. Used in GM until they went R&P. Late 3rd gen IROC & 1LE (good luck) boxes are the quickest with 12.7:1. Next would be any WS6 2nd Gen T/A (79-81) which have 14:1. stock 2nd gen boxes are variable 16:1. I but the 56 box and the 2nd gen box on the bench and the 2nd gen box is shorter by about 1" (centerline pitman arm shaft to end of input shaft) really quick speedway box 8:1 ...would not recommend for street http://www.speedwaymotors.com/sweet-1964-88-gm-power-steering-box-81-210-valve,23591.html My background: Do a good deal of R&D, builds, ect on 2nd gens. WS6 box is nice, the IROC box is def quick.
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