Does any one know if a manual steering box from a 56-58 Olds will bolt up on the same mounts as the original 48 box? I'm installing a 455 Olds in the 48 and the headers hit the original steering mast. I would rather not cut up the headers or the original mast and shaft and am hoping the later box with its short shaft and splines will make it easier to set up my steering. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks in advance!!
I think that the frames are similar, I'm interested too. The 57/58 Caddy & Pontiac boxes are similar to the Olds but I think a 60's-70's Saginaw box would be more compact & much easier to source.. Oops, I was thinking Power but info should still apply ?
From what I recall 56-58 Olds PS boxes aren't readily available. 55 is way too bulky, this is a 57 PS box. This is the OEM box I removed from my 46 Olds, same up to 48 I believe. I suspect that the mounting holes may be spaced differently and recall reading that someone once used a Delphi 605 box as it accepted the OEM Olds pitman arm. The frame rail had to be modified so the box lined up correctly and maintained OEM geometry. Your solid column would also require modification similar to mine with a lower bearing and DD inner shaft to allow connection with new steering box..
Here is what I think I know so far. The later model manual steering boxes are one piece like the 48. The power boxes are two piece but too bulky to fit in the space allowed. I had a manual box from a 69 Camaro that looked close but none of the mounts lined up and the shaft was too long. I looked like the pitman arm would swap over. I'm back to the idea of cutting the mast, make the shaft double D and go from there. I was told on another forum that this wouldn't work but no explanation why not. I realize I might have to add another bearing and maybe a seal. Any other ideas appreciated!!
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