Power Steering for '49-54 Chevy

OK Jamco dude, I have been to your new website and there is still no noticeable kit for power steering conversion of a 49-54 Chevy car. I can't find ANY such kit for ANY car. Please****ist - I am apparently not computer savvy enough to decipher your site.....

 

http://www.jamcosuspension.com/products/sfID1/12

 

Thanks tooslow - that wasn't out there the other day - guess they added to website. Wow, it is pricey !!!

 

I*****canned the stock 49-52 steerbox [has bushings, no bearings] in favor for a 53-54 roller bearing box. It's a direct bolt-in and really helps a ton. I used a 72 chevy pickup left exhaust manifold to clear the steering box. I still had to grind a little on the manifold's flange and a little on the pitman arm and it'd rub a little on a super tight left hand corner....not a big deal tho.

 

I don't know how closely related this would be, but I am in the process of installing power steering on a 48 buick that has a V8 in it and I am using a 55-57 chevy box and making it fit. It seems a bit less expensive then the Jamco one but not far off. The box itself was around $500 another $50 for the pitman arm and $50 for the joint adaptor but I will have to make any necessary brackets to mount the box.

I wonder if the tri-five box fits the 53-54?

mike

 

I just read this whole thing through - Just did the swap and faced all the original poster faced. It's easier to steer that it was with the I 6 but now that it's auto and I can sit back and relax when driving it, i think power steering would be awesome. The rack thing I could makes work but if Fatman says its "unacceptable geometry" forget it. 53/54 stock PS is a second mortgage. IFS swaps aside, there are other ways. I have heard of using an ASTRO van box with a custom pitman and custom brackets. I can do the brackets. Probly not the pitman as its thicker than my welder can do plus it's cast.

Anyone who has been here and done this, would love to hear from ya.

 

Nothing?


Andrew D. Carapella (Drew)

'50 Deluxe 4dr v8 SBC auto nostalgic 'rod

Member:

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http://www.rochesterstreetrods.org

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May I suggest you go thru the front end and replace all worn parts, then get an alignment? I have made the same suggestion before, and took away all desire for power steering or different suspension. The stock steering is smooth and easy except when the car is at a complete stop. If it is moving the slightest bit the steering should be easy.

When they were new old ladies and grannies drove them with no problem. The V8 actually weighs less than the six, and the weight is farther back off the front wheels.

Radials have more drag than bias ply so pump them up to 32 PSI.

Remember to fill the shocks with hydraulic jack oil or install tubular shocks.

 

All very true my friend. I need to do the best alignment I can at home and hold off cause of cost anyway but I am kind of determined to have a 1 finger steering wheel. I think i want to drive one that has power steering WITH the 17" wheel and see how I like it.

I did notice the one thing about it wierd is that the passenger side is "softer" and easier to push down than the driver side. Substantially easier


Andrew D. Carapella (Drew)

'50 Deluxe 4dr v8 SBC auto nostalgic 'rod

Member:

Rochester Street Rods - Est. 1970
http://www.rochesterstreetrods.org

CrossMembers Car Club - Hebrews 12:2
http://www.crossmemberscc.com

 

More on this: new shocks made a large difference but there is play in my steering gear beyond adjustment. I may use the astrovan gear


Member:

Rochester Street Rods - Est. 1970
http://www.rochesterstreetrods.org

CrossMembers Car Club - Hebrews 12:2
http://www.crossmemberscc.com

 

Still looking into solutions here. Jaguar is starting to look better and better. The great guys on Chevy talk have shared their experiences riding in 49-54 Chevys with Jaguar ifs, any descriptions of ride quality for similar cars on here is welcome


Member:
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Not interested in the 53-54 box? It's a world of difference over the '49/50 box and it bolts on. You still get to engineer up exhaust for it. Mine worked fine with the lightly modified 72 chevy "twisted rams horn" manifold and place the engine as far back as you can. I had room for an HEI distributor so I could have actually come back another inch and a half or so...would have made it easier for exhaust.......
Easy steering with the roller bearing box.
BYW, you can shorten that overly-long steering column to get the wheel out or your face. I shortened mine about 5-6 inches. Car was a joy to drive after the modifications.

 

I have a 54 box now actually. There is play in the front end that seems to be actually in the box, and I have fine tuned the two adjustments (huge nut in end, screw on side) so the wheels are immediately moved by the steering wheel and per the manual, but if I grab the tire when the front is jacked up I can substantially turn it side to side even on high point. I****ume this is the play that allows the wheels to move and causes the death wobble around 60mph. That and I need to figure out how to get my alignment (caster and steering-to-steering-gear relationship) closer. That is, when my car Is straight the wheel is every so slightly turned so the box is off its high point a bit.

I'm not ready to throw away $150 minimum for an alignment when I am sure there are lingering wear issues and I don't want anyone else wrenching on my car anyway so I am stuck. If my front end was decent id keep it but jaguar would be nice and give me power steering which I'd love to have


Member:
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CrossMembers Car Club - Hebrews 12:2 http://www.crossmemberscc.com

 

If you can speak to any of the above issues I'd love to hear it and try some things


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