Fixing steering hack job
 

Hi guys and gals.

So my rag joint exploded. Which led me to the discovery that my steering column was gloriously modified. Power steering was added and I have a Frankencolumn. To whoever’s credit did the work, it does steer nicely until the rag joint exploded, but looking at it … it doesn’t look so good.


Rag joint at the bottom of the power steering pump, 30 tooth spline, three-quarter inch, very short distance to universal joint then a telescopic section welded to a round shaft. Shouldn’t the telescopic section be between the two joints, low in the system?

More randomness… Somebody ground off the back of the steering wheel, about a quarter inch, may be a bit less, in what appears like an effort to make it shallower. I’m guessing maybe they cut the steering column too short.

Also, the lower support bearing or bushing that sits in front of the firewall is totally shot. I found a new one of these on Summit.

Does anybody have pictures or answers to my current mysteries? Like…

Is the top part of this steering column original?

Did this originally have a rag joint only? I suppose it doesn’t matter since the current set up is probably offset and requires two pivot points.

My uncle Dickie says these trucks would’ve had the rag joint at the top and a universal at the power steering pump. Is he right? He often is.

I’m trying to piece together a solution. Pictures are what I have now.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...781fbc8e88.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6a6c58d6dc.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...4b4ee7521c.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...41c4e16459.jpg


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Re: Fixing steering hack job
 

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8c38f59a68.jpg
I think this might do it


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Re: Fixing steering hack job
 

Wish I could help. I can take a pic of the non-power steering column so you can see if yours is original and where the rag joint hooks up. I don't know anything about the parts involved though. Power steering is almost always an add-on for these trucks.

Re: Fixing steering hack job
 

Here's Cecilia's steering column top to bottom.

Re: Fixing steering hack job
 

Going through the same thing on a 64 chevy c-10. Steering column was loose, missing parts, turn signal switch bad. Decided to go with an ididit steering column. Got a power steering conversion from cpp, and the column from summit. Also needed a section of double d shaft.

Re: Fixing steering hack job
 

More pics

Re: Fixing steering hack job
 

GM trucks up to and including 1967 (and certain 1968's) with power steering did not use the Saginaw integral power steering box as you have on your truck. These trucks used the hydraulic ram type steering assist similar to a '64 and older Chevy Impala or many early Corvettes. The actual steering box, shaft (with 1 rag joint at the box), and column are the same if the truck has power steering or not. The hydraulic cylinder attaches to the frame on the left side, the other end has a ball joint that attaches to the center link. The center link has a control valve on the end where the pitman arm connects. Good pictures here of what it's supposed to look like:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=253657

Re: Fixing steering hack job
 

That having been said, if you want to go with the more modern integral box, there are many kits available to adapt a newer power steering box to these older trucks. On your truck it looks like someone tried to adapt an integral box but didn't use a kit. I think the box is in the wrong place (too far forward?) and at the wrong angle, which probably necessitated using 2 joints and modifying the column. It also looks like someone welded the pitman arm too, never a good idea. I think your best course of action is get the proper kit, another column, shaft, and pitman arm. It will probably cost less than trying to make what you have work, and you might be able to use the box you have. I like what ilvracn did, very clean. Look at the angle of his power steering box, it's in the right place.