Steering Gear Assembly...911 on a Sunday night.

[1965GMCK1502]

So I was playing around under the gmc tonight and noticed a stress crack in the steering gear assembly! The top bolt arm looks like it sheered pretty much completely from top to bottom. And here I thought she was indestructible! Hoping someone can recommend options:
1) replacement Saginaw? Where to find? I’ve seen some various sites online that sell the 525 gear....just not certain of the fit to this model truck? ‘65 3/4 ton 4X4
2) I had been thinking of upgrading to power steering... and this seems like the right time. Can anyone recommend a good place to start for a conversion kit? Any horror stories or pitfalls I should be aware of with the 4X4?
Thanks so much in advance for any advice!

[AZKen]

There are all kinds of ways to add power steering. From aftermarket to adapting a donor Saginaw. One way is expensive, other way a bit of work.

The easiest way is to determine what year gear boxes are the same, if 2WD and 4WD are different and if Chevy and GMC are the same. Then get one from junk yard, craigslist, Ebay or put a wanted ad here on 6066GMCCLUB.

Once you decide which way you want to go, we may be able to help.

There a people who can weld cast iron. Not a good option IMO.

[1965GMCK1502]

Originally Posted by AZKen

There are all kinds of ways to add power steering. From aftermarket to adapting a donor Saginaw. One way is expensive, other way a bit of work.

The easiest way is to determine what year gear boxes are the same, if 2WD and 4WD are different and if Chevy and GMC are the same. Then get one from junk yard, craigslist, Ebay or put a wanted ad here on 6066GMCCLUB.

Once you decide which way you want to go, we may be able to help.

There a people who can weld cast iron. Not a good option IMO.

I'd like to keep it as original as possible so going the route of finding a replacement manual steering box for the '65 4WD and not converting to power steering. Any help locating would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[AZKen]

Here is a thread I found from April. I also believe that 1/2 and 3/4 are the same. 4x4 is different than 2wd and Chevy is the same as GMC. The 8669 is very expensive and there is a core charge I believe. So finding a donor would be gold. Call some wrecking yards around your area. Keep you eyes open.

http://6066gmcclub.com/showthread.php?p=66803

The Ebay guy is sketchy and has a low feedback score. His latest ebay post is $295 free ship.

Lares is the only company I could find. Rockauto sells them.

You may want to PM the poster on that thread and see what he did.

This is from a guy that knows what he is talking about.

"The '68-'87 'C' series integral power steering boxes are the same as the '68-'87 'K' series steering boxes except for the sector shaft (output shaft). The casting itself and most of the internals are the same and are interchangeable. With that said, if you want to add power steering to your '65 K10, you will need a power steering box from a '68-'87 'K' series truck, Suburban or Blazer. You will also need an adapter plate to mount it to the frame, plus a power steering pump, brackets, pulleys and hoses for the particular engine in your truck."

So keep in mind that your truck could have had a factory power steering setup. Totally different that what he is talking about above. I don't know if they were available for 4X4 or not. Just FYI in case you run into the words "linkage power steering". Probably do NOT want that old style for your truck. I think the guy above makes a bracket for the 68-87 box to mount to your truck. If you could find the whole system from the same 68-87 truck that would be a good start. If you have welder and fab skills, you would be able to do it. ~ 76 up has metric fittings on hoses.

[RichG]

It's my understanding that 4x4 trucks never had the power steering from the factory pre-67. If I am wrong I would gladly be informed of my knowledge deficit.

[1965GMCK1502]

Originally Posted by RichG

It's my understanding that 4x4 trucks never had the power steering from the factory pre-67. If I am wrong I would gladly be informed of my knowledge deficit.

Thanks guys, I’ve sourced two 4wd manual steering boxes, one from classicparts.com...Missouri (seemed like very knowledgeable staff there). And one from buyautoparts.com (not so sure about that one!...I think that’s the ebay seller mentioned in the earlier post) So hopefully they both come thru. At least one.....lol. Thanks for all the input.

[AZKen]

I buy most of my parts from Classic. Good vendor.

[Ed Snyder]

Originally Posted by AZKen

I buy most of my parts from Classic. Good vendor.

Kansas City residents are fortunate to have 4 GM truck parts vendors in the area -- Classic Parts (formerly Chevy Duty), Jim Carter, LMC, and 4-5-6 Chevy. I've dealt with all of them.

[1965GMCK1502]

Originally Posted by Ed Snyder

Kansas City residents are fortunate to have 4 GM truck parts vendors in the area -- Classic Parts (formerly Chevy Duty), Jim Carter, LMC, and 4-5-6 Chevy. I've dealt with all of them.

Classic was great to deal with. Brad is very knowledgeable. Thanks to all for their help.