Bypassing power steering pump My power steering pump is on its way out. I have always thought about converting to manual steering to free up some ponies, loose some weight, and clean up the engine bay. I know I probably won't be able to find the parts to convert my '62 to full blown manual steering, but I was told that I could just trim the original lines and plumb the return line to the pressure line. That way the steering box will still remain lubed and would allow the removal of the power steering pump. Does this sound feesable? Anyone care to comment on a solution that isn't rebuilding the factory pump? Thanks guys.
Take a look at your ps box.....I think GM used the same boxes from 64-5 till 1996. Can you provide a pic of it? If it is like the later versions...you can use a manual box from 64-up.
I snapped 3 pics, but they aren't very good because my camera was about to die. I was also able to find a pic online that looks similar to mine, they said it is the standard GM 4-bolt cover 800 series units. Attached are my pics. I can try and scrape the grime/grease off and take better pics if necessary.
From the research I did yesterday, it does seem to be one of the newer 4 bolt boxes. So getting a new manual box wouldn't be a problem. What about the pitman arm/rag joint? Aren't those different on manual boxes? Is there a source I can pick up everything I need from? Thanks for the help :beer !
Rag joint should not be a problem......I "think" the pitman should be the same.....as long as the manual box comes with a pitman arm. Only part I am not sure about is the pitman arm length.
I located a manual box w/pitman arm for a '61-'64 Impala on eBay. Seems like that would probably best my best bet, since the Impala is the closest thing to my car. Does $79 sound decent? Then all I'd need is the correct rag joint.
I think I might go for it, unless a standard GM '65-'91 525 box w/pitman arm seems like a better fit? There's one of those on eBay as well. Would I need any other steering components to make the swap? I know on the Impala's the center links are supposedly different from a manual to PS car.
Is there an interchange manual that shows exactly what part numbers are for , pitman arm, manual box, power box, and rag joint? There must be a book like that online that can be searched. That would be awesome.
Gary, a Hollanders interchange manual is used by junkyard for cross-reference. Rag joints between ps and manual are different in 1966, so check yours. PS has a 13/16" shaft size and manual has 3/4". 3/4" was also used on 1980's GM trucks. Search quick-ratio PS box swap threads for more info on rag joints. To test how a PS box drives without power assist, take the ps belt off. It's tough!
Block it off or plumb from one side to the other, both ways work. People do it all the time, it won't harm anything. I had a new power box blocked off for eight years and thousands of miles, I liked the way it handled.
its much harder with a disconnected PS box than with a manual box. I swapped power box for manual box on my 66 belair about 15 years ago and never looked back. Loved it and want to do the same to my 73 lesabre. If i recall it was a direct bolt in. I might hav changed the column because I was changing auto trans to manual too. cant remember now.
