Electric steering
 

Anyone have experience with electric steering or geared assist? Need to move away from manual steering on my 67 C30.

Re: Electric steering
 

Why not dimple the frame and put power steering on it? I just put PS on my truck and I’ll never go back. There are plenty of threads on this board about how to do it.

Re: Electric steering
 

To be er, kind, why buy an old vehicle, then convert it to what it isn't?
Sell it and buy a Prius.
Or, learn to drive manual steering (different technique), lube the parts and enjoy...

Re: Electric steering
 

I would dimple the frame to use a standard ps box you can also look at power rack and pinion options as well

Re: Electric steering
 

To some people, driving their truck is more about having a good time riding around town rather than sweating and having a hard time pulling into/out of a parking spot. If I was doing a restoration I wouldn’t have installed power steering, but I’d rather be able to hop in my truck and go for a ride. As someone on the forum once posted, the only reason no to install power steering is if you don’t want other people to drive your truck. After I installed power steering my wife has driven the truck, which I thought was really neat because maybe she’d start to understand why I spend so much time working on it (no luck) :lol:

Re: Electric steering
 

My brother put Electric PS on his 61 Corvette it was quite pricey and a lot of work as you have to cut, modify reweld the column. Everything fit up under the dash out of sight.

It works but I would do as others say and dimple the frame for the factory system if you really want PS.

Re: Electric steering
 

Seems like I've seen someone offering a kit for electric power steering for C10s. Not sure about the C30. I've seen a thread on another forum where someone did this swap with a Cougar, and they seemed to really like the way it performs.

It would be interesting to see it done and get some feedback on how well it works in these trucks and under what conditions. So it really comes down to whether you're looking for the easiest way to get easier steering, or if you're wanting to try something new. Either way, it's your truck, so do what makes you happy.

Re: Electric steering
 

You could also find and install a 67-68 power assist system as well. You won't have to dimple the frame either, not that it's a big deal

Re: Electric steering
 

I'm putting ps on my stepper . Dont know how old you are but after driving around town and parking a few times my shoulders hurt truck has bias ply 17 mud tires on it .And I've been driving manual steering for 45 plus years even have driven mechanical brake cars .

And to be "kind" it's his truck and can do what he wants to it ,so your comments aren't necessary.

Re: Electric steering
 

This isn't a bad idea. I don't have experience with the ram assist system, but I think these systems are harder to find and aren't as readily available as the PS system. You can pull a PS system out of a squarebody in a junk yard and rebuild it yourself. I found a donor 71 frame and grabbed the whole front end (disc brakes, power steering, front crossmember, etc.) for $300 then rebuilt everything. I haven't looked back

Re: Electric steering
 

Correct, they're not as plentiful as the later systems. They were used in a lot of different vehicles so they're still out there and not too hard to find. I would use one just to be different than everyone else.

Re: Electric steering
 

Thanks for all the responses that have objective information. I appreciate those that see a different way of doing something. I now have some information with which to make an objective decision and a plan to have some fun tinkering with my truck. The technology is available why not use it. I do appreciate "The Ride" of an older truck and plan to maintain it.

The opinions of others are considered but the Prius comment was way out of line and insulting.

Any other objective information is still appreciated.

Re: Electric steering
 

I wouldn't bother unless I was converting the the vehicle to electric. Do a search on "Electric Variable Assist Power steering". You need something like a tone ring at minimum so you can get more assist in a parking lot and less assist on the highway. It's my understanding that new vehicles with electric assist take in a multitude of inputs. If you go through the install, it can work great, if and only if you give the the proper inputs for the system.

j

Re: Electric steering
 

I may be all wet but I think over on LS1tech.com or Pro Touring.com they use a Volvo? electric power steering pump to provide pressure to the power steering box. Don't have any details other than that. Might be worth a search.

Re: Electric steering
 

Hi 68, Tell me more about power assist. Any sites to refer?

Actually I'm quite sure the dimple is there on the frame.

Re: Electric steering
 

Really? My mother's 66 Chevy Biscayne had no power steering or power brakes. I never saw her struggle to park it wherever she needed and she was maybe 5ft 2in. If you are sweating from it that's just poor technique.

Re: Electric steering
 

Yes, it's his/her truck and they can do whatever they want. I offered a different opinion--something often frowned upon today, but badly needed.
My comments, your comments, all other comments, as well as the original post are unnecessary. Was there a point to your comment? My point was learn to drive manual steering and it's fine. It isn't the same as PS.
Or, more succinctly, lighten up Francis... :)

Re: Electric steering
 

Power assist uses this set up. Lots of models used this in the early 60s and every version has specific mounting brackets and hose lengths.

Re: Electric steering
 

Here is a thread about how to ps box dimple

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=365817

Re: Electric steering
 

I have a 67, running a CPP steering box for that year that does not require either spacers or dimpling as long as the frame has the raised bolt hubs towards the gearbox side.

Re: Electric steering
 

From the guy who tells him to sell it and buy a Prius. :lol:


But back to the OP there are plenty of aftermarket systems . I personally dont like the feel of the ram type ps . 3 of my cars have this type and they are ok but tend to leak

Re: Electric steering
 

I dont know why but 66 Chevelle has manual steering and it very easy to turn compared to my truck. Maybe geometry of the steering to suspension . It also has radials so that probably helps a bit

Re: Electric steering
 

I think you're on the right track there. My limited experience tells me that with factory geometry (ride height, track width, etc.), factory tire type and size, factory steering wheel diameter, good maintenance, and so on, manual systems are easy to use under normal circumstances. But changing anything from factory can have a significant impact on steering effort.

For my part, even under the best circumstances, manual boxes are just no fun to drive if for no other reason than they're too many turns lock to lock. But everybody has different expectations for their trucks, so YMMV.

Re: Electric steering
 

Are you looking to do drive by wire, or having an electric motor powered pump supply the steering pump, or using an electric assisted rack and pinion?
You may be interested in the link below.

https://www.carthrottle.com/post/ele...-does-it-work/

Re: Electric steering
 

Thanks HO,
The link was good.
I did not consider the "feel" aspect that is lost unless a complex system is put in place.

I would also consider steer by wire but kinda suspect it would not be in my realm of possibilities. Infinity, Lincoln and others have "kits" but hard to find good info on what pertains to my reality. A TRUCK!

Thanks