55.2-59 Questions about going back to manual steering

[RyanPartridge]

Howdy fellas!

About 7 months back I sold my 65 Econoline and picked up a 57 Chevy pickup. Been working on dialing her in ever since. Some things I've done to improve the ride/handling have been new Posies lowering springs, new Bilstein shocks, new tires, dropped axle from Sid's with new kingpins, tie rods, 4 degree caster shims,...all of which has made my truck ride and handle unbelievably better. I also have a sway bar I haven't installed yet but look forward to.

However...the previous owner had a shoulder injury so they installed a power steering unit and I just don't like it. I don't like that I can't "feel" the road. I'd rather muscle tight turns in parking lots if it means getting the "feel" back...

My question is, what would it take to go back to standard manual steering?
Are NOS or rebuilt stock steering boxes available? Or is there a quality aftermarket steering box that will bolt in?
Were mods done to my steering column or anywhere else for the previous owner to convert it to power steering?

I appreciate any help!
I've done searches and come up short...

[1project2many]

Well, there are about as many ways to add power steering as there are for Windows to crash. So undoing is as simple of reversing the installation. But what's been done that needs to be undone? It's hard to tell without seeing the setup.

I would suggest that it might be easier to change the power steering to return the feel that you're looking for. If the vehicle is using a GM box then there may be options. Toyota box swaps were common for a while but are not as popular now. Almost all conversions involve either removing the original one-piece box and column or cutting the column but if your truck has a power steering cylinder attached to the tie rod then the PO may have spent $$ to add an original style steering system. That will be easier to return to stock although I'd probably try to improve the feel first.

Long story short, get some pictures!

[MiraclePieCo]

I converted mine from power back to manual; it's how these trucks were meant to be. Such namby-pamby niceties are made for family sedans and those who want to grind off their tire tread turning their wheels from lock-to-lock while sitting still, ha ha!

[RyanPartridge]

I'll get photos of the current setup...

[mr48chev]

If they used the front mounted GM steering box you should be able to swap a manual box from a 70 something truck in in place of it it's pretty well a bolt on but I'm thinking there is a difference in pitman arms

We changed my son's 70 C10 from Manual to power in a couple of hours after finding the power box on a frame sitting in a guy's yard for 10 bucks. That was in the late 80's though.

This shows that you can use a 67/84 C10 manual box. This is for show and tell only an not anywhere close to a suggestion to buy this one. I'm cheap and would find a smooth turning used one in a wrecking yard or from someone changing to power. I would not get rid of the power box and pump until I was positive I was happy with the manual box though. Sometimes what seems to be a fantastic idea doesn't turn out to be a fantastic idea. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-84-Che...-/330482016367

[wfojon]

I took my manual box out of my 57. You can have it if you come get it, I'm in Tehachapi. The 57's steering box and column are all one, there are rebuilders but you have to send yours in to be rebuilt. I am doing the C4 conversion is the reason I took it out, it was working good before though.
Jon

[joedoh]

1p2m is right, if its a GM pump its pretty easy.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/60791/10002/-1

there is another kit I cant find that has a few different flow valves in it.


if its really bothering you to have power steering, just pull the pump and cap the lines. thats a joke.

[RyanPartridge]

Here's some photos of the setup...

[RyanPartridge]

Originally Posted by wfojon

I took my manual box out of my 57. You can have it if you come get it, I'm in Tehachapi. The 57's steering box and column are all one, there are rebuilders but you have to send yours in to be rebuilt. I am doing the C4 conversion is the reason I took it out, it was working good before though.
Jon

Wow thanks for the offer Jon!
Much appreciated!

[1project2many]

That looks like a Toyota box. I'd have to do some research to see if the feel can be changed.

[1-ton of fun]

maybe try adding a restrictor in the pressure line to reduce assist?

isn't there something like that for using a chevy PS pump and a ford Mustang ii rack - as it has a similar issue of over-assist due to a high pressure?

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

That looks like a Toyota box. I'd have to do some research to see if the feel can be changed.

From looking at this 84 Toyota solid axle 4x4 box I think he nailed it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-FJ40...-/253592121862

I'm thinking you should be able to hunt down a manual box for a 79/85 Toyota 4x4 with solid axle and swap it out https://www.ebay.com/itm/PULL-OFF-OE...frcectupt=true

On the other hand that GM pump might be too much for the Toyota box giving more power than you personally want and one of the restrictor valves they sell for a MII steering with Saginaw pump might be the best of both worlds. That's a 30 buck gamble but might fix it. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Musta...-GPM,5852.html

[1project2many]

It looks like the stock Yota system is around 1200 psi / 2.8 gpm. The suggested 2.0 GPM restrictor seems like a reasonable first step to improve the feel at the wheel. Reducing pressure may reduce fluid heating but will not affect the feel. More reading.

https://www.turnone-steering.com/blo...essure-vs-flow

I agree that switching to a Toyota manual box might be the next best step if you are looking for a solution which minimizes the work required.

[mr48chev]

I would check to make sure they didn't weld up the holes for the stock steering box in the frame as the pitman arm goes though the frame .

This being a stock TF box.

[RyanPartridge]

I appreciate all the help! You guys are great!
Looks like I'll be picking up a stock manual steering box tomorrow.
Depending on how long it takes me to get it rebuild and installed...I may try one these pressure reducers in the mean time...

[1project2many]

I may try one these pressure reducers in the mean time...

If you do this please report how it turns out.

[mick53]

I'm going with all stock parts and adding electric power assist. it's adjustable, turn it up in the parking lot and down on the highway. I'm going to put the gain adjustment where my throttle cable went and put a throttle knob on it. They are model specific.
https://www.jegs.com/i/EPAS-Performa...6-MAN/10002/-1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkUh8rAVtLo