I6 PS conversion...confusion

[68 IRON]

I'm getting ready to do this upgrade to my 68. I want to also, while steering is the focus, to freshen up the steering parts (rod ends). This is where my confusion starts. Some who have done this are at odds with changing the idler arm...which is it truly? I also notice on trucks with PS equipped, the drag link is different from manual equipped trucks....should this be changed? And what is the difference between the adjustment sleeves, manual vs. power steering? And which should I order (manual, since that's what is on the the truck now)?

I have all brackets and pulleys (with pump) from one single previously operating vehicle...a complete set. The gear comes from a 72 GMC (w/ pitman arm). I'm just concerned with the other parts.

I hope someone can "steer" me in the right direction and focus me on what is a necessary change and what is not. Just help me bring this possibly overthinking stressed feeling I'm having right now down a notch or two!

[NGN]

If it's a 68 with stock manual steering I would think the parts numbers would maybe different then for power steering , maybe you can use the numbers to compare if there is a difference . I think the gear box are all the same for two wheel drive as far as size.
Nick
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[michael bustamante]

when converting to power steer using a square body steering box, you definatly have to change the centerlink. the pivot points are at a different angle than the one on your truck now. i believe the pitman arm is the same. are you going to be converting to disc brakes also? if so you might as well pull the whole steering rack from a 71-72 as the end links will be different from drum brakes

[68 IRON]

No disk brakes at this time. So if the the center link gets changed, the drag link too I'm guessing....the whole shebang. It just got more involved....
Thanks for the info....I do appreciate it!

[michael bustamante]

if youre keeping drum brake you still use your original steering linkage. dont change that. the power steer box will fit right on. i did this on my 67 and drove it for years

[68 IRON]

Ok, to be clear.....I'm adding the PS brackets (which match my head), I'm adding a steering gear (from a 72 C10 with pitman) and I dont have to change any of the linkage from pitman arm on...is this correct? I thought you posted that the center link had to be changed because it was different. So if I dont have to change the linkage, I would love just changing rod ends to freshen this up.

[Classic Heartbeat]

All you need to do is change the gear with the pitman arm. I have several used pitman arms here if you need one. WES

[68 IRON]

Ok....thank you Nick, Wes and Michael! I have the pitman arm that came with the gear, so I'm good. I do feel better now....

[michael bustamante]

yeah that steering gear will fit right on. dont forget to reuse the pitman arm washer. (that gasket that sandwiches between the centerlink and pitman arm)

[67 chevelle]

The only different centerlink Ive run into is the power assist one [with rams], the power and manual are the same to my understanding