1968 K-15 Manual to Power Steering Conversion

[SubPower]

Hi everyone, I have a 68 Suburban K-15, It has Dana 44 enclosed knuckle axles, Looking for info on converting my manual steering gear to power steering. I have a 78 K-15 p/s gear and adjustable drag link, will this bolt to the frame without clearance problems? If anyone has input, Thanks in advance.

[vectorit]

Welcome!
In a short answer to your question: Yes, you can convert from manual to power steering. But, it's not a simple bolt on process of swapping boxes.

The frame on your 68 will more than likely have a flat mounting surface on the frame, and the power boxes need contours in the frame similar to dimples.

There are a few options in getting this swap to work, such as adapters and beating the frame to make it work...

I'm still running my manual gear box since I'm not comfortable with a lot of the options to make the conversion possible, but that's mainly because I am more concerned about originality.

Others should chime in sooner or later.

[SubPower]

Thanks Vectorit, yea I have heard a little about the adapters and the "beat the frame" procedure. Like you I'm not really into that so much. Just looking for other opinions/options. My Sub is very original and have been toying with this idea for years. Also was considering a V-8 sm465 205 swap also (has original 250 4spd Rockwell) and thought with the extra V-8 weight P/S might be nice. My manual box is worn and needs replaced either way. If I can find a good manual box I will probably just leave it original. (anybody have one for sale?)I have had this truck 10 years and kept everything original but the wheels. She has plenty of gearing, just miss that v-8 power. Still undecided.

[71swb4x4]

I think that most 68's do have the frame dimpled for power steering. I believe 67 was the last year for the ram-arm style power steering so in 68 all frames (or almost all) were set up for the newer style of power steering.

[SubPower]

Can I see the frame dimples without removing the steering box? If I do have dimples, will the 78 box work? And does anyone know if the 78 adjustable drag link will work with the enclosed knuckle pitman arm? Thanks

[vectorit]

Here is what my 68 K20 steering box to frame mounting surface looks like, pay no mind to the boogers on there but as you can see it's flat.

[SubPower]

Yea, Went out and looked at mine this afternoon, it looks like yours Vectorit, flat. I am probably going to stick with my manual setup and throw a steering ball on the steering wheel.

[vectorit]

Nothin wrong with keeping it manual...
Mine is manual - everything.

Heck, if my 5' tall Mother could drive this truck through my childhood then I am not complaining about nothing.

[my1st69]

Originally Posted by vectorit

Nothin wrong with keeping it manual...
Mine is manual - everything.

Heck, if my 5' tall Mother could drive this truck through my childhood then I am not complaining about nothing.

just bought my truck a month ago have fallin in LOVE with her. my wife is such a cry baby She "can't drive it" so i guess she cant break it . I also have manual everything by far the tuffest test drive ever lol I would like to do the same thing maybe a rack and pinion style is that possible? Is there any other options for us like different sterring gears. Sorry if i am asking stupid questions. This is my first old anything but am very fimilure with mechanics 2 6 and 8 new models. sorry if I jacked the thread for a second.