64 power steering

[tinman64]

I am thinking about converting my manual steering 64 to power steering,is the stock steering system worth installing, or should it be upgraded to a newer system,is chev the same as gmc?I would like to keep it stock but not if is going to be problematic.any advice would be great,Thanks Dave

[gdsapp]

I'll be interested in the replies here. I am assembling a 1964 C10 and also plan to add power steering. I bought the front end (frame assembly from the cab forward) from a 1978 Suburban and plan to use the spindles, brakes, steering linkage and power steering. I bought brackets for the power steering from CPP. I am seriously considering using the torsion bar too.

[aphaynes]

Likewise, as I just got my hands on a 64 GMC 1000. This will be my first auto/truck project ever!!! so can't wait to see what you guru's have to share.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

I am thinking about converting my manual steering 64 to power steering,is the stock steering system worth installing, or should it be upgraded to a newer system,is chev the same as gmc?I would like to keep it stock but not if is going to be problematic.any advice would be great,Thanks Dave

This line here is something you should never say if you're working on a GMC.

I would like to keep it stock but not if is going to be problematic.

If you dont want to put the time into it you might be better off getting a Chevy instead of a GMC. Im not being rough with you but thats the truth. "Chivvys" are easier to find parts for and there is a lot of aftermarket add-ons for them.

:runforthehills:

If youre interested in the GMC as a GMC then youre going to have to put some time and effort into keeping it a GMC instead of another chevy clone.

Ok, with that out there, on to the power steering. The power steering on the GMC with the 305 v6 is fine, but from what i hear it takes more turns to turn the wheel than most people are used to. You can go to a '73 - (i think) '87 chevy pump, steering gears, pitman arm etc. and make them work, but you'll need to make a bracket to fit the V6 for the pump if you dont use a factory pump (junkyards have 'em).

Again its going to be work. You cant just disassemble and reassemble in an afternoon, but once it's done you'll have something you can be proud of.

And if you need help with any of it you can pop on here and ask. Good luck! Post pics or risk the curse of bad karma!

:woo:

[FetchMeAPepsi]

I'll be interested in the replies here. I am assembling a 1964 C10 and also plan to add power steering. I bought the front end (frame assembly from the cab forward) from a 1978 Suburban and plan to use the spindles, brakes, steering linkage and power steering. I bought brackets for the power steering from CCP. I am seriously considering using the torsion bar too.

You mean C10 like "Chevy"? or a GMC? The CPP bracket won't work on a GMC.

Likewise, as I just got my hands on a 64 GMC 1000. This will be my first auto/truck project ever!!! so can't wait to see what you guru's have to share.

Welcome to the club! Get a build thread going and lets see some pics of that GMC! :giggity::giggity::giggity:

(cant help it. I live for pics of old trucks!)

[aphaynes]

Welcome to the club! Get a build thread going and lets see some pics of that GMC! :giggity::giggity::giggity:

(cant help it. I live for pics of old trucks!)

Thanks. Will do!

[tinman64]

I have a chance to buy a power steering system( less pump) that came out of a 64 chev.I just wanted to know if the ram cylinder type of system was problematic?it would be nice to keep the truck stock for looks.To fab up a pump bracket isn't a problem.Switching to an intergal type of steering is probably the better choice for reliability but everyone does it,I would rather keep it as close to stock as posible.

[GMCv6inND]

I'll throw my 2-cents in here. I have a 67 GMC w the v6 and luckily it came w power steering (ram style). When i drove it home (the first time), I don't know which oil I lost first - the engine or the power steering. Between the engine smoking up a storm or the ram cylinder leaking so badly.
Well, I like originality so did some research on here and the 67-72 site and found the kit necessary to rebuild the ram. That went pretty smooth. Of course the pump was shot since had been run without oil too often, but I had a spare on my old 283, so I put that on and everything has been working great.
My pickup cam with an old school suicide knob (which I know are unsafe and illegal) but the wheel is easy to turn, so couldn't tell you how many turns it takes, stop to stop.
Bottom line - I'd go original, if you can find one. That's all I have to say.
One more thing for the "safety" guys out there - I don't endorse the use of suicide knobs.

[tinman64]

Thanks for the replies,I've decided to go with the original type of power steering,I don't know the shape of the ram yet,looks ok but you don't know until you power it up.Now I am looking for a pump,bracket and crank pulley,if anyone knows of these items let me know.Thanks Dave

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Thanks for the replies,I've decided to go with the original type of power steering,I don't know the shape of the ram yet,looks ok but you don't know until you power it up.Now I am looking for a pump,bracket and crank pulley,if anyone knows of these items let me know.Thanks Dave

Good choice. The pump and pulley are tough to find, but you can get both from a junkyard. Try suburbans and panels, but also larger GMC trucks like busses and dump trucks.

Also you can watch Ebay. They show up sometimes. Lets see that truck!

[tinman64]

Here are some pics of my truck

[aphaynes]

:thumbsup: