GM Steering box conversion.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Southern, Nh
GM Steering box conversion.
I bought a 53 F100 over the weekend and it has a gm steering box connected to the stock steering column. Has anyone else used this set-up i saw it from one of the parts sites but no pictures. I am putting a 302 with an AOD in the truck and am looking for advice on headers and motor mounts. The truck had a 350 and th350 trans in it before but i never saw the motor in.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I don't have one but from what I've read the GM steering box can cause stress fractures in the frame where the box mounts. Check the frame closely there and if you see any way to strengthen the box mount then I would. Otherwise, I'd keep it as is...
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Beats me! I'm not even sure the GM box does since I have no personal experience with it...just reporting what I've heard.
Don't beat the messenger...please!
Don't beat the messenger...please!
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Southern, Nh
Yes i am aware that the gm box puts added stress on the frame. My quess is it has to do alot with the pitman arm going side to side so when you turn it puts stress on the side of the frame. You turn the wheel to the right and the wheels go right but the box being pushed left in a frame that is not designed for it. I do plan to box the frame around the steering box I would like to use an engine swap cross member that i belive will help stiffen the frame a little as the factory one is removed.
The Toyota box puts the stress forward and back in the frame which he also more of stiffness and support.
The Toyota box puts the stress forward and back in the frame which he also more of stiffness and support.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 48
From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
GM 4x4 1/2 ton frames had problems with the frame cracking between the steering box mounting holes. this is mostly when you did a lot of 4 wheeling and/or from hard lock to lock a lot... I have had a few GM Blazers and have had tons of other friends with them... Adding out side support plates fix the problem and I never had the problem after adding plate to the outside. I also added a plate to the top and bottom to add strength to the area...
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Yes i am aware that the gm box puts added stress on the frame. My quess is it has to do alot with the pitman arm going side to side so when you turn it puts stress on the side of the frame. You turn the wheel to the right and the wheels go right but the box being pushed left in a frame that is not designed for it. I do plan to box the frame around the steering box I would like to use an engine swap cross member that i belive will help stiffen the frame a little as the factory one is removed.
The Toyota box puts the stress forward and back in the frame which he also more of stiffness and support.
The Toyota box puts the stress forward and back in the frame which he also more of stiffness and support.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 72
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From: Southern, Nh
Thanks. I know what i mean and it make perfect sense to me, its just a matter of wording it for others to understand.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: northeast texas
Is your GM box mounted in front of the axle on the outside of the frame? I looked at a 60 several years ago that had this setup with a GM box. The shaft from column to box was a long apparatus that went thru a hole in the inner fender to get it on the outside of the frame. There was a problem with the steering arm rubbing against the inside of the tire when turned all the way in one direction. The upside was that could use stock column shift.
jt
jt
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 463
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I had that setup 30 years ago on a '56 and I remember that of the 2 choices of arm length coming off of the PS unit; you want the short one......I had the longer one which made the turning too quick. I wasn't tellin' my age there wuz I?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Southern, Nh
The truck already has the gm box on it and i know it has the short arm. What motor was in you 56 with the gm box? trying to figure out motor mounts and headers to make a 302 fit.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Mid fifty has several motor mounts for the ford small block. Mid Fifty F-100 Parts - Home if you don't have one of their catalogs, best thing you can get for free for your truck! Order online or download, it has a wealth of useful info in it. Or give them a call, they sell the GM conversion so they will know what fits. Great ladies to work with!