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I tried to search the forum before I asked the question, so here goes... I bought a power-steering conversion kit from ebay, seems like a legit setup. Unfortunately, the truck inherited has been heavily modified, and was not born a 4x4. The PO also installed a tilt-steering wheel, column, and shaft. I mocked up the new PS box last night, and this is what I am up against. I am sure I am going to need to reposition this box, but I wanted some initial thoughts on where I should go with it.
It came with a DD shaft, two U-joints, and the mounting hardware and plate for a heim joint, but I think I don't have room for all of that... here is the old one I removed, versus the one I just received. Wonder what you think...
As you've probably noticed the Gemmer has a portion of it that nestles inside of the frame and the bolts go into a heavy plate that is tight against the frame. Since the new gear doesn't have any of that meat you will likely need to fab your own fish plate to weld to the inside of the frame - essentially boxing the frame in that area - to give something to put your new gear against in order to bolt it to the frame. I'd probably use 3/8" material to help it resist forces from turning. Keep in mind that while steering wheel effort is drastically decreased with power steering - the forces the steering gear puts on the pitman arm to do the work is in the same ballpark. You might even want to make some short stout tubes that you weld to the back of the fish plate before welding it to the frame for the bolts to pass through to keep any lateral compression of the frame to a minimum from tightening the bolts.
As you've probably noticed the Gemmer has a portion of it that nestles inside of the frame and the bolts go into a heavy plate that is tight against the frame. Since the new gear doesn't have any of that meat you will likely need to fab your own fish plate to weld to the inside of the frame - essentially boxing the frame in that area - to give something to put your new gear against in order to bolt it to the frame. I'd probably use 3/8" material to help it resist forces from turning. Keep in mind that while steering wheel effort is drastically decreased with power steering - the forces the steering gear puts on the pitman arm to do the work is in the same ballpark. You might even want to make some short stout tubes that you weld to the back of the fish plate before welding it to the frame for the bolts to pass through to keep any lateral compression of the frame to a minimum from tightening the bolts.
Thanks! We got it installed today, I had to notch the frame just a bit, but it sat right in. I appreciate the support!
