Power steerin?

Hi all! I am reconverting my 68 Sportsvan 108 to 4x4 using the engine/ drivetrain from an 89 3/4 ton suburban. Of the many challenges of this is the steering, as I would like to use the burb's column, unfortunately. The original is awesome, but I am using all the wiring from burb and that includes the column right now. Anyway, is there a power steering box that works on these vans?I don't mind if it is not a direct bolt in. Any help or ideas is appreciated. Right now it is the original box.

"Good Luck" on your project should look good when you are done..!!!...I myselph have never seen a fool proof way to put power steering in one of theses earlys without "Major Modifications" A lot in the works but nothing set in stone...... It's like the last 6 hot Rod's/Muscle cars I have owned with No power steering as long as the tires are rolling you can turn the wheels...The 4x4 truck/blazer/suburban/boxes are similar but you will have to do some fabricating.!!!...If you "MUST" have it I would go with a "Power Assist" like the early 60's Chevy Impalas/Bel airs......Keep Us Posted..... .

There is a vanner who put a PS unit in the same location as the original, sorry I cannot recall the name for a search. Perhaps one of the guys can come up with a link. It involved some modification to the frame to pull it off but looked like a clean install after that.

Minus the center link and the pitman arm I always thought I could make this set up work mount a plate/bracket to hold the assist valve and ram on our existing center link the steering box is the same on this setup power steering or not on my 62 Bel-Air (no lines running to the box)..!!!.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Complete-Power-Assist-Steering-for-1960-1964-Chevy-/141533023504?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20f4068d10&vxp=mtr#ht_94wt_907

On a similar idea like Joe's power assist, there are power rack and pinion set ups that might be adaptable, maybe that kind of set up would work? Google/Youtube for it, there must be some info on doing this....

Sparky in Canada used a PS box from a 78 GMC Van and notched the frame where the originl one is and placed it in. He then went on to use the PS pump from the same Van. I got to drive the Van, whilst on a trip up North to attend VanFest a couple of years back. Drove and steered just fine! Sorry I didn't get any photos of it? Sparky is on VCVC.org as well.

When converting our early vans to power steering?? Most do not realize that the newer electric steering boxes are easiest to install & adapt. we all must cut the steering column shaft or =replace it -with electric - we don't have to replace the steering box!! just cut the saft &  adapt the small electric steering unit  to under the dash area.  then run a dd coupler & square/round shaft = from the  shaft to the old  boxes shaft! Less work too. The electric boxes are in the salvage yards & cheap too! There is an electronic adapter on ebay that allows you to set the steering box's  "Feel"  that has a dash mounted knob-simple - want the feel of the old box =without ps? turn it off- want  steering like a quick sports car with little effort -adjust as u wish!!--  whole conversion can be done in much less time  than replacing new box, pump, column , ect. and  id estimate @ a total costs for us do it ourselves @ less than $200.00 bux!! There are some utube  vids on this & i have posted that here before.

I just ordered the electric adapter off e-bay. It ships from Portugal and was about $75 total. I wimped out and bought the column too instead of pulling one myself. It was $105. We'll see how it goes...

I am also looking into the VUE electric assist. Seems like the best option for the $$$. Only problem I see is where the motor will end up. I am running 33.5 x11.5 Dynapro mt's, and definitely don't want to fight those, so if I have to look a motor, oh well. Is the stock box strong enough to go with the power assist?

I have done this electric conversion go over to vcvc.org and search electric power steering the vue unit fits behind the dash somewhat you will lose about 2" of leg room my van has 235 60 15 on 8" rims and I can turn the wheels locl to lock with one finger

Guess I can't post a pic. Yeah, I am pretty sure I will go electric for now. Seems like a good option for the $$$. If it doesnt work, time to get to fabricating.

pan58head wrote:I have done this electric conversion go over to vcvc.org and search electric power steering the vue unit fits behind the dash somewhat you will lose about 2" of leg room my van has 235 60 15  on 8" rims and I can turn the wheels locl to lock with one finger

Could we get a picture of yours Here under the dash..???,,

x2

Joe/chilen if you go to vcvc there is pictures of the unit under my dash, the covers I made, column, couplers I'm not much of a picture guy these pictures are a year old

That is awesome! Very Clean. Is the stock steering box strong enough with the bigger tires and assist? That's my only concern now.

should be all =OK as it's lasted 4
50 years already!! we all want safety-yet seems like if we are worried about safety -we should just buy a Volvo -instead of a 50 year old van?????????

this is panheads brain storm and it,s a winner i,m doing it on both my 1966 no-door and my 1970 4x4 buld