Installing Power Steering Kit
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 13
From: Lavonia Georgia
Installing Power Steering Kit
I have a PS kit I picked up from a forum member several years ago. He put it together from NOS and rebuilt OEM parts so it wasn't from one of the big vendors although he used their kits as a guide on what to get. I'm finally getting around to installing it (in my mind anyway).
I don't have any instructions but I do have the '68 build manual, chassis service manual and a couple of rebuild/restoration manuals. I've already done a near frame up build on this car so I'm very familiar with what's there. Power steering will be a new adventure, especially since it's being added instead of taken off/rebuilt/replaced. Thought I'd download an instruction PDF from Zip or Wilcox.
I was wondering if anyone has ever installed a power steering kit from scratch. This is on my '68 roadster. Are there any gotcha's I need to be aware of? Is it a weekend project or longer? I've got all the hand tools, air tools, a four post lift, etc and have been wrenching for over 40 years so I'd say my skills are mid-pack.
Thanks for any help or advice you can offer.
I don't have any instructions but I do have the '68 build manual, chassis service manual and a couple of rebuild/restoration manuals. I've already done a near frame up build on this car so I'm very familiar with what's there. Power steering will be a new adventure, especially since it's being added instead of taken off/rebuilt/replaced. Thought I'd download an instruction PDF from Zip or Wilcox.
I was wondering if anyone has ever installed a power steering kit from scratch. This is on my '68 roadster. Are there any gotcha's I need to be aware of? Is it a weekend project or longer? I've got all the hand tools, air tools, a four post lift, etc and have been wrenching for over 40 years so I'd say my skills are mid-pack.
Thanks for any help or advice you can offer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
No real big surprises, its pretty much straight forward. Basic tools and a pitman arm puller. The AIM is your friend. If you have all the correct peices its really just a bolt on swap. Obviously important to adjust the ps control valve when complete, if it isnt already preset. Adjustment is made under the little end cap on the valve. Also dont add your own grease in that grease fitting on the valve. Found that out the hard way many years ago. I miss a little feeling of the road with the power steering, but its worth it. A weekend is moooore than enough time. Enjoy the new steering.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
IF you have all the parts that are needed (including necessary fasteners); and IF your engine block has all the drilled/tapped mounting bosses ready to mount stuff to, it should not be a big task to install the factory-made parts to add P/S to your car.
I believe that the Pittman arm and the relay rod are different for the N40 P/S equipped cars. And the tie rods mount to the inboard hole in the arm on the steering spindle (the std steering tie rods mount to the outboard hole).
Other than those details, you shouldn't have problems with the installation.
P.S. Pay particular attention to the details of the positioning of the various parts for the P/S control valve and hoses. There is very little room for 'error' in the movement of those parts as the steering is moved lock-to-lock. Any interference between parts can result in lost pressure/system failure. So, test stuff out well, before you take it to the road.
Good luck!!
I believe that the Pittman arm and the relay rod are different for the N40 P/S equipped cars. And the tie rods mount to the inboard hole in the arm on the steering spindle (the std steering tie rods mount to the outboard hole).
Other than those details, you shouldn't have problems with the installation.
P.S. Pay particular attention to the details of the positioning of the various parts for the P/S control valve and hoses. There is very little room for 'error' in the movement of those parts as the steering is moved lock-to-lock. Any interference between parts can result in lost pressure/system failure. So, test stuff out well, before you take it to the road.
Good luck!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 13
From: Lavonia Georgia
Okay, I've got several types of pullers, but nothing specific to the pitman arm, but that's an Autozone rental so no prob.
The block is the original factory unit so hopefully it will be install ready. I wouldn't think they'd machine them two different ways, but I've seen other silly stuff so wouldn't be surprised. I know there's a new pitman arm in the kit, but don't recall if the relay rod is in there. Like I said, I got the kit a few years and I'm getting CRS so I'll have to get it out and inventory everything.
Time to get out and dust off the AIM and other books and study up on the process so I have a mental image what I'm going to do before I start. Reading through all that while looking at the inventory of parts laid out in front of me should make it all come together.
Thanks again...As always, the folks on this forum rock!
The block is the original factory unit so hopefully it will be install ready. I wouldn't think they'd machine them two different ways, but I've seen other silly stuff so wouldn't be surprised. I know there's a new pitman arm in the kit, but don't recall if the relay rod is in there. Like I said, I got the kit a few years and I'm getting CRS so I'll have to get it out and inventory everything.
Time to get out and dust off the AIM and other books and study up on the process so I have a mental image what I'm going to do before I start. Reading through all that while looking at the inventory of parts laid out in front of me should make it all come together.
Thanks again...As always, the folks on this forum rock!
