I have a '68 El Camino with power steering. I am replacing the steering box with a rebuilt unit from AutoZone. Can somebody give me the quick run down of the procedure and any special tools I will need? I've rebuilt just about every part of this car, but have never worked with steering components.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

You'll need a pitman arm puller and a tie-rod puller, flare (line) wreches.

You need to remove the pitman arm off you old box (I am assuming the rebuilt box doesn't include the pitman arm), but before you do this, I think you need to remove the centerlink from the other end of the pitman arm (unless you have a helper, I couldn't get the pitman arm/steering linkage to move enough to get the pitman arm on the new shaft without having the pitman arm disconnected from the centerlink).

Then you can disconnect the steering shaft/rag-joint from the box.

Disconnect the two hoses (use something to catch the extra fluid)... Remember to use the special flare-fitting wrenches (line wrenches) of the hose connections. No need to disconnect from the box.

Finally, there are three bolts that hold the box to the frame (the bolts go all the way through the frame)... Unbolt those and the box should drop out.

Install is reverse of removal. Make sure everything is tight (I forget the torque specs on the pitman). Note the pitman arm can only go on in 90-degree increments, turn wheel back an forth to determine the "center" of the box travel, and reinstall the pitman there...

To bleed, have front tires off the ground and fill pump reservoir. With motor NOT RUNNING, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock about 20+ times (I did this twice, just to be sure), and recheck the fluid level. top off as needed.

Start the car and check for leaks, noises, etc... turn off and recheck fluid... done...

BTW, this is from memory, so might be missing something...

Be prepared that the old pitman arm isn't going to want to come off! It's a splined, force, practically taper fit, and it's just good and happy just where it's been for 30 years!

It took penetrating oil, heat, and some serious whacks with a BFH on the puller to get mine to budge!

Thanks guys smile.gif I am doing it this coming weekend, so maybe I will soak the pitman arm and stuff with WD40 now. I wonder if AutoZone can loan me a pitman arm puller and tie rod puller...

You might take a look at this thread as well:

Pitman Arm Removal (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=005714)