I am restoring a 64SS and I am considering upgrading to power steering, (I have already started the change over to front disc.) Will a power steering box mount to the same frame holes as a manual box? Is there any difference in the steering collum length. Or is it as simple as putting on the new box, a pump and a couple hoses?

64SS in 9950 pieces (yea making progress)
98 wide tail custom sportster
87 vortec powered jeep wragler.

I think you have to change the pitman arm also.

I'm no expert, but from what I've read, if you're going to replace it with a 64 Power Unit, it's a bolt in, changing the pitman arm. I also understand that you wouldn't be happy with the 64 ratio, but you could have it converted into a fast ratio to retain the stock look. If you use a steering box that's 66(?) or later, I believe the input shaft diameter was made larger and your current steering coupler won't work. The shaft will have to be worked to get it right.

My plan is to grab an entire setup out of a mid 90's Grand Cherokee, including the pump and then find/fab the bracket to hold the pump. The steering shaft flange also needs to be modified. That will give you a nice up to date fast ratio unit. The box is a bolt in.

Try this site: http://www.corvettefaq.com/A-car.asp

and also here:

http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofstr.htm

and also:

http://www.chevelles.com/techref/ftecref29.html

Good luck, Let us know what happens.

Ed

BTCWO,
I've done the conversion on both my 64 SS and 64 El Camino. Any late 60's to early 70's A-body power steering box will work, just remember to get the coupler for a power steering box and the correct pitman arm. Column length is same for either power or manual box. If you are running the original motor, you will need to get the correct pulleys for the crank and the correct pulley for the pump so they all line up, along with the bracket that mounts on the two lower holes just to the right of the crank to hold the pump and also the two brackets that adjust the pump in place (one brackets attaches to the back of the pump and the other attaches to the front hole of the original style exhaust manifold). If you're running headers or have a newer engine with an external balancer, that will change things. If you can't find nice original parts, you can get almost all, if not all of these brackets, pulleys, pumps and hoses from most of the Chevelle parts distributors, like True Connections, Year One, and of course, our sponsor, Ground Up Restorations. Good luck with this, it's really not that difficult to do yourself. Tony

Thanks for the input. Thats why I joined ths club. There is knowthing better than talking to people who have done job and willing to pass on what they have learned to others. Thanks Again.Gary

FWIW The 84-86 Monte Carlo quick ratio box is a direct bolt in as well.