SB power steering conversion

[Leonard M.]

After asking the opinion of a couple of people I trust and Joe Lucia's recommendation of one of the best things he's ever done to his C3, I've started the conversion of my 1970 LT1 CTK stamped standard oil pan car from standard steering to power steering. My decision was to change to a factory type system rather than any other type. I accumulated the parts both new and original from different sources rather than buy a vendor supplied "complete" system. The main power parts are a new Lares pump and cylinder, new Lonestar valve (Maybe made by Lares?), reproduction hoses, relay rod, pump brackets and original used p/s pitman arm, cylinder frame bracket and cast pump pulley from Ralph. I have a couple of questions before I continue on this afternoon. My outer tie rods are currently in the inner or the hole closest to the front. They were there when I bought the car and guess that they were moved for the "fast ratio standard steering" location and leaving them there would be correct for P/S. Right?Also, I should have noted the pitman arm's position, but I am pretty sure the replacement 3741383 p/s arm I installed is identical to the old one. It has a little over 3 threads showing on the steering box shaft and has a 11/32" gap beteen the arm and the box. Lastly; can I expect my alignment be the same with no tie rod adjustment when I'm done? I hope it would be. I have not measured the distance between the idler arm and the manual pitman arm connection vs the new relay pod with valve.I do have a new Delco belt and will get the GM 12345867 / Delco 10-5044 fluid per Joe's recommendations. I think the system takes around .28 Gal so a qt and a pint would be the minimum to get?Any opinions, moral support and techical suggestions to help out are welcome. Thanks in advance.DSCN9096.jpgDSCN9097.jpgDSCN9100.jpgDSCN9101.jpg

[James G.]

Re: SB power steering conversion

The single crimp correct hoses are available, the SB pump to valve pressure hose was on ebay the other day for $100.
I have a couple or I would have picked it up.
The valve to cylinder hoses also come up semi frequently and can be picked up for 30-50 each.

[Leonard M.]

Re: SB power steering conversion

James thanks for the reply. I know that original used parts are available and I really like original parts, but I am going with New functional parts that I hope do not leak. This car scored 98.0 National Top Flight with the prior owner and I don't intend to have it judged, but I'll certainly keep the original parts.
I was looking for suggestions on assemble help.

[Bill B.]

Re: SB power steering conversion

Leonard,

If I recall correctly, the pitman arm in the kit was indeed similar to the installed unit, but was different. (perhaps the depth of the curvature?) I did use the arm that came with the kit when I did mine. One piece of advice .. pay attention to the angle of the PS Valve when installing onto the relay rod. I didn't pay attention to that and found that when I neared the ends of travel (full left or full right turn), the system wanted to keep driving the system into the stops. Adjusting the particular angle to the requirements specified in the manuals (my Service, Overhaul and AIM are 650 miles away from me right now), resolved this issue.

I also agree with Joe. I have "put up" with fighting the steering wheel when parking for over 40 years of my ownership and I smile now as I turn the wheel to park the car into a parallel parking space. News flash! I'm not as young as I used to be!!

*** late edit ... I found my notes in my laptop indicating a 22 deg, 11 minute angle (clockwise from vertical) ***

[James G.]

Re: SB power steering conversion

I will admit Leonard, I do enjoy the all the power options on my LT1 but probably appreciate the Power Steering the most.

[Joe L.]

Re: SB power steering conversion

Leonard,

If I recall correctly, the pitman arm in the kit was indeed similar to the installed unit, but was different. (perhaps the depth of the curvature?) I did use the arm that came with the kit when I did mine. One piece of advice .. pay attention to the angle of the PS Valve when installing onto the relay rod. I didn't pay attention to that and found that when I neared the ends of travel (full left or full right turn), the system wanted to keep driving the system into the stops. Adjusting the particular angle to the requirements specified in the manuals (my Service, Overhaul and AIM are 650 miles away from me right now), resolved this issue.

I also agree with Joe. I have "put up" with fighting the steering wheel when parking for over 40 years of my ownership and I smile now as I turn the wheel to park the car into a parallel parking space. News flash! I'm not as young as I used to be!!

*** late edit ... I found my notes in my laptop indicating a 22 deg, 11 minute angle (clockwise from vertical) ***

Bill------


Yes, there is a slight difference in the curvature of the standard steering pitman arm and the power steering version. I have been told that the standard steering pitman arm will actually work with power steering but, personally, I would not use it with power steering.

These photos depict the difference in configuration. The power steering arm on the top and standard steering on the lower. Note that the power steering arm has a greater offset at the control valve end:

GM#3741383.jpgGM#3829451.jpg

[Leonard M.]

Re: SB power steering conversion

Thanks Bill. The control valve has to thread on and have the pinch bolt line with the grove on the relay rod. I'm guessing that would allow for the correct angle of the valve. I did change my pitman arm to an original 3741383. Here's that one on my steering box and my manual one that I removed.DSCN9104.jpgDSCN9105.jpg

[Leonard M.]

Re: SB power steering conversion

James, I completed the conversion yesterday. Had to wait to get the p/s fluid from the local Chevy dealer. 1 quart was 30. I was prepared for issues with bleeding the system or movement of the rod on the cylinder, but all was good. The Lonestar valve needed no adjustment which was a plus. And yes, as you said, I really appreciate the power steering on my car.

[Joe L.]

Re: SB power steering conversion

James, I completed the conversion yesterday. Had to wait to get the p/s fluid from the local Chevy dealer. 1 quart was 30. I was prepared for issues with bleeding the system or movement of the rod on the cylinder, but all was good. The Lonestar valve needed no adjustment which was a plus. And yes, as you said, I really appreciate the power steering on my car.

Leonard-------

Your dealer hit you petty hard on the power steering fluid. The GM #12345867 fluid (which is the part number for the quart size) GM lists for $25.88. It can be found on Amazon for less than 12 bucks. Delco dealers usually sell it for about 15 bucks.

[Leonard M.]

Re: SB power steering conversion

I agree. I had it ordered with my parts for 15., but it was on a back order and I wanted to finish the job. I tried to negotiate a lower price, but he said no. Last time I'll go there.
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