[38932]

I am in the procees of changing the 4cyl to a 455 in my '62 Tempest. Has anyone used the A BODY power steering box in place of the original manual steering box? The A BODY box bolts to the frame but the pitman arm is different. Has anyone tried this swap or do you know of another possible solution?

[mechanickeith]

IF it will fit between the frame & fuel pump, you will still have to swap out the entire steering columb & fabricate/make everything fit. The stock columb is one solid shaft from the horn button all the way to the worm gear in the box. The A body box has a rag joint & sectioned columb. What may be easyer is to put in a power rack & pinion out of a Mustang II or something along that line & fabricate a steering shaft with u joints. Tha factory Tempest 4 cyl fuel pump is smaller than a stock V8 pump. This was done because the engine was set off center to the left to balance the car. If you use the Tempest pump or an electric pump, you may have room for an A body gear box. May want to see if you can find a factory PS setup.

[38932]

The ps box fits in the same location on the frame as the manual box. I took an old manual steering shaft with the rag joint end cut off and put the shaft through the steering colum and it lines up with the ps box. A shaft coupler will connect the shaft to the box. The engine, fuel pump,ps pump, and HO exhuast manifold clears the steering shaft. I just need to find a pitman arm that fits the ps box shaft. The manaul pitman arm shaft is the problem. Thanks for the reply.

[Peter Serio]

I have found that the big box with the 4 bolt topcover will not work as you will not be able to find an "off the shelf" pitman arm to fit this & connect with the original centerlink. I used a new (rebuilt) saginaw box off of a 1978 Monet Carlo; it's the smaller sized steering box with a round "snap ring" topcover. (I think they call it the 700 series) Any '63 Tempest manual steering pitman arm WILL bolt to this box & line up prefectly with the rest of your original linkage underneath your front end.

[38932]

Peter,
I knew someone out there had the fix and you have helped me in the past as well. I will gather the parts before the weekend and keep the project moving ahead. These 61-63 cars have got my attention and I noticed you have a few yourself. After 20 years of restoring and playing with GTOs I have found another interest. Although, I still like those 70-72 Firebirds. Thanks again...........Tony

[Peter Serio]

Let me know how it goes, here is a photo of one of my cars that I am putting power front disc brakes and a modern steering box into. The brand new windshield had just been set in when this photo was taken.

[ahnuld]

nice,,,

[38932]

Here is some helpful information on how I completed the power steering conversion on my 1962 Tempest.

I purchased a rebuilt steering box from NAPA #88-277057. This box fits 1978-1987 Monte Carlo. The box fits in place of the original manual box. The pitman arm from the manual box works with the power box just like before. I purchased a universal steering joint, Woodward Steering # 103 (.720-30 spline). Cut the steering shaft from the manual box and make your final measurement before welding the shaft to the universal joint. Check your power steering hose fittings due to the metric thread, you might need adapters which NAPA sells. I hope this helps and email me with questions.

Special thanks to Peter Serio. I love it when the plan comes together.

[Peter Serio]

Hi 38932, did you use Woodward U-joint (UA103) or their coupler (C103)?

The original 3/4" steering shaft runs right alongside of the inner frame rail, seems a little tight in there where it connects to the box; for a U-joint. There is little room on my car, does yours rub the frame?

[38932]

I used the UA-103 which welds to the 3/4 steering shaft. The steering shaft is very close to the frame rail but it clears the frame. I used the spacers from the manual box and it lines up with the steering shaft. We used the u-joint due to clearence issues with a rag joint. The engine (V8) and a 64-67 Ram Air exhaust manifold in place, its tight but everything clears.

I will take pictures ASAP to show the install.

Thanks, Tony

[Peter Serio]

Hi, yes please post a couple of photos when you can, thanks! Pete

[Big Chief]

I'm in need of a pitman arm for my 63 tempest.
326, manual steering. I found one for the 61/62, but not sure if it's the same. Any help or resources would be appreciated.

[Bill Hanlon]

Big Chief:

You'd be better of starting your own thread than posting to a thread that is 16 years old, but ...

Information in the attachment was copied from the Oct 1, 1966 Pontiac Chassis Parts Catalog. Looks like 1961 and some 62 manual steering Pitman arms use part # 5674998 (casting # 5675000) with a lube fitting while some 1962 and all 63 use part number 5677752 without a lube fitting (casting 5676654). I don't know if they are interchangeable.

[GaryK]

Originally Posted by Big Chief

I'm in need of a pitman arm for my 63 tempest.
326, manual steering. I found one for the 61/62, but not sure if it's the same. Any help or resources would be appreciated.

It's the same

[hobbygto65]

Installing a Prius electric power steering unit would be a lot easier.