#1  
Old 09-19-2022, 08:56 PM
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arbys arbys is offline
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Default Power steering in a 66 Lemans

It's getting to be a bit much to turn my steering wheel at low speeds so I'm thinking that an assist from power steering would help. I'm open to electric or any type of power steering. Looking for suggestions ease of installation and cost are factors.

  #2  
Old 09-19-2022, 09:46 PM
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b-man b-man is offline
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Put the factory setup on there.

Easiest and most cost effective. I can’t see any type of electric power steering being either practical or affordable.

Shouldn’t be too hard to source the needed pieces here in the classified forums from one of the parts collectors that answer the want ads.

Plenty of quicker ratio steering boxes available as well to make the driving experience even nicer.

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  #3  
Old 09-19-2022, 10:07 PM
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ZeGermanHam ZeGermanHam is offline
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Since these cars were designed with belt-driven power steering in mind from day one, my vote would be to install a stock style PS system. I wouldn't use an electric system unless the car in question was an oddball that never had PS from the factory and therefor made it impossible to use a standard belt-driven setup. There's no need to reinvent the wheel on a GM A-body.

You can get a brand new (not reman'd) Lares pump for around $170, and a pulley will run about $70 new. A reman'd quick ratio steering box can usually be sourced for in the ballpark of $100-135. The pressure & return hoses will run about $50 for both. The PS pitman arm will cost about $75 new. You'll also need all the brackets and hardware, which will probably be in the neighborhood of $180-200. The belt will be around $15.

So far, we're at $715 total when using the higher values above. That said, you can probably find used original brackets, pulley, and pitman arm here in the classifieds or on Facebook Marketplace for significantly less than buying new. I think upgrading to power steering would be money well spent.

Regarding the ease of installation, it's very easy to do on a '66. The steering box and coupler are easily accessible, so you don't have to struggle in tight spaces, etc. I just installed all of this stuff on my '66, so let me know if you have any specific questions that I might be able to help with. I have lots of photos of how it all goes together, too.

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  #4  
Old 09-21-2022, 08:25 PM
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Scott Thelander Scott Thelander is offline
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I have pictures for you
Clean 66 power steering pump n brackets
66-7 power steering box from low mile 67 skylark gs. a buddy parted out
With Pontiac Pitman arm …. Rag joint should be replaced
Scott


But your box is full

Please contact me at
Scott68gto@comcast.net

Thanks

  #5  
Old 09-22-2022, 10:31 AM
carcrazy carcrazy is offline
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I would put a stock setup on the car.....although I'd use the 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee quicker box.

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Old 09-22-2022, 11:29 AM
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ZeGermanHam ZeGermanHam is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by carcrazy View Post
I would put a stock setup on the car.....although I'd use the 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee quicker box.
This is what I did. Huge reduction in the number of turns lock-to-lock. Very worthwhile upgrade.

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  #7  
Old 09-22-2022, 05:40 PM
Goatracer1 Goatracer1 is offline
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I would buy stock replacement pump, box and hoses from almost any parts store or Rock Auto. Buy the bracket from someone on here or from someone in one of the POCI chapters. I wouldn't install used hydraulic parts unless you know their history.

  #8  
Old 09-22-2022, 08:38 PM
wbnapier wbnapier is offline
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This guy will rebuild pumps and boxes, and convert to quick ratio. He rebuilt my pump. No issues. Fast and affordable.

https://www.powersteering.com/

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  #9  
Old 09-24-2022, 04:48 PM
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I'm going to go with the consensus of this group and I'm buying the OE parts from a fellow PY'er. By doing this I shouldn't have to make any mods to make something else fit. Thanks to all for your input.

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Old 09-25-2022, 02:56 AM
wbnapier wbnapier is offline
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Good call, but I would have the box rebuilt with a modern / quick ratio. Big improvement IMO and makes driving easier.

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1965 Pontiac GTO
455/469 w/ #48 Heads, '65 Tri-Power
9.25:1 CR
Stump Puller Cam
Muncie M22W 1st-2.56 2nd-1.75 3rd-1.37 4th-1.00
3.55 Rear Differential
Front: 225/60R15 Height: 25.6"
Rear: 275/60R15 Height: 28"
  #11  
Old 09-25-2022, 10:02 PM
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ZeGermanHam ZeGermanHam is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wbnapier View Post
Good call, but I would have the box rebuilt with a modern / quick ratio. Big improvement IMO and makes driving easier.
Agree here.

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1998 BMW 328is (track rat)
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited (daily)
View my photos: Caught in the Wild
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