Converting from Manual to Power...

[Qwk]

steering and I have a few questions. I currently have a 3 on the tree, no tilt column w/manual steering box. Im wanting to switch to a manual shift column as I will be putting a 6 speed on the floor.

1. Is the steering shaft (piece between the column and steering box) the same between the two?

2. I know I need to switch out the steering box to a power unit, but do I need to change anything else? Steering arm, pit-man arm, etc etc??

3. Are there any links to threads where someone has done this already?

Thanks!

Craig

 

[bucket]

Your '87 has manual steering? I thought power was standard by that point. Interesting.

A power box should be a direct swap, although I'm unsure about the pitman arm. I'd assume they are the same between manual and power units.

 

[HotRodPC]

Don't throw that manual steering box away. I sure wouldn't mind having one if it's in good shape and not as loose as a $10 *****.

 

[Qwk]

Your '87 has manual steering? I thought power was standard by that point. Interesting.

A power box should be a direct swap, although I'm unsure about the pitman arm. I'd assume they are the same between manual and power units.

I was on Rock Auto and they showed 2 different arms (1 for PS and 1 for Man), so I ordered a New/reman AC Delco PS unit and AC Pitman arm.
I also ordered a used, great shape floor shift column as my truck came with the following options....

4.3, Manual Brakes, Manual Steering, 3 on the tree, rear slider window, AC and thats it! It was bought new from a 54 year old woman and daily driven for 70K!

Don't throw that manual steering box away. I sure wouldn't mind having one if it's in good shape and not as loose as a $10 *****.

The ONLY reason Im switching to PS is because Im swapping in an LS and it has the PS and AC, so I figured, why not. It might be a bit easier for my girls to learn to drive a manual trans vehicle also with the PS.

 

[HotRodPC]

Manual Steering and Brakes never scared me at all. I like the simplicity.