1955 Dodge Pickup Jobrated "power steering"

[Nikomat]

Hi,

 

I´m pretty new to this forum and sneaked around a little bit..

Very happy and exited to share my question here

 

One of my projects is this 1955 Dodge Pickup and it has manual steering - which is kind of too tough when trying to turn around w/o moving.

This is why I´m looking for an option to throw a power steering set in there.

 

I already posted this question in one other forum (the H.A.M.B.) and received a two answers - but I would like to try my luck here as well

 

So if anyone has a suggestion or even did a transfer like that already, I´m more than happy to read about your results

 

Thanks a lot in advance.

 

Best,

Niko

 

p.s. sorry for the picture - I tried to upload it the right way, but failed several times

 

[greg g]

I believe some Chrysler brands got power steering beginning in 53 54, whether this applied to light trucks, I can't say.  If you could find the parts, they might retro fit to your truck.  Meanwhile, is there lubricant in the steering box, are the tierods in good shape, and when was the last time the truck was greased?

[Nikomat]

46 minutes ago, greg g said:

I believe some Chrysler brands got power steering beginning in 53 54, whether this applied to light trucks, I can't say.  If you could find the parts, they might retro fit to your truck.  Meanwhile, is there lubricant in the steering box, are the tierods in good shape, and when was the last time the truck was greased?

Hi greg g,

appreciate your comment here .. I will try to figure out the situation on the Chrysler parts you mentioned.

I´m actually not afraid of finding a "diy solution", but if someone had alerady done this, it wouldn´t make sense to reinvent the wheel here :)

I bought the truck in that condition - so I did not went through everything yet.

It kind of feels alright while steering w/o movement .. it´s just too heavy for my girlfriend.

That´s why we decided to throw a power steering solution in there.

Thanks again,

Niko

[knuckleharley]

If you don't mind modifying and converting to 12 volt,you might want to consider using the electric PS setup from a Prius. No belts,pulleys,hoses,or fluid. Electric and self-contained in the steering column with a control box that bolts under the dash.

 

Used ones seem to start at around 150 bucks. Simple solution with no real modifications other than the steering column.

[Tooljunkie]

I would have to agree with the electric power steering. By far the easiest setup and they are not difficult to source. There are several choices,in your search look for stand alone eps unit. The ones that do not require input from ecm or body control are most favourable. 

[Nikomat]

19 hours ago, knuckleharley said:

If you don't mind modifying and converting to 12 volt,you might want to consider using the electric PS setup from a Prius. No belts,pulleys,hoses,or fluid. Electric and self-contained in the steering column with a control box that bolts under the dash.

 

Used ones seem to start at around 150 bucks. Simple solution with no real modifications other than the steering column.

Hi knuckleharley,

 

thanks for your input.

To be honest, I thought about a 12V conversion already .. since it has a 8V system (not even 6V), which makes is tough / expensive to get electric spare parts e.g.

On the other hand I would like to keep it as original as possible (agreed - putting a power steering in is not exactly the means of "original" :D)

 

I thought about a pump (belt driven .. frame / metal plate selfmade screwed to the block or whatever), a few hoses .. so a hydraulic system.

Don´t know, which way might be easier: 12V conversion vs. diy pump implementation.

 

But since this comment to put an electric PS in appeared two times now already (thanks @Tooljunkie), I might consider to do it that way.

 

Thanks again .. more input still and always welcome

[kencombs]

I've considered both the options, my truck is a 56, so 12v already.  As a matter of fact, I have one of the Toyota boxes that is so popular with the F100 guys.  Bought it years ago, just in case.   The idea I had was to use the hydraulics for the steering and  power brake unit.  Now I'm rethinking that since the plan now is to use firewall mounted clutch and brake masters.

 

For 6v trucks one hydraulic option is the early Mopar generator with an attached PS pump.  Hard to find, but would solve the mount and drive problems.

Edited September 29, 2020 by kencombs

[knuckleharley]

40 minutes ago, Nikomat said:

Hi knuckleharley,

 

thanks for your input.

To be honest, I thought about a 12V conversion already .. since it has a 8V system (not even 6V), which makes is tough / expensive to get electric spare parts e.g.

On the other hand I would like to keep it as original as possible (agreed - putting a power steering in is not exactly the means of "original" :D)

 

I thought about a pump (belt driven .. frame / metal plate selfmade screwed to the block or whatever), a few hoses .. so a hydraulic system.

Don´t know, which way might be easier: 12V conversion vs. diy pump implementation.

 

But since this comment to put an electric PS in appeared two times now already (thanks @Tooljunkie), I might consider to do it that way.

 

Thanks again .. more input still and always welcome

Nothing about a 12 volt conversion looks like a modification,other than the 12 volt battery. Most people won't even notice it. The battery,the generator and voltage regulator,fuses,headlights,taillight and other bulbs,and the coil,and a reducer for the radio and heater fan are about all that needs to be changed.

In return you get ps,quicker starting,and brighter lights.