With forearms the size of most guys' thighs, even Popeye would have a hard time driving a vintage truck that doesn't have power steering. It comes as no surprise to most of CCT's readers that the inventor of power steering worked for the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company back in the 1920s as the chief engineer for the company's truck division. After quitting his job at Pierce-Arrow, Francis W. Davis developed a hydraulic power steering system that led to power steering and became commercially available in 1951.
Thanks to Mr. Davis and his innovative invention, we don't have to eat spinach and develop bulging arm muscles to pilot our custom classic trucks. We can simply call Borgeson Universal Company in Torrington, Connecticut, to see whether they manufacture a power steering system for our model vintage truck. Especially if you're building a Chevy or GMC pickup from the Tri-Fives to the mid-'70s and beyond, here's a great opportunity to enhance your driving experience. You won't have to wrestle those radial-wrapped big steelie or billet front wheels around corners anymore. The hydraulic fluid will do the heavy lifting, allowing you to steer easily.
In recent issues of CCT, we've followed the progress associate publisher John Barkley made on his '74 Chevy Stepside. John's truck originally had a straight six, a manual steering box, and narrow wheels and tires at both ends. Now the '74 sports wide BFGoodrich radials that wrap around stylish steelie Stockton Wheels and a small-block Chevy V-8. The Chevy's a big winner in the power and looks categories, but has heavy steering made heavier by wider wheels and tires.
You can see where this is going; John did what any of us would do.He contacted Borgeson Universal Company and ordered a complete replacement power steering system for his pickup. We watched Jason Scudellari, Primedia's Tech Center guru, install the system. Why don't you take a gander, too?
In the foreground is the Borgeson...
In the foreground is the Borgeson power steering pump and reservoir. At the bottom is the Borgeson power steering box and hydraulic lines.
We positioned the Borgeson...
We positioned the Borgeson components to mirror the expression on John's face after driving the C10 right after the installation was complete. The pump/reservoir, hydraulic lines, pulley, brackets, 18.8:1-ratio power steering box, all necessary fasteners (not shown), and rag joint (not shown) all came from Borgeson. Rare Parts Inc. supplied the pitman arm (above the pump/reservoir).
Before Jason installed the...
Before Jason installed the Borgeson and Rare Parts power steering system, the Chevy's engine bay still looked nice, but John paid the price every time he maneuvered the pickup in parking lots or traffic.
After jacking up the front...
After jacking up the front of the Chevy and removing the driver-side wheel, Jason removed the nut on the bottom of the pitman arm with an impact wrench.
He removed the old rag joint...
He removed the old rag joint nuts next.
With the help of the air wrench,...
With the help of the air wrench, loosening the three bolts that hold the manual steering box to the outside of the frame was a snap. In the photo, it appears Jason's half-asleep. Not the case. The camera's trusty flash overpowered him.
Once the manual steering box...
Once the manual steering box was off the frame, Jason compared the new rag joint to the original item.
Oops! Closer inspection revealed...
Oops! Closer inspection revealed the rag joint Borgeson supplied was the wrong one. John contacted Borgeson and had the correct component shipped the next day.
In preparation for installing...
In preparation for installing the power steering pump, Jason ran the bolts in the threads to remove excess black spray paint.
Before installing the pump/reservoir...
Before installing the pump/reservoir on the engine, he attached the pump's bracket.
Jason secured the pump to...
Jason secured the pump to the engine.
He fastened the pump's pulley...
He fastened the pump's pulley next.
From the old belt, he knew...
From the old belt, he knew what size the new belt should be. Jason gave the old one to the truck's owner before concluding the installation project for the day. Remember, we had to wait for the correct rag joint.
As promised, the rag joint...
As promised, the rag joint arrived the next day. Jason confirmed that it fit the power steering box.
Prior to installing the box...
Prior to installing the box and fastening the rag joint to the steering shaft, he held the components in place to make certain they fit properly.
Jason attached the rag joint...
Jason attached the rag joint to the steering shaft.
He inserted the spline end...
He inserted the spline end of the power steering box into the rag joint...
...and tightened the three...
...and tightened the three bolts that hold the power steering box to the frame.
Jason removed the old pitman...
Jason removed the old pitman arm.
The new Rare Parts pitman...
The new Rare Parts pitman arm went in place much more easily than the crusty old one came out.
Being careful not to cross...
Being careful not to cross the threads on the hydraulic lines, Jason attached the line-fitting ends in the power steering box.
He did the same with the lines...
He did the same with the lines for the power steering pump/reservoir.
With the belt around the pulleys...
With the belt around the pulleys and adjusted to the proper tension, Jason added power steering fluid and took John's truck for a road test. We can attest to success, as we see John's '74 in the office parking lot and on the road much more than we did before the Borgeson power steering system was installed. Look for more progress on the '74 Shortbox Chevy in upcoming issues of CCT.