Power Steering Conversions
Heavy manual steering can make a classic car or truck more demanding to maneuver, especially at lower speeds. These power steering conversion kits bring together vehicle-specific steering gear, pumps, hoses, couplers, and related components for classic Chevy, GMC, Pontiac, Ford, and Mopar applications.
Power Steering Conversions by Vehicle and Gearbox
Power steering conversions in this collection are built around the steering geometry already under the vehicle, so year range and gearbox choice matter a lot. A 1947-59 Chevy truck, a 1965 Impala, and a 1964 Chevelle may all be moving to power steering, but the hardware connecting the wheel to the steering linkage differs greatly.
That becomes especially clear in the GM applications. Impala systems are separated by 605 and 600 Series gearboxes, while Chevelle packages can vary by steering ratio, pitman-arm diameter, pump finish, and hose type. Some kits combine the gearbox, pump, hoses, and rag joint, while brackets or pulleys remain separate pieces.
The same application-specific approach extends across Chevy and GMC trucks, Nova, Camaro, Pontiac GTO, Mopar, and early Mustang conversions. Rather than treating power steering as a single add-on, the collection is organized around the mechanical path from the steering column through the gearbox and pitman arm to the pump and engine drive.
FAQ
How do I choose the right power steering conversion kit for my classic car or truck?
Start with the exact year, make, and model, then identify the engine and current steering system. Check the steering gearbox, pitman arm, steering-column connection, pump mounting location, pulleys, and available engine-bay clearance. Because POL's conversions are vehicle-specific, use the individual product fitment rather than choosing a kit based only on whether the vehicle is a Chevy, Ford, Pontiac, or Mopar.
What parts are included in a power steering conversion kit?
Contents vary by application. For example, POL's 1964-67 Chevelle standard-ratio conversion includes a power steering gearbox, power steering pump, hoses, and rag joint. POL notes that engine brackets and the power steering pulley are still required for that particular system. Always review the individual kit contents so you know which additional parts will be needed.
What is the difference between standard-ratio and quick-ratio power steering?
Steering ratio affects how much steering-wheel movement is required to turn the wheels. A quicker ratio generally requires less steering-wheel rotation for a given change in road-wheel direction, while a standard ratio provides a different steering response. POL offers 14:1 and 16:1 gearbox choices on certain Chevelle conversions, so the available ratios should be checked for the specific vehicle.
Are power steering conversion kits available for classic Chevy and GMC trucks?
Yes. The collection includes vehicle-specific systems for 1947-59 Chevy/GMC trucks, 1960-66 trucks, and 1967-72 trucks. Because steering and mounting configurations changed across these generations, select the conversion according to the truck's exact year rather than assuming one C10 or Chevy truck kit covers every application.
Can I convert a classic muscle car from manual to power steering?
POL carries conversions for several classic muscle-car applications, including Camaro, Chevelle, Nova, Pontiac GTO, Mustang, and Mopar vehicles. Fitment and included components differ between systems, so check the engine, steering linkage, gearbox requirements, pump mounting, and any additional brackets or pulleys needed for the particular car.
Do I need to buy engine brackets and pulleys separately?
It depends on the kit. POL specifically notes that its 1964-67 Chevelle standard-ratio conversion requires engine brackets and a power steering pulley in addition to the components supplied with the kit. Other applications can have different requirements, so check the product details before ordering rather than assuming the pump mounting hardware and pulley are included.
What should I check before ordering a power steering conversion?
Confirm the vehicle year, make and model, engine type, existing steering gear and linkage, pitman-arm size where applicable, steering ratio preference, pump configuration, hose requirements, engine brackets, pulleys, and steering-column connection. Also check exactly what comes with the selected kit. Doing this first helps prevent ordering a conversion that fits the vehicle family but not the specific steering or engine configuration.