PS conversion on 70 Superbee

[jobberone]

I want to go to PS on my Superbee and I think I'm confused on the issue. Will a PS gear box fit on a previously manual steering column? Or is there a steering column just for the PS gear box?

Someone makes a kit that converts the manual gear box for PS then I think you bolt up a rack and pinion system for steering. I think its Yearone but I can't find it there now.

What's the best way for me to go about this?

 

[mattsmopars]

Originally they used two different steering columns for power steering and manual steering cars. The couplers that slide onto the splined shaft of the gear boxes are diffent and the shaft length of the columns were also different. The gear boxes themselves are also different. They will bolt in the same place on the K frame, but they use a different Pitman arm.
I have heard of people driving the shaft on up inside the steering column to shorten the shaft length when going to power steering. The shaft will slide due to being made to collapse during an accident. You would also need a power steering coupler to fit the power steering gear box. Of coarse if you go with the factory P/S set up you will also need the factory pump, brackets, and hoses.
Hope that Helps, Matt

 

[jobberone]

Originally they used two different steering columns for power steering and manual steering cars. The couplers that slide onto the splined shaft of the gear boxes are diffent and the shaft length of the columns were also different. The gear boxes themselves are also different. They will bolt in the same place on the K frame, but they use a different Pitman arm.
I have heard of people driving the shaft on up inside the steering column to shorten the shaft length when going to power steering. The shaft will slide due to being made to collapse during an accident. You would also need a power steering coupler to fit the power steering gear box. Of coarse if you go with the factory P/S set up you will also need the factory pump, brackets, and hoses.
Hope that Helps, Matt

So does the 70 with a manual column differ from the 70 PS column? I can get a PS gearbox and the pump and hoses but the column means finding one in a junkyard. Does any PS column from 67 to 74 work?

 

[Propwash]

So does the 70 with a manual column differ from the 70 PS column? I can get a PS gearbox and the pump and hoses but the column means finding one in a junkyard. Does any PS column from 67 to 74 work?

The two columns are different. A power steering column is shorter. Either you need to find a power steering column or cut/modify/machine the manual steering shaft to work. As far as what year column, pre '70 cars did not have the ignition in the column like yours. So, either you find a power steering column for a '70 or try and convert a pre' 70 by finding the correct collar with the integrated ignition switch housing. As far as using a '71 to '74 column, I can't help you there, maybe someone else can.

Good luck.

 

[mattsmopars]

Like Prop said 1970 is a year by itself as far as the steering column goes. And yes the length of the internal shafts are a different length on power steering and manual steering columns. The manual column shaft is longer than the power steering one. The couplers on the end of the columns that slide on the gear box spline are also different power steering and manual.
I have a friend that converted his 70 cuda from manual to power steering. He left the column bolted up on the inside and slid the shaft on in the column and changed the coupler on the end to the correct power steering coupler.
As I mentioned earlier starting with the 67 columns they were made to collapse during an accident so the internal shaft is two pieces that will slide in and out some. That is how my friend was able to slide his up without changing the column out.
Matt

 

[440+6]

When I did mine over 20 years ago I replaced the shaft in the column, got it from a Satty in the junk yard along with all the other parts.

 

[jobberone]

I'll try to get some pics up as well as some solutions in the next week. Still recovering now.