The column steering shaft in a power steering mopar is different (shorter) than the shaft in a non-power steering car.
Steering Gear – changes in 1973. This affects the pitman arm. Prior to 1973 the output shaft diameter was 1 inch (doesn’t apply to the C-Body). In 1973 it increases to 1.12 inches. If you buy a steering gear from a post-73 year car and try to install it on a 1972 or earlier car – the pitman arm will be too small.
Typically, 3 different pumps were used on mopars… they require different lines & brackets to secure the pump to the engine.
Identification of the pumps:
- Federal – pressure hose comes out the front of pump, and tapped hole in the end of the pump shaft.
- Saginaw – pressure hose comes out the back of the pump.
- TRW/Thompson – has a hex-shaped hole or no hole in the end of the pump shaft. pressure hose is in same location as Federal pump.
Both Federal and TRW pumps can use a cap that appears similar to a radiator cap.
To do a conversion, you’ll need the following
- Steering column shaft (or column)
- Power Steering gear.
- pump/ w reservoir (part # PS256, federal, PS239, saginaw)
- pump brackets, vary depending on application – see below
- hoses
- pulleys
Brackets, pulleys, etc… all depend on the specific application. See below, or our catalog for the appropriate part numbers.
Power Steering pump bracket part #’s and TYPICAL USAGE:
PS23 – Big Block Saginaw Power Steering Pump Brackets For use on 1969 and later Big Block engines without Air Conditioning.
PS22 – Big Block & Hemi TRW Power Steering Pump Brackets. For use on most pre-1969 Big Block engines without Air Conditioning. 1966 426 hemi applications.
PS004 – Small Block Saginaw Power Steering Pump Brackets. For use on 1970 and later Small Block engines with or without A/C.
PS25 – Big Block & Hemi Federal Power Steering Pump Bracket. For 1967-72 Big Block & Hemi engines with or without A/C.
PS26 – Small Block Federal Power Steering Pump Brackets. For 1970-72 Small Block engines with aluminum water pump with or without A/C.
PS27 – Small Block TRW/Thompson Power Steering Pump Brackets. For 1964-69 Small Block LA engines with cast iron water pump housings and TRW or Thompson pumps. Can be used on both A/C and non-A/C applications.