Power steering in 55 Olds 88
 

Hi, all, just looking for some possible help in identifying a after market power steering box that will fit 1955 Olds 88. Seems that year mounting frame holes are unique and I might have to do some custom metal work to fit a new box. Any ideas or suggestions?

The only thing that I see as a direct replacement are 1954 & 1955 Oldsmobile P.S. boxes. For manual steering boxes only 1955 fits. If you truly want an aftermarket box I would think various manufacturers would be able to help you.

Ya, I have found that also, so trying to compare the existing manual box manufacture design with what is out there, I am going with the three hole mount inside frame Saginaw. We shall see.

I'm jumping in here a little late but I'm replacing the power steering on my '56 with a newer Saginaw unit. It mounted in the same place as the previous power steering unit with some spacers in order to line up with the steering column. I also had to increase the length of the steering shaft an inch in order to mate up with rag joint.

Thanks, I have found the same thing as far as the Saginaw unit. Now I know to expect the spacers....good stuff.

I found a three hole saganaw power steering box and all matched up except the idler arm gear....it appears it is 1 1/4 inch verses 1 inch original.

I assume you are referring to the Pitman Arm splines. Can two different Pitman Arms be cut & spliced (welded) together to create the one you need? Or is there an easier way?

I found the three hole Saginaw matches up however, the pitmen arm shaft on the power steering unit I found is larger than the original so you have to go with a replacement pitmen arm. Problem.

Way out of my ability range, however I suppose if you found two that you could match together it would work. Or rebuild the front end to accommodate the larger arm.

I really do hate to bring it up but on a later model steering box the splined shaft out of the box for the Pitman Arm may well be metric. It's.unlikely an earlier Pitman Arm can be found to fit.