General Tech Help Good at troubleshooting? Have a non specific issue? Discuss general tech topics here...

Power steering in 55 Olds 88

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 10-19-2021, 01:59 PM
custom55's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Default 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?
 
  #2  
Old 02-12-2022, 02:06 PM
Robert G. Stevens's Avatar
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Marion Ohio
Posts: 14
Default

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.
 
  #3  
Old 02-13-2022, 12:38 PM
custom55's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Default

Originally Posted by Robert G. Stevens
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.
 
  #4  
Old 03-26-2022, 12:04 PM
Wally324's Avatar
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: May Township, MN
Posts: 4
Default

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.
 
  #5  
Old 03-27-2022, 12:35 PM
custom55's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Default

Originally Posted by Wally324
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.
 
  #6  
Old 05-03-2022, 04:48 PM
custom55's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Default

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.
 
  #7  
Old 05-04-2022, 02:12 PM
Robert G. Stevens's Avatar
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Marion Ohio
Posts: 14
Default

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?
 
  #8  
Old 05-09-2022, 12:26 PM
custom55's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Default

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.
 
  #9  
Old 05-17-2022, 12:40 PM
custom55's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Default

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.
 
  #10  
Old 05-19-2022, 11:42 PM
Robert G. Stevens's Avatar
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Marion Ohio
Posts: 14
Default

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.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Smadanomad
New Member Area
1
05-04-2019 03:57 PM
elgemcdlf
General Tech Help
3
12-20-2011 08:46 AM
JC9080
General Tech Help
1
12-05-2010 09:58 PM
bryan
General Tech Help
0
06-18-2008 09:48 PM
Enovativ
General Tech Help
2
10-30-2005 01:12 PM



Quick Reply: Power steering in 55 Olds 88



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:01 PM.