Ok I've finally come to the point where Im going to replace the power steering steering valve, Ram arm and hoses (cant stand the  leaks on the floor and tired of sweeping up kitty litter).

ya know that PS setup goes back to the early fifty's, on Cadies  and chevies, I personally don't like the SteerRoid set up eithier, to much stuff hangin down and if you run headers sometime theres a clearance problem, I believe they make a direct replacement for the steering box where the power steering hose's go directly to the box,all you have to do is ditch the stock ram and center link set up and replace the center link with the stock manual center kink, also did you know the front steering parts are the sames as late fifties to mid sixties chevy full size chevy, ie bushings, ball joints, tire rods, etc.   anips2011-08-06 09:57:07

Yep, anips is right.  Ive never seen one but Ecklers has THEM .

you could have leaks from the pump, I have the steeroids installed with headers and love it. it is a personal choice but over the years with replacing control valves and a wornout steering box, it work great for me, but if your pump is leaking that would need to fixed or replaced. this might help

[QUOTE=Crossfire1982]Yep, anips is right.  Ive never seen one but Ecklers has THEM .
[/QUOTE]

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Yep, my pump started leaking from the seal (c) in the diagram from rraider. 90 min out and in. Hardest part is pulling/pressing the pulley of and on the old and new pumps.

I've been doing a little research myself for replacing the antiquated power steer system in the '81. After weighing out all the pros and cons of the different R&P systems. I've decided to go with the Borgeson power steering box (12.7:1 ratio, 2.5 turns lock to lock) for my personal preference. Summit racing carries it the kit minus the pump (for cars w/ PS already) PN 999031. Summit had the cheapest price too. It's basically a bolt in system and looks all pretty much stock. The guy's at Borgeson were very helpful in answering all of my questions and giving me tips some tips for alignment specs.


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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

What about the Ram arm? Is it used with the Borgeson unit....

[QUOTE=The Rook] What about the Ram arm? Is it used with the Borgeson unit....[/QUOTE]

The steering (hydraulic) cylinder (or ram arm as you refer to it as) and the steering control valve are removed never to be used again. There is an adapter that will be threaded back onto the drag link in place of the old control valve. This adapter will allow you to reconnect the drag link to your stock pitman arm. Your stock steering box will be removed and the new Borgesen power steering box will bolt right into place of the old box using your old pitman arm. You will have to collapse the steering column in about an 1"-2" and put their rag joint in place of the old one and connect the column to the new steering box. There will only be 2 power steering hoses to connect from the steering box to the pump. Just like the rear drive GM vehicles we grew up with. It's a simple straight forward installation. You will not lose any turning radius. But you will lose the clutter of all those old components and lose the dartiness of the old steer system.

I would do your own research and figure out what system would be best for you. You may want to go with a rack and pinion or you may decide on the Borgesen unit. This is for you to decide. Good luck and let us know which system you go with and how you like it.


Sarge


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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

I really like the idea of eliminating the cylinder as per the research Ive done seems to be a major part of leaks.

With the steering column removed and the steering box installed. Rag joint is also installed onto the steering box. Measure from the rag joint to the opening in the firewall where the steering column passes though. Add 3/4". Transfer this measurement over to the steering column shaft. (the very end that connects to the rag joint to the mount that holds the column to the firewall) Make reference mark on the shaft. Then gently tap the end of the column inwards collapsing it until you meet your mark. I guess it usually ends up being an 1" to 2"'s shorter. Then reinstall your steering column.  

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

the ram -rod seal is easy to change, you can get a seal kit for around $15.00, did it on my 64 belair on the car, if the rod is in fair shape and isn't badly pited just remove oil lines, the rod from the frame bracket, pull the snap ring and washer, pop the seal out, and reinstall the new stuff, have a catch pan under the ram to catch the ps fluid when you pull the oil lines and pop the seal, if its leaks at the other end of the ram set up where the control valve attach's to the center link they have a kit for the control valve to but the job is a little more entailled which I haven't done.   anips2011-08-12 17:57:50