61 Lancer power steering

[bobm]

61 lancer, 225 eng, 3 speed.
What is the best and or easiest way to change from manual to power steering?

 

[valiantpatrol]

Because the '60 and '61 A-bodies use a steering box that bolts to the frame rail, unlike the more universal '62-'76 K-member mount, the conversion is easiest if you find power steering components for a '60-'61 specific car. However, power steering as an option in those first couple years was rare so finding parts is difficult.

 

[BillGrissom]

Because the '60 and '61 A-bodies use a steering box that bolts to the frame rail ...

If you can't locate a factory box, one thought is that my 85 M-B 300D gearbox bolts to the frame rail w/ 3 bolts. You access the heads thru the wheel well. The 300SD are similar, but different PN box. Those are Pitman-arm steering, similar to a Mopar, so "might adapt", but unlikely the best choice since metric, and rebuilt ones are $$$. If you can find something in GM world to adapt, that would be ideal. Another issue is that in 62+ A's, the power steering shaft is ~2" shorter. If true in yours, you might just cut the shaft shorter and drill a hole, but not easy to go back after that.

 

[valiantpatrol]

@bobm, billgrissom - the '60 & '61 Abodies utilized the same length steering column center shaft regardless of manual or power steering unlike '62 - '76 Abodies.

 

[bobm]

Thanks everyone. I've begun my search for original steering components.