Centre Steering Arm metal composition.

[Chevman74]

Hi all, l drive a RHD  1975 C20 2WD and am currently working through the details of installing power steering. As part of the install I need to extend the Pitman arm end of the centre steering arm by 2 1/2 inches in order to link up correctly to a 2004 box.
I need to find out what the metal composition of the arm is in order to weld it safely or not if the alloys GM used cannot be welded.
So any advice that can help would be greatly appreciated, resource links e.c.t.

[Irish_Alley]

i think not certain but i think its cast. and even if it wasn't i wouldn't do anything shady to the steering just because you could kill someone or even worse.

[Irish_Alley]

but why did you go with 2004 why not something around our truck years? that way there's no need to fab parts

[Chevman74]

I agree completely Irish_Alley my girls love getting about in the big red truck so safety is at the top of my agenda. The RHD steering box mounts on the outside of the right rail, I have been unable to find a factory style fitting power option in Australia probably owing to the smaller market for this style of truck. Does the LHD power steering box mount on the inner or outside of the left rail in the U.S.A?  I have tried to look up images of front ends but seem to come across a lot of 4X4 setups but not the 2WD model

[Irish_Alley]

yeah i can see the supply being a problem in AU, the leftys also mount on the outside

[Chevman74]

Well done a bit more homework, am sourcing a matching idler and centre steering arm to suit the steering box to see if it can be used in place of the original. Need to start taking pictures, if it works might be worth a thread for those of the RHD persuasion.

[Irish_Alley]

wonder if you could get away with a adjustment sleeve for a lifted truck

[Chevman74]

Hi Irish_Alley sorry about the delay in responding to your post,  been a busy busy month.  Far as brands in adjustments sleeves,  are there any in particular you would recommend or give a wide birth to?  I had not thought look into aftermarket solutions,  well worth investigating this avenue though I appreciate your help.

[VileZambonie]

What's wrong with your steering box? Rebuild it

[Irish_Alley]

What's wrong with your steering box? Rebuild it

this might be a good option if you still have your old one. but i dont have any recommendations on the sleeve. check out lift company's like skyjacker, rough country & tough county maybe even summit racing and see what they all have

[zieg85]

What's wrong with your steering box? Rebuild it

If I read right I think he is wanting power steering and has manual???

[Chevman74]

If I read right I think he is wanting power steering and has manual???

That's correct Zieg85,  it's the second car for the family so the manual box is a tad hard for the wife to handle so powersteering should make it easier to drive.

Thanks for the leads Irish_Alley will have a look.

[VileZambonie]

If your truck is 2WD then I don't see how that will resolve your issue. It sounds like you need a custom pitman arm or convert it to rack and pinion. Do some slicing and dicing and get what you need mocked up and you can always have a custom one made or try and mismatch some parts.

[Chevman74]

If your truck is 2WD then I don't see how that will resolve your issue. It sounds like you need a custom pitman arm or convert it to rack and pinion. Do some slicing and dicing and get what you need mocked up and you can always have a custom one made or try and mismatch some parts.

The more I look custom seems to be the best option. Looked at the PPE stainless centre link, will talk to an engineer friend next week about making one in a similar style. Strong and simple and one piece, time to strip some sheet metal and get it done.