steering box clearance?

swaping out the 225 for a 350 in my 68 c101. cant seem to find headers that clear the steering box. what can i do?

 

Re: steering box clearence?

Convert to Saginaw.

 

Re: steering box clearence?

I think i have whats called a "bellcrank" setup.what will i need 2 convert 2 saginaw and where would i find it?

 

Re: steering box clearence?

You have what's called Ross. Probably the easiest way is to find a partster that has Saginaw or find someone that's parting one out. You will need the complete column, steering box, box to frame mount and the front section of the frame where the mount goes. That piece is not mandatory but you will need to put some kind of spacer inside the frame to keep the frame from collapsing. There's other ways to do that though. You will also need the right steering knuckle and tie rod/center link. I have seen conversions where the right steering knuckle was not replaced and the original tie rod that goes between the knuckles was used, guess it worked out OK. You would also have to do a slight alteration to the dash where the steering column mounts as the Saginaw column mounts at a different angle and enlarge the hole where it goes through the floor somewhat. If I was home I could shoot some pictures as I have a 69 I may be converting. I will be home some time next week. It's not a hard conversion just a little time consuming but worth it to get rid of the Ross plus you can add power steering.

 

Re: steering box clearence?

pictures would be nice. that way i would know what im looking at. my only worry is that i got 3" lift springs and a spring over. took dana 44 axles (front and rear) with 4.11 gears from a scout and put them under. now the drag link(about 18" long) goes to the driver side and i have alot of bump steer.

 

Re: steering box clearence?

The other nice thing about Saginaw is the availability of drop pitman arms. I'll get some pictures when I get home. One other thing I thought of is you'll need the driver side engine frame mount although I've seen a lot of guys just notch them to clear the steering shaft.

 

Re: steering box clearence?

Finally, quit raining so I could go out and get some pictures.
With Ross steering this is what you have.







This is what you want.







The drivers side engine mount bolts to the frame and is a little different to allow the steering shaft to clear. Of course with a 350 you'll have a different mount anyway so you can disregard that picture. I do have a front frame section for a Saginaw box here somewhere, as soon as I find it I'll post a picture.

 

Check out Darrens Jeepster www.Jeepster.org then click on steering he has some very good pictures and he also details how to do a power Saginaw conversion,I used his guide on mine and it turned out excellent.

 

That looks like a very beefy upgrade, much better than the factory.