CTP Tech
InTheGarageMedia.com
Squarebody Steering Rehab typography
Squarebody Steering Rehab typography
custom wood-rimmed steering wheel and aftermarket tachometer in a classic Chevy truck interior

(Footnote regarding the initial decision NOT to use Flaming River’s updated Type 2 power steering pump kit: The OE pump (reservoir) not only created cramped quarters for the steering linkage and plumbing, but the worn-out pump itself didn’t put out sufficient pressure, thus creating an overly sensitive steering situation. We followed up shortly thereafter by installing the new pump and, wouldn’t you know it, new-truck steering response! We’ll cover that in part 2.)

Part 1: Flaming River’s 1973-87 C10 Rack-and-Pinion Conversion
By ROB FORTIERImages By THE AUTHOR
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ack in February of 2022, we introduced you to Flaming River’s direct bolt-in 1967-72 C10 cradle-mount rack-and-pinion kit that we installed in a 1969 SWB … with overwhelming results (ease of installation topped by vastly improved steering response/driveability). So, when the opportunity arose to test out their recently released cradle kit for the 1973-87 Chevy/GMC (PN FR318NC), we jumped at it and quickly began searching for a suitable steering swap candidate.

Well, it didn’t take long before Richard Garcia’s 1979 Stepside was brought to our attention. Not only was it in need of a new tilt column, but the factory power steering was worn out as well. Perfect.

Now, while Flaming River’s “complete” kit includes everything necessary for the installation—one-piece 3/8-inch plate steel cradle mount, Flaming River’s front-steer power rack, U-joints/intermediate shaft with support bearing, and Type 2 pump with pulley, bracket, and reservoir (a free hose kit available at the time of install … check Flaming River’s site for current offer/availability)— Garcia wanted to retain his original power steering pump, so we opted not to take advantage of that upgrade … which would ultimately prove to bite us in the butt (more on that later).

We did, however, utilize Flaming River’s other direct bolt-in for the ’73-87s: their GM-keyed (PN FR30106-48BK) column-shift tilt steering column to swap out Garcia’s broken factory column. A day was then scheduled at In The Garage Media’s Tech Center with Clampdown Competition’s Ryan Manson … and the rest, is in this story!
Flaming River tilt steering column and new rack setup laid out for installation
1. The whole kit and kaboodle: Flaming River’s 1973-87 Chevy/GMC C10 rack-and-pinion conversion kit (PN FR318RC) teamed with their GM-keyed 1973-87 Chevy/GMC C10 tilt steering column kit (PN FR30106-48BK) ready to be installed in Richard Garcia’s 1979 Stepside!
factory steering box and linkage on a classic Chevrolet truck before removal
2. Starting from the bottom and working our way up into the cab, the Chevy’s OE power steering was worn out. Instead of simply replacing the box, rag joint, and all, Garcia agreed to let us use his Stepside to try out Flaming River’s cradle-mount rack-and-pinion kit.
mechanics removing the old steering box during a rack-and-pinion conversion
3. With the truck securely lifted in the air, the entire stock steering system—box, linkage, everything—was removed as one unit, as well as the sway bar. (Note: The OE D-bushing mounts must also be removed from the frame. To reuse the stock sway bar, the brackets will require modification, or an aftermarket torsion or link-style bar can be incorporated.)
frame rail with old steering box removed, ready for the new rack installation
4. The steering box mounting holes on the driver side of the frame will be used to locate and mount the Flaming River cradle; the passenger-side holes will require locating and drilling.
mechanics test-fitting a new rack-and-pinion bracket on the truck’s frame
5. With the power rack unit removed, Ryan Manson and our volunteer helper for the day, Josh Stone, lift the cradle in place to begin the mounting process.
leveling the new steering rack bracket to ensure proper alignment before bolting
installed steering rack bracket securely bolted to the truck’s frame rails
6-7. Once the driver side is bolted in place (snug, not fully tightened) using the three 7/16-14 bolts, the cradle is leveled with the frame/crossmember before the passenger side is clamped.
close-up of new steering stabilizer bracket with an adjustable suspension link attached
drilling into the truck’s frame to mount the new rack-and-pinion steering bracket
8-9. The two mounting holes are marked; the cradle is then removed and the subsequent holes drilled for the two (smaller) 3/8-16 bolts.
assembling the power rack-and-pinion system on the workbench before installation
positioning the rack-and-pinion unit onto the frame for final installation
10-11. After the cradle has been located/leveled/mounted and all that jazz, it is reunited with its Flaming River power rack-and-pinion unit and reinstalled in the truck for the final time.
stainless steel braided power steering lines routed to the steering box and frame
close-up of the new power rack-and-pinion installed with high-pressure fittings
12-13. As mentioned in the story, the initial game plan was to retain the Chevy’s stock power steering pump, which was plumbed to the new rack—we found out the hard way that wasn’t a good choice and will be upgrading to the higher-pressure Type 2 pump! Also note that the rack can be rotated within the pillow blocks for steering linkage alignment, clearance, and so on.
measuring and comparing the old steering linkage to ensure proper fitment

14. To finish up the rack portion of the install, we just need to connect the steering arms. Having left the OE steering intact, we measured from tie-rod end to tie-rod end for our initial reference.

applying anti-seize lubricant to the new tie rod ends before installation
measuring and adjusting the new tie rod assembly for proper alignment

15-16. Instead of reusing two old ones, we grabbed a new set of tie rods at lunch, lubed them up, and installed and adjusted based off our previous measurement. Once all’s said and done, the truck will get a proper alignment.

14. To finish up the rack portion of the install, we just need to connect the steering arms. Having left the OE steering intact, we measured from tie-rod end to tie-rod end for our initial reference.
15-16. Instead of reusing two old ones, we grabbed a new set of tie rods at lunch, lubed them up, and installed and adjusted based off our previous measurement. Once all’s said and done, the truck will get a proper alignment.
completed rack-and-pinion conversion with suspension and steering components installed
17. That concludes the rack install, now onto swapping out the tilt steering columns and updating the steering linkage from rag to U-joint.
wiring connections being adjusted under the dash for the new steering column installation
technician removing the old steering column from the classic Chevy truck’s interior
18-19. Before ripping the original column out, we verified all the necessary column wiring was intact and in good condition to ensure the blinker, ignition, and all that will function with the new one.
original steering column placed on the bench seat after removal
20. Don’t toss anything yet! Things you will retain from the OE column: dash mount, rubber boots/plastic fascia, floor plate and mount, and of course the steering wheel (unless you chose one of Flaming River’s billet wheels to use instead!).
disassembling the old column components before installing the new unit
21. Stone took a break from plumbing inside the engine compartment to assist with removing the reusables from the old column …
preparing the new black steering column for installation
aligning and mounting the new steering column inside the truck’s dash
22-23. … so Manson could continue assembling the new Flaming River tilt column in preparation for installation.
close-up of the firewall where the new steering column passes through
final adjustments to the new column wiring and mounting brackets
24-25. With it mounted and the wiring connected and secured, the OE floor plate is buttoned up and the lower dash panel and fascia reinstalled.
completed steering column installation with a sleek black finish and chrome shift lever

26. The new Flaming River 1973-87 C10 keyed column not only looks much better with its polished aluminum accessories (shifter, blinker lever, and flasher switch), it will now offer Garcia a fully functioning tilt option now, unlike his broken OE one!

installing a firewall-mounted steering shaft bearing for improved column support
new steering shaft support fully installed, providing a secure mount for the column
27-28. Now, to finish up the install inside the engine compartment, the column’s firewall bracket is mounted and the stock transmission shift linkage reattached.
26. The new Flaming River 1973-87 C10 keyed column not only looks much better with its polished aluminum accessories (shifter, blinker lever, and flasher switch), it will now offer Garcia a fully functioning tilt option now, unlike his broken OE one!
27-28. Now, to finish up the install inside the engine compartment, the column’s firewall bracket is mounted and the stock transmission shift linkage reattached.
assembling new U-joints and steering shaft components for installation
technician installing the new steering shaft under the hood of the Chevy truck
29-30. Included with the updated steering linkage: three U-joints, Double-D intermediate shaft, and a bolt-on support bearing (all to eliminate the single steering shaft with rag joints).
completed steering shaft assembly connecting the new column to the rack-and-pinion system
31. With the linkage configured and secured (with no interference or binding), all that’s left is to refill the power steering fluid and put the truck back on all fours for a good road test. Now, while the new power rack, column, and steering linkage vastly improved the steering, once we realized what a hinderance the stock power steering pump was and swapped out for the Flaming River Type 2 kit, the steering characteristics were like a new truck! Stay tuned for that “faux pas” update next!
SOURCE
Flaming River
(800) 648-8022
flamingriver.com
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