88ROC1LE

iTrader: (4)

I asked this question on another site and got burned and bs'd so I am hoping I can get a more mature answer here. I have had this thought that I can replace my power steering with a manual box like the one in my 85 S10. Now has anyone done this to their cars here? I understand that it would change the belt size unless some sort of"idle" pulley similar to the 1LE a/c delete was used. It was just a thought and it does "free-up" some of the strain on the motor. I know it may be marginal, but we are all looking for that extra little bit ain't we.

Like I said, just a thought!

mod313

Yes you can do this swap. The S10 box is a direct bolt in to the 3rd gen cars. Steering wheel will be off when your done and you will notice the decidedly less aggresive steering ratio but is worth the weight drop. When you get it aligned set the caster to 3.5* instead of the factory 4.5* spec. This will make it easier to steer. As far as pulleys go, I swapped my belt drive set up over to all v belts using all the pulleys and brackets from any early 80's truck/van.

AlkyIROC

When using a S10 box, you should use the third gen pitman arm. It has a slightly different angle. The manual box is a direct swap.

I have no idea on how to run your belt. I also use custom fit V-belts.

craig

iTrader: (1)

i've added the s10 box.from an 85 4 cylinder truck. it steers easy especially when i added the skinny front tires.

AlkyIROC

Oh, ya, good point. I wouldn't recommend a manual box if you still have wide front tires. It makes slow speed turning very hard.

Also you don't want a custom steering wheel smaller than stock. You need the extra leverage to turn. I have a custom steering wheel with skinny front tires and it's a little difficult driving around the pits. You don't make many quick sharp turns.

IROCZZ3

Look at this for routing the belt on a serpentine setup:
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...rpentine.shtml

As for steering with wide tires on a manual box, I talked to this guy at the track that ran an S10 manual box on his 11 sec 91 Camaro convertible. He ran skinnies that day but he told me that he drives the car on the street with 17 inch wheels and it's not hard to steer....even his girlfriend drives it without much effort (so he says).

88ROC1LE

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for the replys, Im postive about doing that swap now and I will let you know how the swap goes!