Technical HELP ME IDENTIFY THESE POWER STEERING COMPONENTS IN A 1959 BUILD.

Ranchero style vehicle documented to be built in 1959. Donor for the project was a 55 Crown Vic. 283 Motor was coupled to a BW85 3 speed column with OD as used in 55-57 T-Birds. No adaptor plate. I've read they could be adapted easily to replace 3 speed Saginaw units. I'm a Early Ford guy trying to sort out the Power Steering components which I believe are early GM. The power steering pump reminds me of one in an early Chevy I had. I'm trying to narrow down year range of components to start ordering replacement hoses and a cylinder. I have it running and moving. I'd like to get it steering better. Any help appreciated in identifying style/type and year range of PS components surely welcomed. Thanks in advance

 

The pump is chevy....the rest...damn, it's been so long that I forgot exactly what they look like!

But Ford and Chevy both used that style valve and ram "linkage" power steering.

The center link is wild, all that work to clear the pan.

 

image: mid 50s Ford steering valve:



and this is a Chevy valve:

 

Looks a lot like the factory power steering parts on my 56 other than the pump that Squirrel mentions.

 

I agree. Very much like the setup on the 57 Retractable in the shop. I can get pictures tomorrow if you need them.

 

Any pictures for me to compare to the set up on the 57 Ranchero can help me figure out parts sources and what was done to adapt in this situation with the Chevy Motor-Thanks

 

You can have NEW hoses cut for your ends... And get a rebuild kit for the cylinder, It looks like the factory Ford unit of that vintage. The P/S pump is a early chevy style, One can still get a new pump but most likely NOT with the round style reservoir it will be a replacement tear drop one, But that can be changed over or just get a replacement pump with out reservoir.

 

@bullrunmotor here are a few pictures. These are from a 1957 Ford Fairlane hardtop retractable.
Let me know if you need more specificity. I'll have to put it up on the lift to get any better shots.

 

that spool valve is not early ford look at pictures jim posted.ford used that style into the early 60s at least.look at where the hoses fit into valve.

 

Ford used that style of steering into the 70s. Look at a Maverick

 

that is why I said at leastthe later ones used 5/16 line as apposed to 3/8 on spool end

 

Chevy used that style on Vettes through 1982. Ford was by far the most prolific user of linkage power steering, though.

 

Same as my friends 1959 thunderbird.


Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.

 

I have a new actuator, sourced from a 67 Corvette, that looks identical to the unit in the photo.
Bob

 

Anyone ever heard of a manual rack and pinion used on a 57 ranchero before