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HQ Manual steering to Power Steering - What are the best options
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Hq 253 Owner Offline
#1 Posted : Sunday, 1 February 2026 7:45:16 AM(UTC)
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Hi All

Im new on this site, just want some ideas for upgrading to power steering on a HQ V8 sedan lowered 2".

My steering is too heavy while parking with 215/55/17 tyres and a smaller steering wheel, all joints are in good condition and I believe the manual steering box is in good condition, it feels good when driving and cornering at normal speeds.

I have the steering linkages disconnect at the moment, when turning the input shaft I measure 3.5 turns lock to lock. The steering arms are standard factory.

I am considering a reconditioned factory Saginaw Power Steering upgrade, what do I need to buy for a complete install, will my manual pitman arm be reusable? can anyone advise were to buy a complete setup from.

I have heard Dr Terry supplies reconditioned Power Steering boxes from this site, is that correct? if so Im interested in buying one

Thanks to everyone for reading this post and for any information or help on this topic

Cheers
Chris
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HK1837 Offline
#2 Posted : Sunday, 1 February 2026 8:29:52 AM(UTC)
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You need:

Power steering box with steering arm attached.
Rag joint from box to column.
Power steering pump and bracket plus spacers and bolts.
Two row pulley, inner rib is for power steering, front one is for alternator. You can use a 3 row but it has to be off HQ-WB, I think the later cast iron ones off injected 5.0L ones work too. The power steer pulley is hard up against the harmonic balancer.

High pressure hose with fittings and a return hose (held with clamps).
Belt.

Best off buying the whole conversion and getting the boxes and pumps recoed. Dr Terry used to get these rebuilt, he will respond when he sees this. You can buy a whole 6cyl kit too, just change the pump brackets. Being a HQ you shoudl already have the correct steering arms.

You can buy the parts too, examples:

https://www.ebay.com.au/...3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM-sm54oJn

https://www.ebay.com.au/...%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_rJueKCZw

https://www.ebay.com.au/...%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_rJueKCZw

https://www.ebay.com.au/...%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_zJueKCZw

https://www.ebay.com.au/...%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_zJueKCZw

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If we all had the same (good) taste, who would buy all the Fords?
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Smitty2 on 1/02/2026(UTC), Hq 253 Owner on 1/02/2026(UTC)
Hq 253 Owner Offline
#3 Posted : Sunday, 1 February 2026 9:45:01 AM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: HK1837 Go to Quoted Post
You need:

Power steering box with steering arm attached.
Rag joint from box to column.
Power steering pump and bracket plus spacers and bolts.
Two row pulley, inner rib is for power steering, front one is for alternator. You can use a 3 row but it has to be off HQ-WB, I think the later cast iron ones off injected 5.0L ones work too. The power steer pulley is hard up against the harmonic balancer.

High pressure hose with fittings and a return hose (held with clamps).
Belt.

Best off buying the whole conversion and getting the boxes and pumps recoed. Dr Terry used to get these rebuilt, he will respond when he sees this. You can buy a whole 6cyl kit too, just change the pump brackets. Being a HQ you should already have the correct steering arms.

You can buy the parts too, examples:



Thanks HK

I have added your ebay links to my watch list on ebay, thats very helpful

The rag joint must be different is it the spline or the lenght?

At present Im reconditing the engine and having the complete rotating assembly balanced with the original 1 row pulley, do you think the 2 row pulley will make much difference to the balance or should i get a 2 row pulley asap and supply it to the machine shop, any idea were I can buy one from?

I just noticed my manual box has cast onto it 2810037 and 19 in bigger letters next to it, does the 3.5 turns lock to lock sound correct to you?

Thanks Again

Edited by user Monday, 2 February 2026 7:16:07 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Fixed quote
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HK1837 Offline
#4 Posted : Sunday, 1 February 2026 5:03:51 PM(UTC)
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2810037 might just be the bare casting number, the steering box numbers as assemblies are 2815354 and 2816415. There are two manual steering boxes for HQ-HZ. With the short arms in HQ and HJ they are 20:1 and 16.7:1. When the longer arms came in for HX and HZ they become 25:1 and 20:1. It was really only GTS that got the lower ratio boxes.
The HQ Engineering Tech Specs show the 16.7:1 steering as 3.07 turns lock to lock, and 20:1 as 3.68 turns lock to lock. HX shows 5:1 turns but doesn't show the 16.7 ratio's turns although it is in there as an option. HZ shows 5.2 turns lock to lock.
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Hq 253 Owner Offline
#5 Posted : Sunday, 1 February 2026 5:28:29 PM(UTC)
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Thanks HK

That explains it well, sounds like I have the 20:1 ratio.

Any idea were I can buy a 2 row crank pulley to suit the power steering, I have searched the net but unable to find one

Cheers
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HK1837 Offline
#6 Posted : Sunday, 1 February 2026 7:06:46 PM(UTC)
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You’ll just have to keep looking. Plenty if HQ to WB V8 made with power steering.
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Chris W Offline
#7 Posted : Monday, 2 February 2026 4:24:26 PM(UTC)
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Or the other alternative is to go electric power steering.

https://advancedtrackand...au/products/atr-bracket

No 2 row pulley needed.
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Hq 253 Owner on 4/02/2026(UTC)
Schon Automotive Offline
#8 Posted : Monday, 2 February 2026 6:52:51 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: Hq 253 Owner Go to Quoted Post

Hi All

Im new on this site, just want some ideas for upgrading to power steering on a HQ V8 sedan lowered 2".

My steering is too heavy while parking with 215/55/17 tyres and a smaller steering wheel, all joints are in good condition and I believe the manual steering box is in good condition, it feels good when driving and cornering at normal speeds.

I have the steering linkages disconnect at the moment, when turning the input shaft I measure 3.5 turns lock to lock. The steering arms are standard factory.

I am considering a reconditioned factory Saginaw Power Steering upgrade, what do I need to buy for a complete install, will my manual pitman arm be reusable? can anyone advise were to buy a complete setup from.

I have heard Dr Terry supplies reconditioned Power Steering boxes from this site, is that correct? if so Im interested in buying one

Thanks to everyone for reading this post and for any information or help on this topic

Cheers
Chris


With manual steering, wide tyres, and a small steering wheel, it’s normal for your HQ to feel heavy when parking.
The best fix is upgrading to a factory Saginaw power steering box.

You will need:
power steering box, pump, hoses, brackets, and a power steering pitman arm (your manual one won’t fit).

Dr Terry supplies reconditioned boxes and is a reliable option.
After installation, the steering will feel much lighter and smoother, especially at low speeds
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Hq 253 Owner on 4/02/2026(UTC)
wbute Offline
#9 Posted : Monday, 2 February 2026 8:09:13 PM(UTC)
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You can use the triple row pulley as well. It’s probably easier to find than the two row one.
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Hq 253 Owner on 4/02/2026(UTC)
HK1837 Offline
#10 Posted : Tuesday, 3 February 2026 7:20:47 AM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: wbute Go to Quoted Post
You can use the triple row pulley as well. It’s probably easier to find than the two row one.


I gave him that detail in the 2nd post, about the 5th line down. Has to be HQ-WB 3 row or the big, heavy cast VN-VS one. Not VB-VL.
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Dr Terry Offline
#11 Posted : Tuesday, 3 February 2026 7:32:19 AM(UTC)
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Hi Guys. Sorry but I no longer overhaul power steering units, I closed that section of the business nearly 10 years ago. To answer the other queries, yes the rag joint for the power box is different to the manual & you will find V8 brackets & pulleys much easier to obtain than 6-cyl ones, as so many Statesmans had them as standard & they were all 308s (except for the early HQ base model).

On another topic the "factory" power steering box fitted to HQ-WB series Holdens is an Australian made Bendix-Bishop variable ratio box, which IMHO is superior to the Saginaw units we see in imported US GM cars.

The old ram system fitted to HK-HG Holdens & all the power pumps fitted to Holdens were made by Saginaw.

Dr Terry
If at first you don't succeed, just call it Version 1.0
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Smitty2 on 3/02/2026(UTC), Hq 253 Owner on 4/02/2026(UTC)
Hq 253 Owner Offline
#12 Posted : Wednesday, 4 February 2026 6:17:27 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: Schon Automotive Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Hq 253 Owner Go to Quoted Post

Hi All

Im new on this site, just want some ideas for upgrading to power steering on a HQ V8 sedan lowered 2".

My steering is too heavy while parking with 215/55/17 tyres and a smaller steering wheel, all joints are in good condition and I believe the manual steering box is in good condition, it feels good when driving and cornering at normal speeds.

I have the steering linkages disconnect at the moment, when turning the input shaft I measure 3.5 turns lock to lock. The steering arms are standard factory.

I am considering a reconditioned factory Saginaw Power Steering upgrade, what do I need to buy for a complete install, will my manual pitman arm be reusable? can anyone advise were to buy a complete setup from.

I have heard Dr Terry supplies reconditioned Power Steering boxes from this site, is that correct? if so Im interested in buying one

Thanks to everyone for reading this post and for any information or help on this topic

Cheers
Chris


With manual steering, wide tyres, and a small steering wheel, it’s normal for your HQ to feel heavy when parking.
The best fix is upgrading to a factory Saginaw power steering box.

You will need:
power steering box, pump, hoses, brackets, and a power steering pitman arm (your manual one won’t fit).

Dr Terry supplies reconditioned boxes and is a reliable option.
After installation, the steering will feel much lighter and smoother, especially at low speeds



Thanks Schon
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Hq 253 Owner Offline
#13 Posted : Wednesday, 4 February 2026 6:21:46 PM(UTC)
Hq 253 Owner

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Originally Posted by: HK1837 Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: wbute Go to Quoted Post
You can use the triple row pulley as well. It’s probably easier to find than the two row one.


I gave him that detail in the 2nd post, about the 5th line down. Has to be HQ-WB 3 row or the big, heavy cast VN-VS one. Not VB-VL.


Thanks guys

I have found a couple of 3 row pulleys no 2 row

Is it possible or common practise to grind off the 3rd air con grove I will have the pulley balanced afterwards
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Hq 253 Owner Offline
#14 Posted : Wednesday, 4 February 2026 6:34:56 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: Dr Terry Go to Quoted Post
Hi Guys. Sorry but I no longer overhaul power steering units, I closed that section of the business nearly 10 years ago. To answer the other queries, yes the rag joint for the power box is different to the manual & you will find V8 brackets & pulleys much easier to obtain than 6-cyl ones, as so many Statesmans had them as standard & they were all 308s (except for the early HQ base model).

On another topic the "factory" power steering box fitted to HQ-WB series Holdens is an Australian made Bendix-Bishop variable ratio box, which IMHO is superior to the Saginaw units we see in imported US GM cars.

The old ram system fitted to HK-HG Holdens & all the power pumps fitted to Holdens were made by Saginaw.

Dr Terry


Hi thanks for clearing that up, that HQ-WB are Bendix-Bishop variable ratio, is there a perfered series to buy HQ HX or WB?

Are all the bits and pieces mentions above still compatable when fitting the Bendix-Bishop box?

Ive heard that the Lee Steering boxes are well made and another possible alternative, what are your thoughts on those steering Boxes?

Thanks in Advance
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Dr Terry Offline
#15 Posted : Thursday, 5 February 2026 6:17:52 AM(UTC)
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There is very little difference between HQ & WB p/st boxes after overhaul, but having said that, HZ & WB have slightly more precise valve "feel".

What do you mean by "Are all the bits and pieces mentions above still compatable when fitting the Bendix-Bishop box?" There is no other variant of p/st box in these models.

I've never heard of "Lee Steering Boxes". Are these an aftermarket item ?

Dr Terry
If at first you don't succeed, just call it Version 1.0
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Hq 253 Owner Offline
#16 Posted : Thursday, 5 February 2026 6:44:56 AM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: Dr Terry Go to Quoted Post
There is very little difference between HQ & WB p/st boxes after overhaul, but having said that, HZ & WB have slightly more precise valve "feel".

What do you mean by "Are all the bits and pieces mentions above still compatable when fitting the Bendix-Bishop box?" There is no other variant of p/st box in these models.

I've never heard of "Lee Steering Boxes". Are these an aftermarket item ?

Dr Terry


Thanks for info on HZ and WB having more precise valve feel

Sorry for being vague on "all bits and pieces" I meant the support brackets, high pressure hoses, pitman arm, rag joint" etc, I have now realised that the box is physically the same mount as the older boxes

The Lee steering box is one I noticed on the net, here is a description I found


Lee Power Steering in the USA, this is the company founded by Tom Lee, the world authority on Saginaw steering boxes. They build the best‑in‑class 12.7:1 quick‑ratio Saginaw 708 boxes, which are the gold standard upgrade for HQ–WB Holdens.
Below is the clean, forensic breakdown you expect.

🏁 Lee Steering Box — What It Is
• A hand‑built, blueprinted Saginaw 708 power‑steering box
• Built to order by Lee Power Steering (California)
• Uses precision‑cut 12.7:1 gears, modern torsion bars, and custom valving
• Zero slop, perfect on‑centre feel, and modern steering response
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