1981 FJ40 power steering (1 Viewer)

[CruiserheadFJ40]

I have an 81 FJ40 on 35's with factory power steering. I changed all the tie rod ends and put new guts in the box on the front frame ( forgot the name). Road walks especially in rutted highway and roads. Steering box is leaking quite a bit. Question is do I rebuild the steering box and live with it another 20 or so years, do a mini truck box or Saginaw conversion? Truck not new to me and use to be my daily driver. Just trying to improve things a bit.

 

[Jdc1]

I have an 81 FJ40 on 35's with factory power steering. I changed all the tie rod ends and put new guts in the box on the front frame ( forgot the name). Road walks especially in rutted highway and roads. Steering box is leaking quite a bit. Question is do I rebuild the steering box and live with it another 20 or so years, do a mini truck box or Saginaw conversion? Truck not new to me and use to be my daily driver. Just trying to improve things a bit.

Mini box is same internals as the oem power steering. When was the last time you checked your knuckles and bearings? 35”s how high is your lift? did you do a caster shim?

 

[CruiserheadFJ40]

Mini box is same internals as the oem power steering. When was the last time you checked your knuckles and bearings? 35”s how high is your lift? did you do a caster shim?

Maybe 2 years ago. But I don't drive her much. She is my camping trip truck now. No on the caster shim

 

[Jdc1]

Maybe 2 years ago. But I don't drive her much. She is my camping trip truck now. No on the caster shim

A quick call to Cruiser Outfitters or Valley Hybrids would have them on the way. Lots cheaper than a steering box change. There are some threads on the subject that should help you figure out how many degrees you’ll need.

 

[CruiserheadFJ40]

Maybe 2 years ago. But I don't drive her much. She is my camping trip truck now. No on the caster shim

I think it's about 51/2" lift. Dump truck springs and longer shackles.

 

[CruiserheadFJ40]

A quick call to Cruiser Outfitters or Valley Hybrids would have them on the way. Lots cheaper than a steering box change. There are some threads on the subject that should help you figure out how many degrees you’ll need.

Sounds good. Do business with both. Good people.

 

[Jdc1]

Sounds good. Do business with both. Good people.

Tell them what’s going on. Neither Georg or Kurt will sell you something you don’t need.

 

[Jdc1]

West TX off-road will do a quick turnaround on a steering box rebuild too. Your factory ps truck is pretty rare and hacking it up to swap boxes would be a shame.

 

[CruiserheadFJ40]

Yes I have been trying to find a rebuilt one or get it rebuilt. Thanks for the info I'll give them a call. Leak is getting pretty bad.

 

[CruiserheadFJ40]

My brain finally engaged when I looked at caster shim. I know I put them on the back but can't remember the front. (Truck is at another place now can't look) sounds like if I do or don't either way it's wrong and probably been the problem all along causing the road walk?

 

[teleskier]

Another vote for West Texas Offroad - just send it to them in a 5 gallon bucket.

 

[CruiserheadFJ40]

Another vote for West Texas Offroad - just send it to them in a 5 gallon bucket.

San Angelo or Odessa. I see 2 on Google

 

[3_puppies]

Another vote for West Texas Offroad - just send it to them in a 5 gallon bucket.

cheaper to use a large flat rate box from the post office.

 

[Krondor]

I think it's about 51/2" lift. Dump truck springs and longer shackles.

With that large of a lift and longer shackles you will definitely need caster shims if you want your vehicle to track better. @orangefj45 should be able to hook you up with those.

 

[3_puppies]

if using shims, make sure they are STEEL, no aluminum