While I've seen many positive reviews of the Sag conversion, this vendor recommends going with a FJ60 gearbox (but still uses a Sag pump).
Builds 1st FJ40, '76 - SMOKEY - Puttin’ her Back Together (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Vae Victus
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I've got a great 60 series box , just trying to figure out the pump part . May just scour the bone yards this spring and look at other Japanese makes . There has to be something better than using a canned ham....
Sarge
Sarge
orangefj45
Supporting Vendor
What's wrong with the canned ham?
Vae Victus
Posting more than I know
- Thread starter
- #1,104
Yea, it seems to be a tossup down to preference.
With the Sag, is there any alternative to cutting the front member to insert the steering box?
EDIT: Just looked at the IronPig photos. Looks like using an FJ60 box and a Sag pump would remove the need for mounting thru the front member.
The say pumps are fine , but absolutely no Chevy parts on my Cruiser - don't belong. I'll get it figured out one way or another . I feel the 60 or 80 series box is only way to go and hate seeing the frame hacked to install more Chevy parts , it's just my opinion .
Sarge
Sarge
orangefj45
Supporting Vendor
I was talking about steering pumps, not boxes.
The choice of steering boxes is pretty much determined by what size tire you're running and how the vehicle will be used.
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
The choice of steering boxes is pretty much determined by what size tire you're running and how the vehicle will be used.
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
Vae Victus
Posting more than I know
- Thread starter
- #1,107
Sorry George, Since I've not done one of these conversions yet, I struggle to get the terminology correct.
So Sag pump, and with 33" tires, I could do an FJ60 box, or a Sag box, or a MiniTruck box, right?
This IronPig kit, while pricey, looks nice and complete. Is a rebuilt FJ60 box really necessary?
orangefj45
Supporting Vendor
Well. Sag pumps were used on GMs, Fords, Chryslers, Jeeps, Volvos and others ..........
Sarge, you're more stubborn than me! That's quite an accomplishment!
I try my best to pick my battles and to me, this one is a slam dunk. It's a proven design and conversion and IT WORKS!!!!!
But to each their own.
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
Sarge, you're more stubborn than me! That's quite an accomplishment!
I try my best to pick my battles and to me, this one is a slam dunk. It's a proven design and conversion and IT WORKS!!!!!
But to each their own.
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
orangefj45
Supporting Vendor
The Iron Pig kit works and Lance has established a great reputation for his business. It's well deserved.
Ask me, the reman 60 box is not essential. These boxes give very little trouble. The few leaks we do see are usually the input seal and o-ring which are cheap ( even at the dealer ) and easy to replace.
You can always have the box rebuilt at West Texas Offroad. They offer fast turn around and their pricing is very reasonable.
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
djcfj40
SILVER Star
I'm using the saginaw pump and Toyota mini truck gear box set up. It's easy,cheap and works.
Have done a few with the toyota pump and mini truck box as well. I always liked the idea of keeping it all toyota and keeping the stock appearance,but like george said it comes down to what works. The saginaw pump is in my opinion the best choice for a driver with larger tires.
I did a fj with 33" tires and stock toyota pump and mini gear box and it struggled /boiled over especially when off road.
I have yet to do one with the fj60 box, but considering the mini truck and fj40 gear boxes are like hens teeth to find,I think that makes the most sense.
Hate the idea of hanging the saginaw gear box up in front like that, just doesnt seem right to chop holes in the frame and have that long steering shaft.It works mind you,but it's not what I prefer.
Just my $.02.
Have done a few with the toyota pump and mini truck box as well. I always liked the idea of keeping it all toyota and keeping the stock appearance,but like george said it comes down to what works. The saginaw pump is in my opinion the best choice for a driver with larger tires.
I did a fj with 33" tires and stock toyota pump and mini gear box and it struggled /boiled over especially when off road.
I have yet to do one with the fj60 box, but considering the mini truck and fj40 gear boxes are like hens teeth to find,I think that makes the most sense.
Hate the idea of hanging the saginaw gear box up in front like that, just doesnt seem right to chop holes in the frame and have that long steering shaft.It works mind you,but it's not what I prefer.
Just my $.02.
orangefj45
Supporting Vendor
I've done a bunch of these conversions using different combinations. I sell components for more than one setup because I believe there isn't one "perfect" answer.
Sure, for anything up to 33x10.50 tires the sag pump and mini truck ps box setup works great. Any tires larger than that and you run into interference issues as well as mechanical limits. At that point you have to consider the 60 or Sag boxes and definitely the sag pump.
The sag box conversion is a lot more invasive but if done properly, it works the best. Yeah, the purists hate them. They also hate spring over suspensions. But some of us love our cruisers and love playing in the rocks with them......
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
Sure, for anything up to 33x10.50 tires the sag pump and mini truck ps box setup works great. Any tires larger than that and you run into interference issues as well as mechanical limits. At that point you have to consider the 60 or Sag boxes and definitely the sag pump.
The sag box conversion is a lot more invasive but if done properly, it works the best. Yeah, the purists hate them. They also hate spring over suspensions. But some of us love our cruisers and love playing in the rocks with them......
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
orangefj45
Supporting Vendor
These are 2 of my cruisers. They both have sag ps boxes and they're both fun to drive, having their intended purpose.
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
Georg @ Valley Hybrids
VV. Call Onur. He can set you up with a new stock 40 steering gear housing. it bolts in place if your 76 box with no frame or tie rod mods. Then mini truck internals are added. Because of your 2f air filter you can run a Saginaw pump or 60 pump.
Vae Victus
Posting more than I know
- Thread starter
- #1,114
What is different in a "new stock 40 steering gear housing"? Is that not what is on my truck?
I'm assuming this is one for a 40 with power steering?
Is this the gear box that is one of the two main parts (gear box, pump) or another part I'll need to get steering geometry right?
Man, I'm confused at this point.
Take a deep breath.
There are a few ways to add power steering to the truck. Anyway that you go, you will need a power steering pump and a power steering gear box.
Forget everything about power steering pumps for now.
With the mini truck conversion, which is good to go w/ up to 33" tires, You can use the box from a 1979-85 toyota truck or 4runner as long as it is solid front axle. You will have to use an aftermarket pedestal because the angle is different than your stock steering box.
FJ60 Power steering, eliminates the center arm, is better for bigger tires. This box mounts in front of the shock tower on the frame and requires altering the radiator support, shock tower and fabbing the steering column
Saginaw steering, the box sits between the front crossmember and bumper. Much like the 60 steering, welding and fabrication are involved.
If you get an oem FJ40 power steering box it will bolt onto your existing pedestal, you can take the guts from a mini truck box installed into the new 40 box. You will have to shorten the steering shaft a little to make room for the added length of the new box(Less work than fabbing a new column). There are no alterations to the frame or the rest of the stock steering setup.
There are a few ways to add power steering to the truck. Anyway that you go, you will need a power steering pump and a power steering gear box.
Forget everything about power steering pumps for now.
With the mini truck conversion, which is good to go w/ up to 33" tires, You can use the box from a 1979-85 toyota truck or 4runner as long as it is solid front axle. You will have to use an aftermarket pedestal because the angle is different than your stock steering box.
FJ60 Power steering, eliminates the center arm, is better for bigger tires. This box mounts in front of the shock tower on the frame and requires altering the radiator support, shock tower and fabbing the steering column
Saginaw steering, the box sits between the front crossmember and bumper. Much like the 60 steering, welding and fabrication are involved.
If you get an oem FJ40 power steering box it will bolt onto your existing pedestal, you can take the guts from a mini truck box installed into the new 40 box. You will have to shorten the steering shaft a little to make room for the added length of the new box(Less work than fabbing a new column). There are no alterations to the frame or the rest of the stock steering setup.
For the steering pump: are you going to desmog your truck? I am unfamiliar with the 76 2 f but you might be able to use the air pump location for a power steering pump bracket. You could mount a saginaw pump or a toyota pump. Coolerman has a great write up of this, i think he used the mini truck pump.
Vae Victus
Posting more than I know
- Thread starter
- #1,117
Yes- de smogged already.
Sounds like Sag pump, OEM 40 box, mini truck guts would be the least "modification".
But, aren't mini truck boxes hard to locate as mentioned earlier?
Sounds like Sag pump, OEM 40 box, mini truck guts would be the least "modification".
But, aren't mini truck boxes hard to locate as mentioned earlier?
THey are on classifieds here or ebay for about $150-$250. You might be able to source one locally as well.
While it probably isn't the cheapest up front, the ability to go back to 100% stock is why I am installing this on my truck.
While it probably isn't the cheapest up front, the ability to go back to 100% stock is why I am installing this on my truck.
I'm not only stubborn , but stubborn with a purpose - I intend to run other accessories on that side and a Sag pump will be in the way . If nothing else I'd prefer a PSC pump if the 60 box doesn't have an issue with the added pressure and volume . Brackets , not an issue there as I can make them easily enough here . Looks like all the Taco pumps use a pulley with a cog drive center - I'd have to cut the cog out of a stock pulley and weld it into a large groove v-pulley to make it work . Early Taco's used a pretty tall reservoir and later models used a remote - I'd prefer a remote . At that point , it's almost the same as running a PSC pump and that may not be a bad way to go . I'm with a lot of folks , hate the canned ham staring back at you when you open the hood , that would drive me nuts in short order .
The reason I prefer the 60/80 series box over other setups like the mini is losing that center link - the more joints in the steering eliminated the better . The mini's work pretty well but I agree they have a short limit and the weight of that iron straight 6 is a problem right there , not to mention adding large tires .
I agree with George , so far there is no "perfect" setup - they all have shortcuts somewhere and that's what I'd prefer to solve . It does get confusing with all the solutions and each one's little bugs about fitment of parts /hoses /belts and such . Maybe I'll have the time this coming couple of weeks after surgery to work on this - not much else I can in the shop for awhile anyway . A nice day , or at least a reasonable weather day and some scouring the boneyards will help a lot ...
Sarge
The reason I prefer the 60/80 series box over other setups like the mini is losing that center link - the more joints in the steering eliminated the better . The mini's work pretty well but I agree they have a short limit and the weight of that iron straight 6 is a problem right there , not to mention adding large tires .
I agree with George , so far there is no "perfect" setup - they all have shortcuts somewhere and that's what I'd prefer to solve . It does get confusing with all the solutions and each one's little bugs about fitment of parts /hoses /belts and such . Maybe I'll have the time this coming couple of weeks after surgery to work on this - not much else I can in the shop for awhile anyway . A nice day , or at least a reasonable weather day and some scouring the boneyards will help a lot ...
Sarge
