BJ44 Power Steering Conversion?

[thenative1]

I'm thrilled to say that I've finalized the purchase of a 1979 JDM 100% stock RHD BJ44 (pix below) from CC Cruisers.

She's shortly on her way to the East Coast and while I love the idea that she's 100% stock, the one change I'm contemplating is power steering. Whether or not I do it is dependent on price/hassle.

This is NOT something I'm going to take on by myself. So in doing preliminary research on the forums, I have a few questions:

A) It seems as though I have three options: 1) OEM (difficult to find/expensive), 2) minitruck, 3) saginaw. (Frankly I am unclear on the exact definition of "minitruck" in this context).

B) It seems as though the various kits available (JT Outfitters for example) are not compatible with RHD and/or diesel. What is the determining factor here? What's the PS difference between LHD and RHD?

C) If I were able to find the appropriate kit/components, does anyone know of a shop in the NYC/Long Island area that has the appropriate experience to do a conversion like this? As you can imagine, I do NOT want to hand this to someone for them to hack around and figure things out.

Thanks in advance for any/all suggestions.

Best,
Evan

 

[cult45]

Nice truck, and rare. Well done. I personally would go with stock stuff because of the quality of the truck and the rarity of it. If it was a POS you could hack away, but it's way too clean. Your truck though, so your call. I did this with stock parts on my BJ42 way back in 2001. You'll need:

1. PS box.
2. PS steering column [steering box is about 50mm longer, therefore column is about 50mm shorter].
3. PS pump and lines.
4. Bracketry.

Cause it's stock stuff it'll bolt straight up, which means you can do it yourself. Or any decent shop should be able to do it for you. Very, very straight forward stuff. When I did it I was a total newb on my first build and I got it right first time.

 

[thenative1]

Thanks

I personally would go with stock stuff because of the quality of the truck

Thanks Daniel - I'm really psyched about it.

I'm inclined towards OEM as well. Now it's just a question of having someone help source the right kit, most likely from your side of the world, and get it sent back to the U.S. Worth the wait I imagine.

Best,
Evan

 

[jfz80]

Can't offer much other than hat specimen deserves OEM treatment.


Congrats. Glad its off my local Craigslist now
Keep us posted on it. Looked like a nice cruiser. Just wish they wouldn't repaint a truck in such stock and low miles condition though it looks great!

 

[Splangy]

I would stick with OEM or mini truck. The problem with mini truck will be finding a RHD box and bracket. I'm pretty sure that nobody makes a bracket. Keep an eye out in the jdm/diesel section of this site, gumtree, and the Aussie eBay. Those are your best bets for finding the parts you need.

You must have the B engine in your truck since it's a '79. Does it have mounting holes on the front right (US pass side) of the cylinder head? The later 3B engines had provisions for the power steering pump bracket. I'm not sure if the B engines did.

 

[thenative1]

You must have the B engine in your truck since it's a '79. Does it have mounting holes on the front right (US pass side) of the cylinder head? The later 3B engines had provisions for the power steering pump bracket. I'm not sure if the B engines did.

Splangy, VIN plate says it's got the 2B and I've no reason to believe otherwise. Not sure about the mounting holes. Thanks for the heads up though, I'll check for them when the truck arrives on the East Coast in the next few weeks and report back.

Best,
Evan

 

[cult45]

Now it's just a question of having someone help source the right kit, most likely from your side of the world, and get it sent back to the U.S.

Mate I'm about to be at NFA, so my help will be limited. But if you find something in or around Brisbane/Gold Coast that needs looking at and/or posted, give me a shout and I'll try help.