Costs adding power steering and disk brakes

[Gijs]

Buenas noches, 2 questions from Bolivia.

I am thinking of adding power steering and disk brakes to my 1978 FJ40. I want a mechanic to do all the work and buy the parts for me as I don't know anything about mechanics.
I was told by a mechanic here in Bolivia that adding power steering would cost around US$900 and disk brakes another US$900 (incl. the parts and the labour). I know there is no comparison between Bolivia and the US in terms of labour costs, but out of curiousity I would like to know the costs if one would add power steering and disk brakes in the US. Anyone?

Also, I read on the forum some members only put disk brakes on the front wheeles. Any opinions about that?

Thanks for your replies in advance!

Gijs

 

[Gunshot00]

All around disc brakes here in the states will run you about $900 just for parts. P/S can easily run around $1,200 in parts. Add in labor and you'll be paying a pretty penny. In my opinion front disc brakes are all you need as long as the rear drums are in solid condition.

 

[Splangy]

All around disc brakes here in the states will run you about $900 just for parts. P/S can easily run around $1,200 in parts. Add in labor and you'll be paying a pretty penny. In my opinion front disc brakes are all you need as long as the rear drums are in solid condition.

power steering for $1200? I hope you didn't pay that much!

 

[Rodeo]

I can't help on the power steering but I did convert my brakes to Disc Brakes front and back and it cost around $450.00.
$900 seems pretty steep just for parts but including labor might not be bad?

 

[Gijs]

Thanks for the replies guys. As I know how much labour costs in Bolivia I should rephrase the question:
How much do the parts costs in the US for adding:
1) P/S
2) Disk brakes

Thanks again, Gijs

 

[Bret]

If you source the parts used the costs can be much lower. There are many different versions of power steering, it would also depend on what type you selected.

Stateside 78's had disks up front already, if yours did not it may be worth getting all the parts for the power steering and disk brakes from a FJ60/62. It will give you disks as well as larger knuckle studs on a larger pattern. The steering arms are a bit beefier too. Then you would be able to use mostly FJ60 steering parts (TRE, etc) if it makes it easier to source. I got knuckles and steering box from a FJ60 used for $200, add a power steering pump for $100 (Sweet Racing Type II) fancy filter/reservoir for $100, u-joint for steering shaft $25, pillow block for $30 (bearing), hoses ends and adapters for around $100.

Most 40's in the states use a disk brake bracket that bolts to the rear housing and uses a GM caliper, the brackets sell for around $80, you would also need to have 2 Chevy rotors opened up to go over the raised section on the rear axle (or machine down the axle) and a few new lines.

$1800 seems a bit steep depending on what avenue you pursue.

 

[vfrer]

Power steering parts can add up very quickly. I spent close to $1200 in parts alone but that also included new 4x4 labs steering setup ($550). Kurt's kit is $350 and you still have to get the steering box, pump, pump mounting brackets, lines, belt.... that will easily get you in the $600-$700 range buying new parts.

Gijs - I'd second the FJ60/62 route and disc in the front only is plenty for most.

Eric

 

[FJforty]

Power steering is on my list for next year. I was planning on the toyota pickup route. I would have to search again but I think it was a 90's power steering unit and a bracket to replace the manual steering unit. Add a power steering pump and bracket. I expect to use used stuff.

 

[CruiserStuff]

Power steering is on my list for next year. I was planning on the toyota pickup route. I would have to search again but I think it was a 90's power steering unit and a bracket to replace the manual steering unit. Add a power steering pump and bracket. I expect to use used stuff.

If you're talking about the mini-truck conversion, I think the box is from a '79-85 truck.....IIRC....and I often don't

 

[youmustbecrazy]

I recently added saginaw power steering and used stuff from the wrecking yards for the most part. I think you will find a wide range in costs depending on materials used. I have seen kits well over 1,000 USD, but was able to do mine for a few hundred.

 

[bursabaju]

PS & Disc Brake

Out of the topic,...

For Disc Brake with two calipers, in Indonesia we can modify it by using other vehicle parts.
For parts & labour cost, it is around USD 250.00 - USD 400.00.

For Power Steering, in Indonesia we usually use the power steering from Toyota Truck.
It will be better / should be the same size vehicle.
For parts & labour cost, it is around USD 200.00 - USD 300.00.

You can buy the parts from Indonesia, and then you can ask someone in U.S to put in your vehicle.
It will save more money.

If it is possible, please ask the labour cost for adding the Disc Brake & PS in United States.

Thank you.

 

[voyager:01]

i got saginaw power steering and front discs done on my rig top to bottom 2grand.

 

[Bret]

Doing the disk brake conversion yourself might not be way out of your league. It can be done pretty easy with minimal tools, it is a very messy job to take the knuckle off but it isn't hard. Swapping the parts off of a FJ60/62 front axle to the 40 is a pretty straight forward process to get disks on the front. YOu will need to shorten the 60 tie rod though. If you wanted you can get just the knuckle/spindle/wheel hubs/lockouts and maybe the birf depending on how long the birf is on your 40. With both set-ups in hand you shouldn't have any trouble making a complete setup work. While you are getting the parts for the brakes get the power steering box, pump and linkages and it will give you almost all the parts you would need for power steering. (If you want the FJ60 style power steering) otherwise take the pump and get a mini-truck box from another truck.

 

[Shes Mad]

Thanks for the replies guys. As I know how much labour costs in Bolivia I should rephrase the question:
How much do the parts costs in the US for adding:
1) P/S
2) Disk brakes

Thanks again, Gijs

I bought a non-running 84 Mini truck 4WD for $300. Took the PS and disc brakes, and sold the truck for $250

PS box mount--$100

Pump mount and pump--$150

Bearing for column-------$10

New Calipers and vented rotors--$160

Inserts for tie rods----$20

Seal and knuckle bearing kit---$100

Moly grease---$20

Box of bandaids--------------$3

Case of beer-----------------$20

My labor