FJ40 Power Steering Conversion - 80 Series Power Steering Box Kit? (1 Viewer)

[cruisermatt]

When I did my FJ60 conversion I used a 1/4” plate on the outside of the frame to clear the radiator support and then used F250 shock towers. Is the 80 box bigger than a 60 so it interferes more with the radiator?

Brahma's Saginaw/FJ60 Power Steering Conversion

Great stuff Matt! Thanks for the pics on the threads... I can't wait until you get the drag link/relay rod in!!

risingsun4x4club.org

I just skimmed through your thread. I think I will look into the 1/4" plate on the next one I do. That and F250 towers might be way easier then the work to the rad support and bib.
The 79 I did I had the box a few inches more forwards and had to notch the bib in a few spots (Iron Pig's recommended location)

 

[subzali]

I just skimmed through your thread. I think I will look into the 1/4" plate on the next one I do. That and F250 towers might be way easier then the work to the rad support and bib.
The 79 I did I had the box a few inches more forwards and had to notch the bib in a few spots (Iron Pig's recommended location)

Looking back, it’s pretty wordy. Oops. I didn’t want to cut into the bib, and my steering response hasn’t seemed to suffer for having the box slightly back. I don’t run a damper.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

Modifying the radiator mount is pretty simple. Does not in any way mess with the radiator

 

[Blackknight1]

Does the original fj40 drag link still work with the 80 series box. Also, does the 60 series pitman arm work on the 80 series steering box ?

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

We have in the past used the 40 end from the steering box on a 60 pitman arm to reuse the drag link. Weaker combo but steers. 60 pitman arm should fit stock 80 box and vise versa. With larger pattern knuckles it would be wise to use a combo of 60, 70, 80 parts instead of stock 40 parts. Size sometimes matters. Ymmv

 

[cruisermatt]

I wonder if the shims @cruiseroutfit sells to put the 40TRE into the 60 steering arms (knuckle) would work to use a 40 drag link end in 60/80 pitman arm? There has to be a reason it doesn't work, otherwise that's what everyone would be doing, right?

 

[pb4ugo]

I wonder if the shims @cruiseroutfit sells to put the 40TRE into the 60 steering arms (knuckle) would work to use a 40 drag link end in 60/80 pitman arm? There has to be a reason it doesn't work, otherwise that's what everyone would be doing, right?

I believe the relay rod/drag link going from the center arm to the pass side tre on a FJ40 are too short to use for FJ60/FJ80/scout P/S. I know some folks have used this link/rod but then use a mini truck tre at the pitman arm because the tre is longer and provides for the steering stabilizer. The FJ40 tre's for the relay rod are 17mm threads, the Tie Rod going from steering arm to steering arm is something like 21mm threads. I believe all FJ60 and later tre's are all 21mm threads.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

I always wanted to test fit the bushing Luke porter sells on a Pitman arm. But, I am fairly certain the ball on the end of the 60 pitman and the ball on the 40 pitman arm are the same size. As I mentioned earlier different strength relay rods but should work. @cruisermatt I can show u in person fri as I am pretty sure we did this on one of the fj40's we are bringing.

 

[cruisermatt]

I always wanted to test fit the bushing Luke porter sells on a Pitman arm. But, I am fairly certain the ball on the end of the 60 pitman and the ball on the 40 pitman arm are the same size. As I mentioned earlier different strength relay rods but should work. @cruisermatt I can show u in person fri as I am pretty sure we did this on one of the fj40's we are bringing.

Nice, I'll be there in the 79 I'm just finishing up. Look for the dune/sand colored FST with a wacky mystery hood spear

 

[Blackknight1]

Modifying the radiator mount is pretty simple. Does not in any way mess with the radiator

Can I see some pics of what you had to do to the radiator support and to the bib ?
Also, the Fj40 rod that goes fom the pitman arm in mine, seems too short now . Did you reuse it or did you use a different one on yours and if so, which car did you get it from ? Thanks

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

Tornado takes the top off 1964 SWB FJ-45

Total change of direction decided I was tired of a stationary oven in the garage taking up space so built a cabinet on casters for it. Will get back to the 45 Sunday. Even put handles on it so club members can come grab it if needed. Will finish wiring it later.

forum.ih8mud.com

Tornado takes the top off 1964 SWB FJ-45

Not much to report other than gutting the fj62 hoping to have the car-cass gone this weekend. Still need to pull charcoal canister, fuel lines, tank, one door, and cut off one piece of the exhaust. Once its on the trailer ill yank the axles and steering box.

forum.ih8mud.com

Bib, i only had to mod a lower park light, only on really early bibs.

 

[Blackknight1]

Several different people have suggested using the 80 series steering box for a 1HZ conversion, because the hydraulic plumbing works well. I have never seen it in person, but if it’s not much better than a 60 series box, it may not be worth the headache for clean fluid lines.

Again, I haven’t seen a 1HZ with either a 60 series or 80 series steering box, so I cannot comment on the layout.

Here you go kind sir. Here is one

 

[archie73]

Slight hijack, but I figure it feeds into this thread.
Before I just order another u joint, is there a preferred unit? I have what I believe to be a Borgenson ujoint between my 40 column and 80 collapsible shaft. I installed it 4-5 years ago and it now has a concerning amount of play in the u joint. This is a 6 month/year vehicle that’s 90% street, so I’m not to impressed with the borgenson quality. This leads me to probably getting a flaming river unit this time. Any thoughts?

 

[Blackknight1]

Yes
The one I just did I had the box tilted a bit more forwards so the 80 arm actually worked out better, the 60 pitman arm put the drag link really close to the spring at full bump on driver’s side

80 box (and pitman arm):


View attachment 2962270

Quick question, I did this conversion on my 78 fj40. I reused the original linkage from the 40 series. 2 issues came out of that: 1)seems to me that the linkage going from the pitman arm to the passenger side wheel is too short, not allowing for the wheels to swing fully to the right.
The 40's rod end is too small for the pitman arm and allows for free play between the rod end and the pitman arm.
Is it possible to find a kit that would be the exact length I need with the right rod ends ? I'd love to simply switch everything to heavy duty and call it the day. Hope you or anyone on mud can guide me . Thanks in advance

 

[cruisermatt]

Quick question, I did this conversion on my 78 fj40. I reused the original linkage from the 40 series. 2 issues came out of that: 1)seems to me that the linkage going from the pitman arm to the passenger side wheel is too short, not allowing for the wheels to swing fully to the right.
The 40's rod end is too small for the pitman arm and allows for free play between the rod end and the pitman arm.
Is it possible to find a kit that would be the exact length I need with the right rod ends ? I'd love to simply switch everything to heavy duty and call it the day. Hope you or anyone on mud can guide me . Thanks in advance

Yes, Iron Pig offroad makes what you need.
Custom link with 40 TRE on one side and 80 TRE on the other.

This can also be accomplished with 70 series parts but not as common for us in the US

 

[archie73]

Quick question, I did this conversion on my 78 fj40. I reused the original linkage from the 40 series. 2 issues came out of that: 1)seems to me that the linkage going from the pitman arm to the passenger side wheel is too short, not allowing for the wheels to swing fully to the right.
The 40's rod end is too small for the pitman arm and allows for free play between the rod end and the pitman arm.
Is it possible to find a kit that would be the exact length I need with the right rod ends ? I'd love to simply switch everything to heavy duty and call it the day. Hope you or anyone on mud can guide me . Thanks in advanceOther options are FrontRangOffroad makes custom tie rods out of dom. Or I think LCWizard sells properly threaded bungs for the 80&60 series TRE’s.

 

[Blackknight1]

Yes, Iron Pig offroad makes what you need.
Custom link with 40 TRE on one side and 80 TRE on the other.

This can also be accomplished with 70 series parts but not as common for us in the US

I have access to 70 series parts. Which parts do you advise I look for ? Is there a particular year that works better ? By the way, thanks for the answer.

 

[POPO AGIE]

I have access to 70 series parts. Which parts do you advise I look for ? Is there a particular year that works better ? By the way, thanks for the answer.

I was able to get FJ70 tie rods and tie rod ends from SOR and Cruiser Outfitters.

 

[Blackknight1]

I was able to get FJ70 tie rods and tie rod ends from SOR and Cruiser Outfitters.

Are you saying that 70 series tie rods and tie rod ends will simply bolt right up to my 80 series pitman arm ,be the right lenght for proper turning radius and fit my 40 series steering arm on the other side ? That would be too good to be true!

 

[POPO AGIE]

I am changing everything out and the FJ70 Tie rod ends will fit an FJ80 pitman arm and have high steer steering arms with 25mm bearings and trunnions. I also have FJ60 knuckles with the larger bolt pattern.