FJ55 Power Steering options (1 Viewer)

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BBQ BOY

BBQ BOY

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I am getting close to pulling the trigger on PS. I found a rebuilt factory gearbox with the pitman arm and lines, but no pump. Is it best to go the factory route or opt for a FJ60 conversion? I am running 33" tires, BTW.
I was told that the factory option still has the potential for a lot of slop. If this is true, then why doesn't the FJ60 option not have the potential for a lot of slop?
 
the 60 option removes 2 joints and the center arm.
 
If you're running skinny 33s, I'd run the factory box. If you're running 33x12.5s, then you'll likely have clearance issues. Like all systems, there will be little/no slop if every component is in good working order.
 
I once saw an FJ55 Saginaw conversion where they ran a Chevy Pickup gear box outside the frame (in the wheel well, like on Chevy Pickups), but they had to highly modify the shock mounting tower to do so- - -which now days would not be as problem if using Ford shock towers.
 
I would suggest looking into doing the PS conversion using the gearbox from a FJ60/62. This PS gearbox is more powerful and durable than the late 1970s power assist gearbox used on a few 40/45/55 Series trucks. The FJ60 gearbox is also readily available.

Will this be a "non-stock" install? Yes, but it will be using a Land Cruiser part and if the conversion is done cleanly will not detract from the value of the vehicle.

Good luck,

Alan
 
Josie'sLandCruiser said:
I would suggest looking into doing the PS conversion using the gearbox from a FJ60/62. This PS gearbox is more powerful and durable than the late 1970s power assist gearbox used on a few 40/45/55 Series trucks. The FJ60 gearbox is also readily available.

Will this be a "non-stock" install? Yes, but it will be using a Land Cruiser part and if the conversion is done cleanly will not detract from the value of the vehicle.

Good luck,

Alan
Click to expand...

can you point me towards more detailed info on this? I have seen a pst about a PS system similar to what FJ Company does but darn if I can find it. Yes I searched.
 
^^^^ Looks nice but my rig is super original so I really want to keep it closer to Toyota and the FJ Co way seems to be the best I have seen for this. What sort of sucks is I actually have factory PS now, but I can’t get the slop out of it so I am considering going this route.
 
Lil'John said:
I'll say the same thing I said three years ago if you want to keep original:
Look up the "2 cent fix" to see the joint at the steering box that loosens up.

Also, make sure all your tie rod ends are in good shape. My old FJ40 with new tie rod ends and rebuild/new PS box but no power steering drove perfectly.
Click to expand...

i will look it up. What is so frustrating for me is that every component is either brand new or freshly rebuilt including the PS Gear box, which was sent to PS place in FL. What it appears to be is slack or slop in the gearbox itself. Even though it was supposedly rebuilt. I think they did a bad job but not sure it makes sense spending more money sending it out again if the real issue is all the linkages and the design. I wish there were competent specialists in Atlanta.
 
Looked it up and confirmed what I thought it was. Nope that won’t do anything but cost me time and .02 cents. All new parts and properly adjusted. As I said my problem is with the box or the way it was built from factory and I don’t think this is how they originally drive from new.
 
merbesfield said:
^^^^ Looks nice but my rig is super original so I really want to keep it closer to Toyota and the FJ Co way seems to be the best I have seen for this. What sort of sucks is I actually have factory PS now, but I can’t get the slop out of it so I am considering going this route.
Click to expand...

So you have an all original, 1979 FJ55 with PS? Nice. Would love to see some pics.
 
Have someone turn the steering wheel while you watch the pitman arm. If there is slop in the box, it can be adjusted carefully (to a point) by loosening the lock nut and turning the center screw very small amounts.

I have a 200K mile minitruck box in my FJ40 conversion (with all the FJ40 joints everyone hates) and there is zero slop in the system. I am even running all the original TREs, which are still tight. It's a ~4.5 turn box, but I like the slow steering.
 
Lil'John said:
Ah... so you potentially got a botched box.

Did you replace the center arm at the same time?

Also, did you verify the box is the issue by having someone else turning the wheel while you watch the box?

For the box, you might try contacting @orangefj45 at Valley Hybrid in Stockton. If the PS box isn't his thing, he should have a good idea on who to contact.

While the multi-link steering isn't the best setup, when not worn out, it should be as good as any other steering.
Click to expand...

Yes I think they botched the rebuild. Just guessing, bc EVERYTHING is new or rebuilt. Including center arm and pitman connector, TRE's..... When you turn the steering wheel you can actually feel the slack in the wheel before the contact is made and the box starts to move. I have asked how to adjust this box, but haven't gotten a clear answer. The company that rebuilt it was I thing PS Systems or similar out of FL. Someone recommended them, but it has been too long to go back and ask them to redo it. You know how all this stuff goes, takes forever to get parts and then forever to get them installed and then forever to figure out when something isn't working like it should what the problem is. At this point I'm just frustrated at having slopping steering and no one seems to know what it is. I think its the box, but heck I could be wrong. Scared to through more money at it, but it needs to be right. Not fun to drive the way it is. It is nice to have effortless PS, but not sloppy driving down the road.

PS, I appreciate the help.
 
Last edited:
SteveH said:
Have someone turn the steering wheel while you watch the pitman arm. If there is slop in the box, it can be adjusted carefully (to a point) by loosening the lock nut and turning the center screw very small amounts.

I have a 200K mile minitruck box in my FJ40 conversion (with all the FJ40 joints everyone hates) and there is zero slop in the system. I am even running all the original TREs, which are still tight. It's a ~4.5 turn box, but I like the slow steering.
Click to expand...
I will give this a try. This is the one thing I have yet to do so maybe the slight adjustment will take the slip out of the box. Fingers crossed.
 
I have some positive news. A bit. After a slight adjustment to the set screw I can definitely say there is improvement in the steering, which is great for a change. Everyone kept saying it was normal, but I knew it wasn’t. I have to say, “if you want something done right do it yourself “ applies here. I haven’t done the work to this point bc I haven’t had the time, but the other night I had my daughter turn the Steering wheel and low and behold the Center arm has some sideways movement that if definitely shouldn’t. This is such a saga bc I was told it was adjusted by two shops and then had it rebuilt w new parts after finding it not right. And now it is still not right. So I will now do it myself and adjust it. Live and learn. See video. It’s not huge but it’s enough with other issues to affect steering. Next question, is the Drag link supposed to move on the shaft? See video.

edit: I guess you can’t post videos
edit: figured it out 😉
 
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