How To Install Power Steering from ePowerSteering.com into 1971 FJ40

[talibraza101]

Good morning! I recently acquired a non-US 1971 FJ40 and am quite new to the game. My rig has a 3-speed floor shifter (unknown whether this was done aftermarket or from factory). After perusing the forums, I've found some users claim that the "Straight Electric Power Steering Kit" from ePowerSteering.com (Straight Electric Power Steering Kit - ePowerSteering - https://epowersteering.com/purchase/product/straight-kit/?v=84de8e2b14bb) is compatible with my 1971 FJ40. Could someone speak to this? I'm a complete beginner mechanic and am looking for some guidance on installing Electric Power Steering into my rig. Does anyone recommend a particular electric power steering product? Thank you!

 

[devo]

Check out City Racer website
He has been selling E-PS for 40’s for years

 

[talibraza101]

Check out City Racer website
He has been selling E-PS for 40’s for years

Unfortunately it states his EPS is only compatible with ‘73 and later FJ40s . Thank you!

 

[pb4ugo]

I think some folks have been successful adapting eps to early model 1 piece steering columns. @Jdc1 and @wngrog might have done it b4. Other options would be using saginaw p/s boxes out front or Scout,fj60, fj80 steering boxes under the hood.

 

[Jdc1]

I think some folks have been successful adapting eps to early model 1 piece steering columns. @Jdc1 and @wngrog might have done it b4. Other options would be using saginaw p/s boxes out front or Scout,fj60, fj80 steering boxes under the hood.

I’ve done 2 onto the early trucks and 4-5 City Racer kits into the later rigs, plus OEM, mini truck and FJ60 conversions into 40s. Depending on the rig, a 60 conversion is easier(depending on the engine) than the EPS kit into an early 40.

 

[talibraza101]

I’ve done 2 onto the early trucks and 4-5 City Racer kits into the later rigs, plus OEM, mini truck and FJ60 conversions into 40s. Depending on the rig, a 60 conversion is easier(depending on the engine) than the EPS kit into an early 40.

Interesting! Thanks for your input. Do you have any pointers on how I can get started on a 60 conversion or where I should look for some guidance? Thank you! I apologize if this has been answered.

 

[Jdc1]

Interesting! Thanks for your input. Do you have any pointers on how I can get started on a 60 conversion or where I should look for some guidance? Thank you!

FAQ above- there’s a ton of info on Mud. Your biggest hang up will be where/how to mount the PS pump and the steering linkage. 4plus has weld in DOM inserts for the TRE.

Educate yourself and then pic the right conversion for your truck. A well sorted manual steering system isn’t a bad thing either once you get used to it.

 

[pb4ugo]

I’ve done 2 onto the early trucks and 4-5 City Racer kits into the later rigs, plus OEM, mini truck and FJ60 conversions into 40s. Depending on the rig, a 60 conversion is easier(depending on the engine) than the EPS kit into an early 40.

I've never done EPS and probably won't do one in the future. My concern is strength for wheeling and larger tires. I have done saginaw and scout setups in the past. I don't care for the saginaw setup. The hack to the frt crossmember is too evasive on such a high stress structural component and the box is mounted more forward than it should be. Imo, the scout, fj60/80 setups are cleaner and simpler.

 

[Jdc1]

I've never done EPS and probably won't do one in the future. My concern is strength for wheeling and larger tires. I have done saginaw and scout setups in the past. I don't care for the saginaw setup. The hack to the frt crossmember is too evasive on such a high stress structural component and the box is mounted more forward than it should be. Imo, the scout, fj60/80 setups are cleaner and simpler.

For wheeling the EPS just uses all the original components and then is an electric assist. Strength is the same as a stock system.

 

[pb4ugo]

I guess strength was a bad description. You said it better. I've read with eps there can be a lack of power assistance when running larger tires and the ability to turn the tires when wheeling. The stk 40 steering components such as tie rods and tre's are marginal also.

 

[Jdc1]

I guess strength was a bad description. You said it better. I've read with eps there can be a lack of power assistance when running larger tires and the ability to turn the tires when wheeling. The stk 40 steering components such as tie rods and tre's are marginal also.

Most of the EPS systems that i’ve installed sit at about 25% on the dial with 33”ish tires. But they are mostly lawn cruisers. I’d imagine wheeling is a completely different use case for it.

I’d be curious to see an electric pump on the newer Toyota box.

 

[pb4ugo]

Interesting! Thanks for your input. Do you have any pointers on how I can get started on a 60 conversion or where I should look for some guidance? Thank you! I apologize if this has been answered.

As mentioned you can look in FAQ's and tech links at the top of the section. You can search, using the search function here or search on the internet and click on any link that references this website for more info. Scout and FJ60, fj80 steering are similar in their setup. Scout boxes are getting rare. You might search using fj40 scout and or FJ60 power steering. I know I've posted several times on the subject. There is some fabrication and welding required. There's not really a kit. You will need to source parts. The classified section can be helpful. You may be able to find a Land Cruiser shop sort of close to you who is familiar with the work. If you want to do it yourself, folks around here will likely offer some guidance. As you found out your stk steering box is unique because the column is part of the box. It may be easier to source a later steering column, idk.

 

[talibraza101]

Thank you all for your guidance.