Mini truck P.S. conversion on 68' FJ40 (2 Viewers)

[Alex Waddell]

I am doing a Power Steering conversion on a 1968 FJ40 using a mini truck power steering box & mount.
However the shaft and manual steering box are not connected with a rag joint as I have seen in conversion instructions here on IH8MUD.
I suspect that the steering wheel shaft extends into the steering box and may not be separable.
I would rather not cut the shaft so I could keep the old box intact.
Has anyone done this mod on an early FJ40 and do you have any suggestions?

 

[Tancruiser]

Do you still have colum shift on this rig?

 

[Alex Waddell]

No it was a 3 speed floor shift with a vacuum t-case. However
I am going with a 4 speed with a manual shift t-case.

 

[Pin_Head]

You can use a later steering column, but optimally you would want to shorten it 3/4 inch.

 

[Alex Waddell]

You can use a later steering column, but optimally you would want to shorten it 3/4 inch.

What year would I be looking for?
I may know where there is a 69 column but it may be the same as mine.
Would I need to add a pillow block bearing on the firewall as some people do with a Saginaw P.S. setup?
I know a guy that said he made his own steering shaft for his Saginaw P.S. setup out of an evaporative cooler pump shaft.
Is it possible to fab up a custom shaft an keep my other steering wheel hardware?
Sorry for asking dumb questions. I haven't started taking it apart yet to see what I am dealing with.

 

[Pin_Head]

Ideally, get one from '79 and up with power steering. Otherwise get one with a rag joint ad shorten the shaft by 3/4 inch.

 

[kevos37]

I have a steering shaft and housing from that vintage, if you decide to go that route.

Cheers
KevO

 

[Alex Waddell]

KevO
P.M. sent.
Cheers
Alex