suzuguru
SILVER Star
what year/years 80 box would you suggest?
Power steering conversion (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Gnoon
- Start date
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That’s about what I figured based on the research I did while planning out my Scout II steering conversion. I’m far from being an expert since I’ve only done/driven the one conversion. That said I have read everything I could get my hands on over the last 10 years.
For hardcore rock crawling with bigger tires, boxes are often drilled and tapped for a Rock Ram (by whatever name). With 32-34” the 80 box will be fine. They’re stronger than mini-truck boxes, and even mini-truck boxes are considered good up to 33s for most use.
Increased pump pressure will make for lighter steering. Saginaw pumps can be tweaked to increase volume and pressure. I’d expect similar things could be done with Toyota pumps. With mine I adjusted it to increase pressure to the higher end of normal. With these adjustments, I can turn the 33s with one finger (or palm of hand) on dry pavement.
Mini-truck boxes are assist. 60/70/80 are stronger and give more boost. Saginaw are sometimes referred to as steering on novocaine… with no road feel. My setup doesn’t feel light, but there’s no road feel.
pb4ugo
SILVER Star
I adapted both my 40s with scout boxes. The problem with the scout and 60 boxes is they're getting pretty scarce, 80 boxes are easier to find. I've read many posts where folks have been using 80 boxes with good results. I think adapting these types of box is a better and cleaner setup.
Any year. 60/70/80 boxes are essentially the same. As @pb4ugo states the 80 boxes are from more recent rigs. In contrast they stopped making Scout IIs 40 years ago.
Kinda wish I knew the answer to that. I bought mine sight unseen- from CL, through a friend. I’m not aware of any changes in the steering boxes in the 80 series, but there may be some.
If you’re looking for the ultimate strong Toyota box I think it’s an 80 series with a 100 series sector shaft. Not really familiar, but I ve read about it a couple times on here so a search should bring it up.
As one more helpful bit of advice, with a little mcguivdring, I was able to connect the 80 box to 2 different metric saginaw pumps using a stock 80 high pressure line- without any leaks. As I recall, you do need to open the bend in the hardline portion about 45*. After that it was a banjo bolt to screw into the pump. Worked on both a SBC and LS stock pumps.
suzuguru
SILVER Star
I’ve already got a steering pump and reservoir off an 80. I’m assuming the lines from the 80 will fit a 60 box?? I was looking at the steering column on my 1972 model, and it sure doesn’t look like the angle is right to get a steering box mounted in the right place.
pb4ugo
SILVER Star
I think the 72 box and column are the early 1 piece versions. Later model 40s used a rag joint between the box and column
suzuguru
SILVER Star
yes, that’s right. my ‘78 is the rag joint style.
The angle works out… it’s the same as a ‘74 and others with a rag joint. You’re going to need to change the way your steering column works. Essentially shorten the shaft, add a bearing and a u-joint. IH8MUD has info how to do it… I haven’t done it or researched as mine is a ‘74/‘77. I have both years because I swapped in a newer (matching).
suzuguru
SILVER Star
Yeah, I’ve watched some videos on it. It doesn’t look too hard. Just looks like a lot of work. I’ve done it on a samurai, but never on a Toyota.
Green Bean
GOLD Star
Matt:
Inquiring minds want to know: what steering boxes are these and do you have them readily available?
just GOOGLE TEq PORN images i found during " Vintage Toyota Self Prescribed ART Therapy time " late last night
suzuguru
SILVER Star
Maybe it just looks different because it's got a 3" body lift. (which I will be getting rid of in the near future)
suzuguru
SILVER Star
I've been looking, and FJ60 steering boxes seem to be more plentiful and a little less money. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what I'm seeing so far. I'm considering going that route. I don't really like how the Saginaw conversion has the steering box way out front.
pb4ugo
SILVER Star
My 1st scout conversion was done because the po hacked in a sag conversion out frt and butchered the frt crossmember. I was continually repairing it. Finally it was beyond repair. I had to replace the crossmember and scab/strengthen the left frame rail, then adapt the scout box. I like the scout setup much better. The drag link has better geometry with the tierod, that's why I adapted one on my other 40. The only thing I really changed was moving and altering the stk shock tower instead of using the one from ford, which i didn't care for.
suzuguru
SILVER Star
I'm sure it's a good system. I just don't want to go that route because Scout parts are hard enough to source now, let alone 10 years from now when I have an issue. Plus, I like to stay with Toyota parts when I can. I have a buddy that has 2 defuncted Scouts, but getting stuff from him is near impossible. He's kind of like a black hole.
pb4ugo
SILVER Star
When I say scout I'm referring to that type/style of box, to include fj60 and 80. I run scout because I have a lot of j**p friends who used it's axles and the steering boxes were given to me.
I struggled with sloppy manual steering for many years before attempting the 60 series swap. Turned out to be an easier job than I expected and I absolutely love the results. Other than a couple brackets and bolts, it's all Toyota. Hardest thing was sourcing all the various parts and fabbing a relay rod. Turns my 35s with no problem and makes my 40 so much more fun to drive. Good luck!
PabloCruise
SILVER Star
I did 60 series boxes on my 40 & 55.
80 boxes have the same bolt pattern as the later 60 boxes.
Lots of detail here: FJ60 Power Steering Conversion for FJ40 while keeping air pump - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fj60-power-steering-conversion-for-fj40-while-keeping-air-pump.84527/
80 boxes have the same bolt pattern as the later 60 boxes.
Lots of detail here: FJ60 Power Steering Conversion for FJ40 while keeping air pump - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fj60-power-steering-conversion-for-fj40-while-keeping-air-pump.84527/
