I recently purchased probably the ONLY 1980 FJ40 without power steering. I inquired about adding it and my specialist suggested against as he mentioned I had purchased a rarity....a totally uncut original FJ40. Do I truly devalue the FJ if I add it, and how impossible (and cost prohibitive) will it be to locate all of the parts to install an OEM system? I will need to sell it without power steering as I just don't enjoy driving it otherwise.
Power steering or no?
- Thread starter carfreak32
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^^ Do you have fat tires or more stock? Makes a huge difference. Got a picture?
Plenty of 1980 FJ40s came without power steering, including mine. It’s now running electric.
OEM power steering is very hard to find. However, you can use a mini-truck ps box and custom bracket to add PS in a way that can be easily un-done later.
I wouldn't worry too much about the future value if you add PS. Besides, it's your FJ40, make it enjoyable and drive it.
I wouldn't worry too much about the future value if you add PS. Besides, it's your FJ40, make it enjoyable and drive it.
I went the mini truck route, and I’m happy I have it.
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Yeah, I’m not running larger tires, but I’d love to be able to parallel park without building new muscles. 
The mini truck power steering internals will mount into a still available OEM housing and mount without any modifications to stock steering box pedestal. Classic Tube offers an OEM steering cooler. On an all original with resale in mind, the mini truck mod to the mounting pedestal sticks out like a sore thumb.
What he ^ said. The option I chose.
Well my 2cents is...ive never heard of anybody complain about power steering vs none. Forget about the resale enjoy that 40!
Second That
Living in the Past
SILVER Star
The steering shaft is just as hard to find as the box. Only piece I need for my 79 to switch to power steering. Debating shortening the steering column shaft or switch to the later collapsible steering column which is easy to modify. No welding on the shaft required.
Say just modify it and drive it doesn't necessarily fit everyone. Some people look as the money they spent as a investment. OP stated in his first post concerned about hurting the value with mods. If he bought it lately probably has quite a bit invested. Those of us who been at it a while have a small fraction of what it would cost to replace today what was bought years ago. But I don't agree with his mechanic claims a non power steering 80 much less any 79+ being rarer. Most valuable are the ones with factory air conditioning and power steering.
The power steering shaft is about 3/4” shorter than the non PS shaft?
I have been in the game for about 6 years. In that time, parts both used and new are getting a lot harder to find and more expensive. The entry price to purchase a 40 is getting insane as well.
John, you could also space the column out from the firewall, it would be slightly closer to the driver, but no mods to shaft.
I've owned a 79 with PS and a 79 without PS.
currently own an 80 with PS and A/C.
even 81+ rigs were hit or miss whether they had PS, even rarer were both PS and A/C. not sure if there is a way to get the actual #'s of rigs with either or both out of all the rigs imported in those years.
not sure the cost of an OEM PS setup would raise the price of the rig an equal amount, last setup I saw on here was listed at $1200 or 1500?, IIRCC
There are still many guys out there wheeling rigs without PS
bottom line for the OP is if he doesn't want to add PS, in any form, and doesn't like manual steering, then he should sell it and find a rig with it already installed.
Living in the Past
SILVER Star
Your right Paul hadn't thought about a spacer. Would just require a jig so the holes are drilled at the correct angle. I already have a couple collapsible steering columns and steering wheels. Sure you remember the cowl piece I bought from you. When graft in a 83 transmission hump will change the column mount at the same time. You don't happen to have the heat shield that bolted to the two small brackets below the column?
Think if my if I had to parallel on a regular basis would probably want power steering if driving a FJ40 or any vehicle for that fact.
1911
chupacabra
Mine too. Much more rare to find one with factory power steering in my experience.
I've driven a troopy with the electric PS that I was initially hesitant about but have to report it was very nice. WE will buying kit from Racer 65 for the wife's 78 40. I want the wife to enjoy hers as much as possible and it appears to be easy install and driving was a true pleasure compared to my 82 fj40 w/o PS.
