Power Steering questions - mini truck

[JDNs78FJ40]

So I think I’ve sourced the power steering components off a 79-85 mini truck. What parts specifically do I need and he said the complete set for $200. Does that seem reasonable and should I be looking at anything specific as far as the condition? Thanks in advance.

 

[GA Architect]

You may want to reach out to @orangefj45 or @cruiseroutfit for some guidance and possible needed parts.

 

[JDNs78FJ40]

You may want to reach out to @orangefj45 or @cruiseroutfit for some guidance and possible needed parts.

I know cruiser outfitters carries parts for the Saginaw setup. I was going to go that route since they are local but the frame is already powder coated and I don’t think I want to cut the whole in the front cross member at this point.

 

[deliverance]

Here’s what I’m in the process of doing:

-Mini truck power steering gear box rebuilt by West Texas Off-road.

-Purchased @orangefj45 mini truck power steering kit which includes: Saginaw pump, pump bracket, pump pulley, belt, steering gear bracket, and hoses (I may be forgetting some included parts). This kit cost approximately $600 shipped.

I waiting for the gear box to be shipped, but this should be a day project having all the components in hand. It’s especially nice not having to source each individual part.

Also, @orangefj45 just had a bunch of steering gear brackets finished up, so I would bet you’d get parts shipped out fast. They’re great to work with and answer any questions you’d have.

 

[deliverance]

Also, depending on what you’re getting for $200, it’s hard to say if it’s a good deal. You can use the fj40 pitman arm, but if the box comes with it you can use the mini one too.
If the box needs rebuilt, you’ll be into it another $2-300 especially if you have to ship to and from the rebuilder.

 

[JDNs78FJ40]

Here’s what I’m in the process of doing:

-Mini truck power steering gear box rebuilt by West Texas Off-road.

-Purchased @orangefj45 mini truck power steering kit which includes: Saginaw pump, pump bracket, pump pulley, belt, steering gear bracket, and hoses (I may be forgetting some included parts). This kit cost approximately $600 shipped.

I waiting for the gear box to be shipped, but this should be a day project having all the components in hand. It’s especially nice not having to source each individual part.

Also, @orangefj45 just had a bunch of steering gear brackets finished up, so I would bet you’d get parts shipped out fast. They’re great to work with and answer any questions you’d have.

So do you think $200 for the components off the mini truck is a good deal? Do I need all the steering components or just the gear box?

 

[deliverance]

I’m certainly not the expect when it comes to this, but from my understanding the Saginaw pump is a better unit than the stock Toyota gear, so I only used the power steering gear box.

As far as $200 being a good deal? I searched for 2 months here, Craigslist, and supply houses. I found one company that said they had one in stock and with the core charge it was close to $500.

In the end, my brother in law found one at his buddies wrecking yard and I got it for free.

 

[pjohnson]

So do you think $200 for the components off the mini truck is a good deal? Do I need all the steering components or just the gear box?

Make sure it's the correct year. Many people out there don't really know the difference. At that price, I would get it all, pump, lines, and gearbox w/pitman.

 

[JDNs78FJ40]

Make sure it's the correct year. Many people out there don't really know the difference. At that price, I would get it all, pump, lines, and gearbox w/pitman.

I’ll see if I can just get the gearbox for cheaper.

 

[SteveH]

$200 is a (very) good deal for just the box, for sure. Just be sure it's the correct box from a '79-85 solid axle 4x4 minitruck.

 

[77mustard40]

The steering box is key, once you have the right box (rebuilt) you are ready to go. You can source a Saginaw pump at any auto parts store, georg can make you a high pressure line that is metric on the box side and SAE on the pump side. He also sells the frame pedestal for the mini-truck box to mount to the frame, along with a saginaw pump mount that uses the forward 2 head bolts on the DS.

You will need to pull your pitman arm off your old manual box and install in on the new minitruck box (IIRC the mini's pitman arm is shorter). Might want to replace the rag joint while you have it all apart.

 

[JDNs78FJ40]

The steering box is key, once you have the right box (rebuilt) you are ready to go. You can source a Saginaw pump at any auto parts store, georg can make you a high pressure line that is metric on the box side and SAE on the pump side. He also sells the frame pedestal for the mini-truck box to mount to the frame, along with a saginaw pump mount that uses the forward 2 head bolts on the DS.

You will need to pull your pitman arm off your old manual box and install in on the new minitruck box (IIRC the mini's pitman arm is shorter). Might want to replace the rag joint while you have it all apart.

Awesome! Thanks for the input. Is there a way to know if it’s the correct steering box by looking at it?

 

[77mustard40]

This is my best pic of my steering box before hooking up the high and low pressure lines. You might want to surf the FAQ, I think there are a couple mini truck threads in there

 

[pjohnson]

Awesome! Thanks for the input. Is there a way to know if it’s the correct steering box by looking at it?

Post a pic here...

 

[wngrog]

If you have a 79 or later 2F, @Racer65 sells reproduction FJ60 power steering pumps.
I love the setup on my trucks.
I converted 2 this year.
One was to a Mini truck box and one was to a Saginaw box. The pumps work great and keep the OEM look under the hood.