Power steering (1 Viewer)

[WRC78]

I’m considering adding power steering to my 1978 FJ40. Any recommendations on which system is preferred? Also, any “estimate” on a fair “all in“ price for system & labor to install?

 

[B y r o n]

Why are you adding power steering and what is the intended use for your ride? The reason for the questions is some systems work better in some areas and others work better in others. In other words, is this a streets only ride, stock size tires or larger (and if so how large) tires, off road use or rock crawling?

 

[WRC78]

Why are you adding power steering and what is the intended use for your ride? The reason for the questions is some systems work better in some areas and others work better in others. In other words, is this a streets only ride, stock size tires or larger (and if so how large) tires, off road use or rock crawling?

Byron, The use is only for street rides. The truck has 31” BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires.

 

[B y r o n]

Byron, The use is only for street rides. The truck has 31” BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires.

You may want to consider electronic power steering for the following reasons:

1. Non-intrusive installation. Replace the steering column with the EZ unit. You retain everything from the manual steering box onward. Works with stock alternator and battery
2. Complete, self-contained kit. No fabrication, no welding, no chasing down parts in junk yards
3. Built in safety features
4. ECU controlled, load sensitive feedback. Quick response, never any hesitation
5. Silent operation
6. Adjust the level of assist with a potentiometer
7. Proven reliability. No pump, no belt, no hoses, no leaks
8. Reduced impact on gas mileage and horsepower usage compared to conventional power steering
9. In the unlikely event you lose power, you'll revert back to your original manual steering. Because your original steering box is retained, your car will drive as it does today with manual steering.
10. In contrast, when hydraulic power steering fails, the car can become difficult to steer

I say this as someone who has done my own Saginaw power steering conversion.

 

[WRC78]

You may want to consider electronic power steering for the following reasons:

1. Non-intrusive installation. Replace the steering column with the EZ unit. You retain everything from the manual steering box onward. Works with stock alternator and battery
2. Complete, self-contained kit. No fabrication, no welding, no chasing down parts in junk yards
3. Built in safety features
4. ECU controlled, load sensitive feedback. Quick response, never any hesitation
5. Silent operation
6. Adjust the level of assist with a potentiometer
7. Proven reliability. No pump, no belt, no hoses, no leaks
8. Reduced impact on gas mileage and horsepower usage compared to conventional power steering
9. In the unlikely event you lose power, you'll revert back to your original manual steering. Because your original steering box is retained, your car will drive as it does today with manual steering.
10. In contrast, when hydraulic power steering fails, the car can become difficult to steer

I say this as someone who has done my own Saginaw power steering conversion.

Thanks, Byron.

 

[Next45]

Has anyone done a PS conversion to 45 series, using PS box out of 100 series?

 

[3_puppies]

Has anyone done a PS conversion to 45 series, using PS box out of 100 series?

100 series uses a rack and pinion setup
60, 62, 80 series would be the way to go

 

[Vossie]

I'm a big fan of the mini truck / hilux PS box conversion. It keeps everything forward if the pitman arm, the column stays as is and all you need to do is make an angled shim to adjust the angle of the box on the bracket, or make a new bracket.

As far as hydraulic PS options, it's the least intrusive.

Excuse the mess of an engine bay, my last 45, but it shows the general idea