PS ?

[nspctr1]

Now that I've done the mini disc swap I think I'd like to take a stab at the PS conversion. My question is, I have a sbc 283 in my 40 so I believe the saginaw would be easier and beefier for the added weight of the v8 seeing as the mounting brackets and all would be more available without modifying them. Am I on the right track? I just wanna get rid of the slop in the steering. I've rebuilt the steering arm, replaced all TRE's and it's not changed much.

 

[spotcruiser]

Both mods (sag and mini) work OK for 33" tires, but there are trade-offs.

The mini box is easier to install (bolt on mount), but retains the original drag link, center arm, relay rod, tie rod, and tres. So, the mini ps doesn't remove much of the slop. It works well, though. The mini box also uses metric fittings, so you need a pressure hose with SAE and metric fittings if you use a saginaw pump.

The sag box install is more work, requires welding, and requires an additional steering shaft and u-joints. One huge advantage is that is eliminates two rod ends and the center arm, which makes the steering tighter. It is also better for tires larger than 33" tires.

Mounting the box to the sbc should be easy. Pumps and mounts should be a dime a dozen at the junk yard. The sbc is lighter than the F engine, by the way, but that doesn't affect the steering much.

Good luck with it.

 

[nspctr1]

Thanks for the input. also, I never would have thought the sbc was lighter than the 2F

 

[Alz Toy]

Scout Box as an Option

If you can find one, I'd pick a Scout p/s box (it's a Saginaw too ). Just seems easier to install, 4.25 ratio, no hacking the front crossmember. BUT, thats just me. Drill three holes, space out from frame 3/4" for radiator clearance, trim fenderwell to fit box, $12.00 Ford shock tower, Toyota Mini steering shaft made to fit is the main basic's. HTH, Al

 

[I8MUD]

x2 on the scout box!

 

[77TLCFJ40]

The mini box also uses metric fittings, so you need a pressure hose with SAE and metric fittings if you use a saginaw pump.

The Mini high-pressure line easily screwed into the Saginaw pump from a mid 80's Volvo 240 and the pulley is the right size as well.

Good luck

 

[tuolumnejim]

X3 on the scout setup.

 

[kbill45]

Lash

Did the mid 80s 240 Volvo come with a sag pump? I know the pulley works on the old GM sag pumps.

 

[Downey]

X-ZERO on the Scout, unless you just like cutting sheet metal. As I recall, the Scout box works about the same, requires new shock mounts, requires cutting grille or fender apron sheet metal, requires a new tie rod tube that knowbody makes, anything else????
Haven't done one myself using the Mini Box, but would not like using the extra two tie rod ends and bellcrank. Those guys just add slop in the steering, and wasn't removing slop one of the main reasons for going to PS in the first place?????

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Added weight? The v8 weighs about 200lbs less than the F/2F it replaced.

If you stick with the 33s or even go 35s, you'll be fine with the mini ps setup. That's what I have. However, at some point I will be doing either the FJ60 box install or the sag box install.

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Did the mid 80s 240 Volvo come with a sag pump? I know the pulley works on the old GM sag pumps.

Yes.

Get the 210 CFM York AC compressor mounted under the Sag pump if you ever plan to add On-Board-Air.

I like 'em both!

 

[tuolumnejim]

X-ZERO on the Scout, unless you just like cutting sheet metal.

You do have to trim a little of the fender apron, or you can go the other saginaw way and hack your frame.

As I recall, the Scout box works about the same,

I'm not sure about the pressure of the two units, but I think the Scout puts out more.

requires new shock mounts, requires cutting grille or fender apron sheet metal,

Supposedly you can keep your stock shock mounts with some modifications, but I went whole hog and did the Ford mounts, I was going to do it anyway later. You get longer travel shocks for drilling two holes. NO grille cutting as for the apron see above.

requires a new tie rod tube that knowbody makes,

Ha, easy. This is where mine comes from

anything else?

Not on the Scout stuff. I have no interest at all in the mini setup, for the reasons you list.
Haven't done one myself using the Mini Box, but would not like using the extra two tie rod ends and bellcrank. Those guys just add slop in the steering, and wasn't removing slop one of the main reasons for going to PS in the first place????? [/QUOTE]

 

[camcruiser13]

sag it

 

[woody]

I've run the Scout box for quite a few years without complaints...it IS more rare than others tho, but the plusses outweigh the minuses for my use...

I run my Scout box with a LOW spring-over, flat pitman, heim to the drag link, 4x4Labs histeer. I do run a mid-bump that keeps the springs from compressing into the pitman, bit of a PITA, but that's the only oddity in the install. The Ford towers are perfect for it.

I also run hydro assist and had the box ported by WestTexasOffroad...the ports are on the motor-side, and it fits and operates great.

 

[Tigerstripe40]

I have always wondered about running the IFS minitruck PS box on a 40.

Any input?

-James

 

[Mace]

Mini swings backwards..

You would have to mount it on top of your front frame horns with the steering shaft running through the front bib..


Yuck..

 

[nspctr1]

Wow, lots to consider here. My thought was the sag box will bolt right up to the sbc without any major mods which is mostly true, the tricky part comes in trying to tie the rest of it together. I've seen the FJ60 conversion and it's sweet. Would there be any issues with this as far as mounting the pump to the motor? I'm not planning on running tires larger than 35's and I don't do any harsh offroading so just looking to take the slop out of the steering.
Thanks for all of the replies so far......
Kevin

 

[Mace]

you can run a 60 box with a sag pump..

 

[cruiserboswells]

Sag Box

Go with the popular vote Sag Box has the most options of parts and instructions available...

 

[hammerhead]

I keep hearing about "Hacking" the frame to do a Saginaw box. It's only a hack job if you're too lazy to use the right tools. Forget the torch and use a simple holesaw to go through the front crossmember. Much cleaner and no heat to stress the metal and cause cracking. Every broken crossmember I've seen was cut with a torch.