Ross, Saginaw or Herms steering boxes

Okay, I know there has been volumes written about steering boxes. I currently have a Ross box that has been completely rebuilt at a shop in California about a year ago. At the time I wasn't thinking that I would go crazy on my jeep by putting on a 3 inch lift and bigger tires, Sanderson headers, disk brakes in the front and upgrading the rear brakes to 11 inch drums? I was doing some research online and from everything I read said the Ross box is probably the weakest link in the older Jeeps especially if you have changed so much of the Jeep including center of balance and trying to turn much bigger tires. I know Advance Adaptors make a kit for my 69 CJ but it does not include the box the pump, bracket or hoses. Looking at different pictures there are a few different ways to fabricate the box to the front end which includes using a tig welder for attaching to the frame. Herm's setup requires drilling through the frame and bolting on the box. Bolting on a box is okay but of course welding is much stronger. I want to address this issue now before I drop the motor back in and install the new headers. I know there is nothing on the passenger side to interfere with the header but on the drivers side I am afraid the header and exhaust pipe will not work with the Ross box in the way (although tech support at Sanderson stated they should fit with no alterations necessary). I value peoples opinions and insight on this forum. I just think about being out in the middle of nowhere and I have problems with the Ross box and regretting not going to a more robust box. I am long past keeping my Jeep "stock"! In fact if I do upgrade to a good power steering box, I will put my 100% rebuilt Ross box up for sell for the Jeep enthusiast who is looking to keep his or her Jeep 100% original. Thank you for reading my dilemma and I am looking forward to all constructive suggestions, opinions and help this forum has to offer.

RJ Stein

 

The way I designed my winch mount to sit between the frame rails precludes adding the Saginaw box to the front. And on top of that, my plan is to make no permanent mods so the jeep could be fully restored some day. But I hate the Ross steering setup on my A1. On the MB, not so much, but the bigger tires are a different animal. So I have come to the conclusion for a minimal mod appearance that Herm's reverse setup is the way to go. I will most likely do manual, but a final decision is still to be made.

 

Stock width tires , period correct Jeep = Ross..............all others: Saginaw power steering (pics) please add yours!! | EarlyCJ5.com

This is said to be one of if not the best improvement to a Jeep.

 

I agree with this.
My dads 69 CJ, with stock size tires and no lift, the stock steering is adequate.
My 70 CJ, with 31 inch tires and 2.5" lift, I fought it for years before finally switching to Saginaw. Major improvement!

 

Saginaw power dont look back. Even wrestling 31's off road with a Ross turns you into a gorilla with hamburger hands.

 

The only real solution is to use a Saginaw box. I would estimate that 90% of vintage Jeeps that actually get driven on the road have a Saginaw swap on them. The steering and brakes are the two most important systems on a vehicle and the ones that Jeep was 20 years behind in technology until 1972.

 

I'm on my second herm's kit and using a manual box to simplify install, I would pick it over Saginaw due to ease of install and overall cost. the bolt on bracket is plenty beefy for four wheeling and for any situation sort rock crawling it almost one finger steering. With Herm's kit and rebuilt box off ebay , I have less than half the cost of AA's kit with a rebuilt Saginaw box. Also with Herm's kit the box is behind the crossmember which gives you more flexibility mounting bumpers, winches etc. Just my 2 cents....Bob

 

I spoke with Herm about a year ago when I purchased his disk/drum brake upgrade. If I remember correctly he said something about getting a Ford box from JC Whitney or any other chain store. Since my memory is not as it once was could you please tell me exactly what I need to upgrade my steering using Herm's setup. I do think I can smuggle a few extra dollars and add power steering as long as my wife doesn't think I have gone overboard again. By the way, anyone interested in a completely rebuilt Ross box...LOL

 

herm's website tells you exactly what boxes to look for and from what year and what vehicles. I found the right box, rebuilt for like 150-200 bucks shipped on e bay.

 

Yes, I ddid read Herm's recommendations for a box and found a remanufactured box for a 1996 Ford Bronco at Napa for 138. Now I have to decide if I want a 30 or 36 spline box (slow or fast - any insight). I was looking on line for a power steering pump and bracket and the available pumps I saw were for Saginaw boxes. Will a pump designed for a Saginaw work with a ford box? Additionally will I need to make custom P/S lines?

 

Saginaw pump will work fine you just need to get proper brackets for your particular engine and keep in mind that on driver's side where the pump would go that with the Ford box where it is , space is at a premium so the correct brackets are important. It's one of the reasons I went to a manual box but hoses for a Saginaw pump to a Ford box shouldn't be that difficult.

 

I'd put the engine back in with the headers before doing anything with the steering. There are plenty of ways to change the routing of the steering shaft and the hoses to clear your headers. If you do the steering first you may create a real nightmare for yourself trying to fit the headers in. The steering shaft typically runs very close to the exhaust manifold.

 

One other thing to consider is that you said you were going to use the Sanderson headers on your jeep . keep in mind that they make the Novak headers for the V6 but tweak them for more steering clearance on the Jeep whereas the Sanderson versions are for street rod applications and may not fit as well. Just a thought.....Bob

 

I wish I was told about Novak Headers before someone here recommended
Sanderson Headers. I assume Sanderson have a drawback and not designed for off road. If I told you how much stuff I bought and didn't work you would be amazed, but that is why there's a classified forum here.

 

I'm not sure that there is any difference between the pipes be it bought direct from Sanderson or via Novak..............Yes , Sanderson does make the headers for Novak..........I've seen Sanderson headers for a V6 Buick that fits a Jeep or streetrod for that matter..........I seen no noticeable difference between the Novak version or the ones direct from Sanderson..........both are priced the same............Advanced Adapters also make a Block Hugger.

Whatever you decide on........those pipes , the steering gear , your modified column , U-joints , PS pump & brackets should all be in your hand before you attempt any Power Steering Installation..........One or all may dictate what may have to move or be modified to fit.

 

I'm interested! PM me a price if you're serious about selling it!

 

I am very serious. Look in the Jeep classifieds and you can see my post there.

 

A $25 box at pull a part, 4 bolts and a piece of flat stock is more expensive then?

 

Not to sound dumb, but what exactly are you saying to me? I can find everything I need at a junk yard???

 

For a Saginaw steering box that came in most domestic vehicles for over 20 years, yes. A Saginaw swap really can be as simple as grabbing a box, welding a plate on your frame and bolting up a steering column. There is a sticky on this forum on just Saginaw swaps. It is probably the single most universal upgrade for Jeeps from 1942 to 1971.