Ross, Saginaw or Herms steering boxes

Absolutely nothing better about a reverse box over a Saginaw. There simply is no need to reinvent the wheel or to bolt square wheels to your Jeep just to be different.

 

Two different things. I was referring to the steering gear itself being problematic. The reinforcement is to reduce frame flex which is completely different. That frame flex is there regardless which steering system is used. I will concede it is more with Saginaw steering.
The front frame area is a known weak spot for cracks when larger tires are added, even with stock Ross steering and should be reinforced regardless. It is a mod that should be done but simply becomes necessary with Saginaw steering. Look at M38a1's. Come with the front frame area reinforced FROM THE FACTORY. Does that say anything? I think so but I'm pragmatic that way.
As Tarry99 said and I posted earlier, the Ford boxes are problematic. I do this stuff for a living and have for a long time. If the Herm setup works for you, great!
I for one prefer to be able to change the fuel pump on my V-6 without having to remove the steering gear box, reducing my options for under hood upgrades, etc. look back at some of the posts regarding people having to modify radiators and other things to make that system work.
No conversion like this is ever perfect and there are pros and cons to each. Each person has to weigh them and go with what makes them feel good.
I for one will stick with Saginaw Steering as there are tons of options for gear box ratios, strength, upgrades, and ready available cores. Tons of write ups and aftermarket support. It keeps the engine bay uncluttered, still have plenty of room for a pto or electric winch, onboard air upgrades, accessibility to the engine, the list goes on.
Look at Toyota FJ-40's. Saginaw is also one of the most popular and common steering upgrades with those and they are much heavier than our Jeeps. I've done a few on those also and they work very well.
Again, if the Herm setup works for you then that is a good thing.

 

All valid points and I will admit I had never heard of the failure rate of the Ford boxes you mentioned. My intent was simply to tell of the success I had with my Jeeps with Herm's kit not slam Saginaw conversions. As far as bolting square wheels to my Jeep , what the hell does that mean?

 

Hey Chuck, I'm glad you chimed in............Just out of curiosity take a look at these two links below , one from Novak and the other Sanderson and tells us if these are different than the ones that you and Eric worked on? Of course these are just Catalog photo's which may very well not be accurate although they both look alike.

Conversion Headers for the Buick 90 Degree V6 in Jeeps
www.sandersonheaders.com/sanderson_bs1_header_set_for_buick_v6_engines.html?category_id=24

 

I contacted Sanderson and they said the Novak headers are different than the ones in their catalog....Bob

 

Why don't we let Chuck respond to that question , since he was directly involved..............In either case you have what you have............they either fit or they don't fit. Not much else to say!

 

Gentlemen, as I mentioned I did purchase a set of Sanderson headers and when I called the Tech Rep he told me Sanderson makes Novac headers. Not sure if that is true or not but he did say the Ross box will not work with Sanderson or Novack headers. From reading all of the post and speaking with individuals I have decided to go with a Saginaw steering upgrade. My plan is to document every step, dropping the engine back in, mounting the headers, installing the new Saginaw steering and show how I am going to route the exhaust. Since this is my first rebuild and lack experience like the majority of you have, I will be asking many questions to get this right the first time.

Robert Stein

 

I built my frame from scratch but I bought an Advance Adapters Saginaw steering box weld in mount part number 716838. It was really reasonably priced (Around 55 bucks) and very sturdy. I'm very happy with it and what an improvement over the Ross box. I drive my jeep whenever there is no salt on the roads.

 

I have a question for you gentlemen as this is a good tech thread. I can start another thread if need be.
I have the 134 4 cyl (it's a 67 cj5) and I know I can't put the power steering in (bummer but it is what it is as I'm attempting to keep it mostly stock). The only mods I really want to make are front discs and a better steering setup. My intentions are the occasional trip to work (8 mile round trip max speed of 50) and I do plan on flat towing the jeep and using it as a trail toy. Could I get away with the Ford steering box (trying to save money)? I may get a 32" tire but probably nothing bigger than that at most as I don't want to upgrade the axles or engine for many reasons.

 

All good Robert............take a look at all the info in this thread: http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/inde...cs-please-add-yours.17911/...............keep in mind the process of mounting the column, the steering gear and it's relationship to the pittman arm , Tie rod and steering arms, along with the path for your steering shaft coming forward from the column to the connection with the gear box input shaft should all remain "Fluid" until all of the clearances issues have been thoroughly looked at and worked out. As I mentioned before find a late 70's CJ and take a look at the factory setup...........your's will not be exactly the same but it will help you see how things are routed.

 

It can an has been done. You would have to fabricate or have fabricated a power steering pump mount and depending on your pulley style locate a wider pulley for the pump or go to the narrower pulley (uses a standard width automotive belt vs. the wide one used on some) but it can be done.

 

No I don't want to fab up anything for power steering. I don't see a need in it just yet. I'll just deal with the manual steering.
My question probably could have been stated "is there a better manual steering setup using the Ford box?"

 

Herm's is the only game in town using the Ford box. There is a reason for that.
And any conversion is going to require some amount of fab work.

 

My set up is a manual Saginaw box from a later CJ. The Advance Adapters mount worked great for it, and with the ratio, it steers fine even when aired down. It's not for high speed wheeling, due to the number of turns lock to lock, but it works for me. I just didn't want any extras onboard. I didn't do power brakes for the same reason, went with discs and a manual master cylinder.