saginaw steering vs reverse ford

First off glad this site is back up and running.

Just wondering if there is and advantage to running a saginaw power steering setup or a reverse ford power steering setup. Which is better?

 

Pretty sure that the Ford conversion using Herm's bracket does not require welding. <checked - no welding> The Saginaw setup puts the gear out on the end of the frame horn, and in terms of the forces, has more issues. Jeep chose the Saginaw route, but they redesigned the front crossmember to support the new steering. The Saginaw conversion has a lot of potential for bad design and execution, with Herm's conversion not so much.

 

thank you, have been looking at herms unit for awhile and i think it just seems more simple than the saginaw (which i do not know to be true) and for some reason just makes more sense in my head.

 

Cons of Saginaw, already mentioned, more force on the end of the frame, welding required, harder to move axle forward, possibility of poor installation, less room for pto winch mounting.
Cons of reverse Ford, box not as readily available (limited # of vehicles to get one from), makes a cramped engine bay that much more cramped. The last is a huge issue for me.

Personally I prefer Saginaw as there is much more leeway in how to mount the box and gear box availability with different ratios, strength, etc. Also, if you are adding power steering the frame in front of the crossmember should be strengthened anyway as the spring mounts hang out there and any kind of power steering will add more stress in that area by trying to push the axle sideways. Doing Saginaw just forces you to strengthen an area that needs it anyway.

 

I don't think Herm's will work with a 4 cyl. because the engine mounts will be in the way. He didn't say what engine he had.

 

x2
what Nick said

 

Don't let the need for welding sway your decision, as any reputable shop that deals with Jeeps has probably done more steering conversions then any other single upgrade. X2 the above mentioned need to strenghten the frame horns as you need to remember that these Jeeps came stock with about 28" tall narrow tires. Look at it as a chance to buy more tools to make future repairs yourself. Money spent on Welders and Plasma cutterers will come back many times over if you learn to do these repairs yourself.

 

Saggy conversion is simpler. I run it on My 3b and like it. x3 on a cramped engine compartment with Herms kit but makes it possible to run a Ramsey PTO winch, that's why I'm running it on my cj6 (actually in the process fitting it in) Also having trouble running a his kit with a :v6: and factory manifolds but it will work. And as for being able to move the axle forward I don't thik so. I slid my ford box as far forward as possible and my short tie rod end still crosses over my long tie rod.

 

My experience with Herm's conversion has been very frustrating. Have a 67 Chevv 283 in my M38 and am doing Herm's conversion on mine (believe that is what he has for engine in his). Been frustrating all the way as far as clearance goes. Power steering mounts on the bottom of the block. Would not fit because of clearance and was told to make a bracket to raise it up a few inches. Did that only to find that now the belt hits edge of steering box so was told to simply add an idler pulley. Have found this installation very frustrating because of the clearance issues and am about to give up and go with the saginaw conversion.

 

unfortunately, no two Jeeps are ever the same when it comes to a steering conversion.
it's not for everybody as the amount of fab work required can be extensive.
I still believe that Saginaw is the only way to go as it gives the installer more options.

 

I like the Idea Of Herm's kit, it is a good idea if you have the room, much stronger mounting location, and also tucked up out of harms way. But does take some finagling to make it work in some cases.

 

Definately going with the saginaw system, thanks guys. Just saaw the system at herms and thought hey this might be a great idea, but guess thats why we have these boards. But i don't wanna knock herm either, he has great service and alot of great products as well.

 

Well said, good luck with your conversion!