Power Steering Conversion

I am looking at converting a 1975 CJ5 (304, 3spd.) from manual to power steering. I don't know much about mechanic work, so can someone else tell me if this kit would be all I would need (other than the hoses)?

http://http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-CJ-complete-power-steering-set-up-76-86_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem5ad2458032QQitemZ390074826802QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I took the jeep to a guy today to look at tightening up the "road wander" and he said I would never get it to drive "good" unless I put power steering on it. Do yall agree with his statement?

If so, I am looking to purchase a kit like this one, in order to get everything I need to do the conversion. I have been reading and researching for several hours and was just looking for some feedback.

Thanks

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390074826802&viewitem=&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2&category=33588

Sorry, trying to get the link to work right.

 

I would check the jeep out before installing PS. PS might make it worse.

Lets start from the ground up:
What tire psi do you run? I like 23 on my 73.
How are your leaf springs?
Shocks?
Bushings? (gone, cracked, whatever)
Tie rod play? (up on a jack stand see if the tire moves side to side)
Ball joint play? (up on a jack stand see if the tire moves up and down)
Steering box play?
Mid shaft play?
Steering wheel play?

 

Lets start from the ground up:
What tire psi do you run? I like 23 on my 73.Not sure. Will check today. I just got it. 31x10.50 BFG All Terrains
How are your leaf springs?New Superlift 2.5" installed by PO.
Shocks?Came with the Superlift. Installed w/in One year ago.
Bushings? (gone, cracked, whatever)Not Sure
Tie rod play? (up on a jack stand see if the tire moves side to side)Will have to check
Ball joint play? (up on a jack stand see if the tire moves up and down)Again, will have to check
Steering box play?I can grab the shaft and turn it by hand and it corresponds to my steering wheel play. I can turn wheel maybe 1/4 turn with no movement underneath anywhere.
Mid shaft play? To the best of my knowledge, all joints are fairly tight.
Steering wheel play?

 

Figured I would post a few pics of my new jeep, even though it's not really related to this topic.

 

Bull****.

Nothing wrong with the Jeep manual steering other than it's manual steering.

The manual steering can be adjusted. Worn components and improper steering geometry (toe-in, caster) are almost certainly the source of the wander.

The bell coupler between the steering shaft and the steering gear is a common source of looseness.

 

I'm not an expert at working on these things, but evidently neither is the guy I took it to. Would it be easier to purchase a NEW steering box in order to get the play out or is this a waste of money at this point? When I turn the shaft by hand, the couplers don't have any play in them but the inside of the steering box is turning a lot before the tires start to move. He said the box couldn't be tightened anymore than it is now, which leads me to believe I might need a new one.

 

I would double check the adjuster.

The reason why I started from the ground instead of strait to the the box was: Theres a guy in town that has as 74 with a new lift, and tires (40+ psi). That combo he has with that psi every bump he hits he goes airborne. If he hits it at any side angle he is changing lanes in flight. He likes it like that he said.

BTW good lookin jeep!

 

If you decide to go with power steering make sure you have all the correct and non broken mounting brackets. Junk yards want over $100 just for the brackets and $75 for used pump and reservoir. The $75 for that used stuff maybe good even if you need a new steering box. I like the PSC box.

http://www.pscmotorsports.com/jeep-steering-gears-7279-cj-steering-gears-c-137_54_66.html

 

The Saginaw manual steering box has two adjustments: worm gear end play (bearing preload) and gear mesh. The little screw on top of the steering gear is the gear mesh, and that should be adjusted after the bearing preload is adjusted.

If you don't have the factory service manual, you should get it. Adjusting the steering gear is described there. You need to take the steering gear out of the car and adjust it on the bench, in the order specified in the manual.

If this is beyond you, you can exchange the steering gear for a remanufactured unit, and it should arrive already adjusted and ready to install.

 

I agree 100% with what Tim says because I have 2.5" lift springs and 33x9.50 BFG AT's and I went through and adjusted my steering and checked everything and I do not have any problems. You may also want to check the front shackles to make that they are tight and stiff. If you have any play in those front shackles it wil cause alot of steering issues while driving down the road. Easy way to test is have someone steer the jeep back and forth and look to see if the shackles lean to a steep angle.

Oh and fill in your location.....you may have a ECJ5 member in the local area that can help you out

 

Completely agree! Before I put the power steering in mine, the entire system was TIGHT and aligned except for the worn Ross box. Glad I did the upgrade for the "modernization"; but replacing/ rebuilding the Ross would've worked also.

 

Power steering is a great upgrade.

However, this is a '75 and equipped from the factory with Saginaw steering, whether manual or power. Jeeps from 1971 and earlier came from the factory with Ross steering, which has its own problems and is a completely different topic.

Manual Saginaw steering was used on many thousands of GM cars and trucks with completely satisfactory results. The ratio (ie number of turns lock-to-lock) is higher (aka slower) with a manual gear as opposed to power, but that's simply to make it easier for you to turn the tires when stopped or moving slow. Moving faster than a few miles an hour, the tracking and precision of the manual steering is likely better than power steering, since the manual gear will have better road feel than a power gear.

Now, these gears wear out after 40 years - but no more than a similar power steering gear. Heavy tires and rough usage likely contributes to wear, more wear than a passenger car. Steering gear technology has improved a lot in 40 years, and you may prefer to go with a modern power steering gear (the S-10 4x4 gear is popular) which will be more durable, have a variable turns ratio, and better road feel than period power gears. Jeep power steering from the era is highly boosted, which gives a light feel in parking lots and on trails, but has a very dead feel on the highway. Nothing wrong with it; it's just what people wanted from power steering in the day.

So, don't jump to any conclusions. The manual Saginaw steering is fine if it's in good repair and the lifted suspension was set up right (caster and toe-in). I suggest you sort out what you have, and when you get ready to upgrade, gather the pieces that you need.

 

The manual steering on my 74 is tight but one of the reasons I want to switch to power steering is so I can change out the stock bus style steering wheel for something a little smaller in diameter. Since I'm kind of a big guy the smaller wheel will give me a little more room in the drivers seat. R)

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

 

I have kept the Bus wheel in my 71 as a reminder to step away from the buffet sooner! I like the feel of saginaw manual steering, especially in the old cjs.

 

yep
I'm a distinguished member of that group
every trip

 

As said above, if the axle is set up correctly and your steering components are tight then you should not have any problems while driving it.

I don't even run a steering stabilzer anymore since I got all my problems sorted out. It drives great on the highway at 60~65 MPH. Thats with 4.5" of lift and 35" tires.

Also one thing not mentioned is check for hub bearing play. If the hub bearings are loose or worn it can cause driveability issues as well.

 

Haven't seen it mentioned but IIRC, the 72-75 CJs had a different PS box mount than the 76-up CJs.
I also recall these are a bit hard to find because they have a tendency to break.

Here is the AA steering page, and the only thing that is specific for a 72-75 is the steering shaft.

http://advanceadapters.com/index.php?1&p=view_category&category_id=34&offset=0

This plate might be the answer too, believe they are pointed more towards the '71 and older but believe it might clear the front cross member on the 72-75 too.

http://advanceadapters.com/product/2104/Saginaw-Power-Steering-Box-Mounting-Plate-for-Jeep.html

 

Your going to have to build your own steering box mount if you want to upgrade on '72-'75's, the stock ones won't last long if you wheel it hard and run larger tires. It's not that tuff to build with some 3/8's plate, a chop saw and a welder.