Herm's Steering/Headers Question

I have a '67 CJ5 with the dauntless 225 that I inherited and started rehabbing, but it has sat for the past few years because I, and my buddy with tons of fabricating skills, couldn't figure out the steering shaft part of the conversion. I bought Herm's kit along with a reverse dump exhaust manifold for the driver side. Thought this would make things easier, but not so much. Still requires a lot of fab work. I know this has been covered on other threads on here, but I have one more question.

So, I'm wondering if anybody on here knows if there's a brand of header that will allow me to do less fab work with Herm's kit? I know Sanderson and Novak make headers that may work. But before I drop the money on it, I just want to make sure if they'll allow me to run a straight shaft with a couple of u-joints and avoid all the zig-zagging fab work other folks have done? Any feedback is appreciated.

 

fender well headers clear up the whole area for shaft
we have a section for steering swaps

 

If you still have the stock column that is going to be converted over to a forward mount gear box that length or at least how much it protrudes through the firewall before a u-joint is added and at what angle will help you get around that rear dump cast iron manifold or fenderwell exit header.............they kinda have to be done together while you still have the opportunity to change or modify each part........also keep in mind from the factory the V6 was offset about an inch to the drivers side , which further complicates that piece of real estate where your working...................... plan ahead before you start cutting.

Herms's Reverse Ford steering conversion?

 

The intermediate CJs ('72-'75) had a column with a u-joint at the base of the firewall that is a bolt-in using the lower firewall mount. Even the steering wheel is the same. Its a lot easier than modifying the original Ross shaft. Early Postal Jeeps also has a nice column for the swap.
Fenderwell headers usually free up all the space you will need to route the steering past the engine up to a Saginaw box behind the front bumper.
-Donny

 

First off, thanks. And I couldn't find a separate section on steering swaps. Last I'd checked, this website was down. It's been a while since I've been on here. But I have done plenty of searches and read a lot about Herm's swap. It was hard just to find the right parts to set it up. I didn't realize how hard it would be.

I think I found headers that run outside the frame rail that will open up space for a straight steering shaft and won't get in the way of where the master cylinder is on the frame. I am not reusing the original steering column or wheel. I already pulled an old column out of a 80's Jeep Cherokee, but I'm thinking of buying a new column from Flaming River or another company that will be an easier bolt in application. Or as suggested, look for a column from a '72-'75 CJ. I'm also thinking that with a straight steering shaft, I can run a rag joint at the box instead of a u-joint, which is a lot easier to find. I opted for a new steering column and wheel because I'm 6'5" and altered the body/wheel well a little to allow me to move the seats back so I can fit. But I still have the original column to use for reference. Thanks for the tip.

The steering conversion routing for Herm's setup just threw me and my buddy for a loop. We managed a front axle swap from a 27 to a 30 with disc breaks and high steer kit, found all the parts for the steering pump, rebuilt the Dauntless, reinforced the front frame where there was a ton of rust which made running a Saginaw box impossible, moved the radiator over 1/2" just to make room for the steering box. Herm's kit was the only option if I wanted power steering, which I did want because I plan on running 33's and might even go up to 35's.

 

It's a thread for Saginaw Steering Swaps - may include some info about Herm's conversion Saginaw power steering (pics) please add yours!!