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Adding power steering to a 75...how difficult?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by springerfever, Sep 30, 2007.

  1. Sep 30, 2007
    springerfever

    springerfever Member

    suwanee, ga
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    Aug 1, 2005
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    273
  2. Sep 30, 2007
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    The pump and the steering gear are generic - just about any Saginaw pump and gear will work, so coming off a 258 is nothing special.

    Some here have had difficulty adapting just a power steering bracket and pulley to their 258, because they didn't match their existing parts. Unless you can be 100% sure that the brackets and pulley match your engine (ie waterpump, crank pulley, alternator brackets and pulley), I'd suggest you get all those parts and the PS parts from the same engine.

    The Jeep in the picture is a '76 or later - look at the frame bracket - so chances are good the parts won't work unless you have everything from the front of the engine.
     
  3. Sep 30, 2007
    coby61

    coby61 Stupidiotic Member

    Prunedale CA
    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2004
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    388
    Considering changing to power steering myself after this last trip to Tellico.
    I think at $125 I would do it but I think I would look for something closer than CA if I had to pay shipping.
    I got a full PS setup off a Waggy from friend for FREE! Bracket for the 360 will not work with the 304 stock air pump though but I will keep looking for the correct bracket.

    Coby
     
  4. Sep 30, 2007
    JeepTherapy

    JeepTherapy Sponsor

    Negaunee, Michigan
    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2006
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    695
    I found a local guy with a YJ he was parting out. I picked up all the parts for the front of the motor and the gearbox for something like $25. Unfortunately I have a V8. I used the box for a core and bought a new one. They are not that expensive. I recall something under $150. I ended up making my own brackets for the pump. That was also very easy. They don't look cobbled but if you look very close you can tell they are not factory. I couldn't find a pic of it on my web server, but the brackets aren't that hard to make. But I would think the parts for a 6 cyl much easier to come by. Just make sure you get the same style pump and gearbox. One uses O rings, one uses flairs. Also, like Tim said, grab all the front motor parts. I am not very well versed on the interchangeability between all the 6s but would think that XJ or YJ parts would also work?
     
  5. Sep 30, 2007
    JeepHammer

    JeepHammer New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2007
    Messages:
    22
    I just did this on a couple of jeeps around here, and here are a couple of tips that might be interesting...

    FSJ, especially J-Trucks, used variable rate power steering boxes.
    CJ's and early wagons used single rate boxes.

    The Truck boxes are heavier duty than the CJ boxes.

    Be sure to get the steering arm and drag link from what ever jeep you swipe the knuckles out of!
    this will save you some effort!

    The early box brackets were cast, the later ones were stamped material that was welded.
    The cast brackets are stronger, but heavier and bolts like to rust into and twist off in them.

    About any AMC/Jeep box will fit another AMC/Jeep vehicle.
    If you use the variable rate box out of an S-10, ect., expect one or more bolt holes to be missing or not line up...
    Some fabrication may be required on the bracket, so the stamped/welded bracket is better for these.

    I don't remember the year break overs, but there are two different types of hoses, 'O' ring and compression fitting.
    You can have custom hoses made, but they are a little more expensive.
    .................

    Benefits of going to power steering,
    Jumping to power steering will allow you to use a hydraulic winch!
    Nothing like a hydraulic main winch!
    As effective as PTO without the linkage restrictions!

    You can add a hydraulic ram for steering assist if you decide to go stupid big on tires/lift.
     
  6. Sep 30, 2007
    garbageman

    garbageman Member

    Lexington, SC
    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2006
    Messages:
    417
    If your a 258 the PS for 74 and some 75 were setup for passenger side. When I did mine I got the pump and box from a 83 CJ5, found a PS bracket (and pump) for an 1974 AMC something on EBAY from a passenger side. Most AMC's in that era that had power steering, had it on the passenger side. Simple bolt on application after that.

    I did box and plate the front frame ends and braced the box to strengthen. It is amazing to drive after that, almost odd.

    $100 for pump and box
    $35 for ps bracket and spare pump
    $20 for custom hoses made up local

    Didn't have to but upgraded to Flaming River steering shaft with u joints on both ends. Good luck!
     
  7. Sep 30, 2007
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    I don't think there's anything preventing you from using the brackets with the pump on the driver's side, if you get everything you need from the engine. My 258 pickup has power steering, on the driver's side, and it looks like a very simple arrangement.
     
  8. Sep 30, 2007
    garbageman

    garbageman Member

    Lexington, SC
    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2006
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    417
    :iagree: If you get everything from the front of the donor engine. PS brackets for AMC 258 in that era are still easy to find. Search AMC websites, ebay and forums. The PS setup was the same in the AMC family on the 258 an I'm guessing the 232. With this bracket you can use almost any PS/Box combo and bolt to existing holes on the passenger side. No major surgery.
     
  9. Sep 30, 2007
    kbm

    kbm kbm

    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2003
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    19
    I have it on my 75. Drivers side, I have no problems with it.
     
  10. Sep 30, 2007
    garbageman

    garbageman Member

    Lexington, SC
    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2006
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    417
    Here is mine, I found a guy on ebay who had some AMC engine parts for sale from Javlins or gremlins all 258. Asked about PS bracket and twin groove pulley. Bingo.

    [​IMG]
     
  11. Sep 30, 2007
    garbageman

    garbageman Member

    Lexington, SC
    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2006
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    If you want to do a complete PS upgrade I'm pulling a 258 from a 74 Full Size Jeep with a PS setup. I need the core as a winter rebuild project the PS is yours if you want. Passenger side setup. Let me know.
     
  12. Oct 2, 2007
    springerfever

    springerfever Member

    suwanee, ga
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2005
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    garbageman, thanks for the offer.

    Currently, my set-up is alternator on passenger side and plenty of room for power steering on right. The seller is going to send me some more detailed pictures, so we'll see. He did say he was going to include all the extras. Converting from manual to power steering; does that require a new pitman arm? Thanks
     
  13. Oct 2, 2007
    springerfever

    springerfever Member

    suwanee, ga
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2005
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    here are some pictures of my 75.........looks very similar to the e-bay setup....
     
  14. Oct 2, 2007
    Strider380

    Strider380 Can I have a zip tie?

    New England
    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2006
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    1,117
    Yes it does require a new pitman arm.
    Wow...if I wanted to put power steering on my drivers side, I would have a bit of drilling and tapping to do. Looks like yours is already tapped and ready. I am in the proccess of putting mine on the passengers side. It was very simple, all the threaded holes I needed were there. Its the pressure hose I can find anywhere. You need one thats 30 inches or something. I can't even find someone to make it.
     
  15. Oct 2, 2007
    garbageman

    garbageman Member

    Lexington, SC
    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2006
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    Yep. Springfever nice clean engine bay. Should be easy if you get all the parts. It can be a bear if you have to switch sides. Thats when you have to swap and modify lots of parts. Are you getting the crank pulley?

    Strider380, I have a guy here in town that makes them for about $25. He just needs to know the fitting size, length and if they are o-ring or flare. Uses hydraulic hose with 4 to 1 burst rate. Lots of places on the web also in the $20 to $40 price range.
     
  16. Oct 7, 2007
    DocsCJ5

    DocsCJ5 73 CJ5

    Northern CA
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    Jul 5, 2006
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    For my 1973 CJ5 AMC 304 that originally had manual steering, we took the parts off of a 1980 Jeep Wagoneer that had a 360. The p/s pump and gear box bolted right on and I was even able to find a steering box brace that fit correctly. The real problem was that there was minimal clearance under the radiator for the p/s hoses so I ended up having a shop make custom hoses to make it work. The end result is perfect. The jeep drives great on the highway and drives better on dirt. It is probably the most worthy improvement I have made on the jeep thus far. Doc
     
  17. Oct 8, 2007
    springerfever

    springerfever Member

    suwanee, ga
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2005
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    273
    Thanks for everyones responses. I was outbid on the E-bay power-steering offer so the search continues. From what everyone has said, it seems vitally important to get the WHOLE setup, not just bits and pieces. Once again, my jeep is a 75/258 and I am looking for a drivers-side pump arrangement. Alternator is already on passengers side and works perfectly. If anyone runs across a set-up like this please let me know.

    In the meantime, I've already ordered a new suspension. 1 inch lift Rancho springs, RS9000 shocks all around and new polyurethane body mounts. Replacing a 32 year-old suspension should help the ride quite a bit!!
     
  18. Oct 8, 2007
    coby61

    coby61 Stupidiotic Member

    Prunedale CA
    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2004
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    I will keep an eye out for power steering setup locally and call if you need help on the spring install and I think I have some extra stock bushings if you need them.
     
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