Steering Conversion

Okay, so I have been to the Tech Library several times and checked previous threads but now I am even more confused. I have my 1969 frame out to the sand blaster and will be prepping it for the engine and tranny / T-Case reintsallation soon. I'd like to put this back together right the first time, even if it means taking longer than I'd like.

I have seen several posts that talk about what a lousy set up the Ross Steering box is, and that you should switch over to a Saginaw Set up if possible. I have the F134, so power steering isn't an option. Does / did Saginaw steering make a manual box that is a somewhat simple installation on the CJ5 without cutting the front crosssmember (it appears some of you have accomplished this swap without cutting the CM)? I am not the worlds greatest mechanic or machinist, and when I look at the discussions in the tech library I can't seem to figure that out. My situation is further complicated by the fact that I also have a Koenig Winch that occupies the majority of the space between the frame rails forward of the front cross member so I may not be able to install a Saginaw set up there anyway (not to mention the PTO Shaft that drives the winch which may complicate the steering linkage situation).

Long story short, if you were in my shoes, would you settle for rebuilding the Ross Set-Up and settle for that? Or, would you go replace it with a Saginaw (Manual if there is such a thing) set up, and is that possible in my situation? I went to Herm's site as well a Novak Conversions, but with my limited knowledge I don't know what the heck I am looking for.

Thanks for your help and your patience. Merry Christmas to all of you.

Ranger

 

if you don't have the room for the box up front, and you want to keep the winch, and you're not a fabricator, then rebuild what you have. It'll do just fine.
that's my opinion.

 

I have the original Ross box in mine, and although it is tough to parallel park and a workout on the trail, it goes down the road nice and straight. I have the Saginaw parts standing by, but the Ross hasn't given me any real reason to switch, other than the desire for power steering.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

This is what I did Worked very well


http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60621

http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/steering/saginaw/saginaw.php

 

Shoot me an email, once I get my power steering conversion finished, I'll give ya the manual steering box out of my '80 CJ-5, as I recall I bought and installed it 5 or 6 years ago, it's in great shape. I'll even include the mounting brackets, pay shipping and it's yours soon as it's off the Jeep.

 

Thanks for all the advice everyone. PsychoJeeper, that's a very generous offer. I shot you an email as per your instructions. My Brother-In-Law is quite a good mechanic and fabricator, hopefully we'll be able to make it work on my 1969.

Ranger

 

Just FYI - your question belongs in the Early CJ-5 forum (54-71), not in the Intermediates forum (72-75 and later). No big deal, but you'll get a better response there. The mods might move your thread.

 

Thanks Timgr. I realized my mistake after my initial posting, but couldn't figure out how to move it into the Early CJ5 Forum and out of the Intermediate Forum (as a user can I even do that?).

 

Nope, I don't think you can. Usually the mods will do it for you, or you can send a request to ... not sure if there's a moderator mailbox ... Sparky or Bill or whoever. <edit> Try the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the forum.

 

Ranger,
just got your email, (junk filter picked it up) and let yas know the details on it. Good luck with the project.

"Airborne, all the way!"

 

Here is my setup. It is manual and works well. The shaft is over the top of the motor mount.
Tommy

 

if tire clearence is not an issue you can use a box that mounts outside the frame like a scout or blazer.

 

Herm the overdrive guy makes a kit to mount a ford box behind the front cross member. I'm going this route because I too am running a PTO winch and have no room out front. It's a lot of work, and it depends on what your end resalt is that you want. My dad has a 67 with the stock steering and I think it''s fine for the most part now that the bell crank has been rebuilt etc. I'm running a manuel saggy box on my 3b and it works nicely.

 

I have Herm's P/S kit on my 69 and it is incredible. I've been running it now for a year and one finger steering through sand.

 

I put power steering on the F-head and it seems to be working fine so far. Haven't had it on the trail since I put it on but don't foresee any problems. It's been great parking around town.

 

Power steering of the F-head? Would love to see what you did for a pump bracket...pics?

 

A little crude but that's my best mode. I thought I'd put these photos up before but I guess not.

I used a lot of left over racing parts: used power steeling pump was either a Sweet or Speedway Motors from an old race car (basically the same pump from an older VW Golf or such but with the fitting holes re-tapped - may have been re-valved); small aluminum tank; fittings and hoses; and parts of old brackets that had been laying around for a while .

View from the back:



View from the top/front:



The alignment isn't perfect but I figure for such low RPM it's won't be an issue. The big pulley helps slow it down, as well. It's mounted to the cylinder head using existing head bolts. Hope this helps.

 

How did you route the linkage from the column(I want to use the original column) to the steering box. That is my hold up at this time. Pictures would really help. Thanks.

 

This is a zombie thread... 10 years since last post.

 

Here are some photos from a recent thread from Warloch.

Manual Saginaw In A 3b - Stock Steering Wheel