Saginaw Steering...what am I gonna need?

I've done about a weeks worth of reading on steering conversions & decided the Saginaw was probably the best way to go...here's a couple pics of where I'm starting...





I haven't tried collecting parts yet because I have a few questions...from what I've read, I should avoid o-rings & stick with flare fittings?
I'm also wondering if I'd be better off just buying re-manufactured (Napa???) vs. one from a junkyard...if I get one from a junkyard, what's the easiest way of getting it out? Will I need a BFH & pickle fork or a gear puller type tool on the pitman or is it best to disconnect at the tie rod?? If I need a puller, what size jaw? The only one I'm finding at Napa looks like it's a four bolt as opposed to a three...which I don't understand, because some of the posts I've read say I should look for a three bolt mount??? I know I need to get a mount for the pump & that'll probably come from U-pull-it, but I'm at a loss when it comes to tie rods...nothing I've looked at or fixed on this Jeep seems to be configured in original condition...if I had another vehicle to haul my butt to & from work, I'd try to figure it out on my own...this post probably doesn't make much sense because I've had a couple of beers....but can this be done over a weekend??? If it matters, I put a Mustang II rack & pinion in a 41 Chevy a few years before "the internet"...it didn't seem so complicated back then...Any guidance will be greatly appreciated...

 

Seeing that you don't have an F-134 I suggest you first determine whether or not you want power or manual.
Either way a Saginaw box will be your best choice.

 

Probably not a weekend job unless you had everything you needed setting there...........Steering gears....I prefer buying a rebuilt gear just from the standpoint you know what you have ( it works and does not leak)........There are numerous gear rebuilders out there that can custom tailor the gear ratio internally to suit your driving needs........either fast or slow.
GM Saginaw 800 4 bolt box is the HD gear box of choice and was pretty standard on most CJ's starting around the late 70's through the eighties. You'll have to buy or build a mount that goes on your drivers side front frame rail along with boxing the frame at that side..........most while up there box both sides of the front frame rails...........You can get standard cross over tie rods that will fit your Dana 25 or 27 front end........check with Parts Mike he is up the road from you on Hiway 80.
Your steering column will also need to be modified.............as right now it exits into the old Ross steering gear.........it will need to be shortened , a bearing installed at the base and a series of shafts and perhaps 2 U-joints added to get it forward to the new steering gear...........

Setting up the proper location for the steering gear is probably the most important thing to consider.....taking into account the Pittman arm length & height , the angle it will need to be installed at to intercept the steering shaft from the column and getting hydro lines routed into the engine compartment................lots of little things that need to be addressed to get the proper geometry set. Not easy and Not hard!

 

Thanks Tarry...I didn't know about parts mike...I probably shouldn't have posted because I was a bit deep into an 18 pack yesterday...I'll get it figured out. I think I'm just gonna go browse around U-pull-it this morning after I take a few measurements & see if I can't brainstorm something up that I'll be able to cobble together. While I'm there maybe I can go ahead & take the first step of getting a pump/mount...

 

bests bet is find a double hole right steering knuckle off a older wagoneer . helps with steering linkage

 

I knew there was something I wasn't thinking about...thanks twin. 8)

 

Not trying to hijack, but if you find more than one of those RH double-hole knuckles, let me know...I've been looking for one as well.

-WRM

 

A 2 hole knuckle is absolutely the best way to go. Those were also used on the Willys wagons, probably the pickups, and the FC's. Doesn't matter if it came from a D25, 27, or 44-all the closed knuckles will interchange.

 

Try a WTB on one of the Wagoneer sites, like ifsja.org or fsjnetwork.com ... the 27 or 30 from an early Wagoneer is a throw-away part, unless it's a restoration.

 

Here is another option without needing to find a double hole RS knuckle........basic cross over steering system using the standard T-style offset steering TRE ............as seen here on a Dana 27 front end.
It's all about choices.........and your level of 4-wheeling. This system is still common on many rigs today running 1 ton + front axles.