convert ps to manual

This is probably a question you don't see often, but here goes. I recently bought a 1974 CJ5. I know the power steering pump is leaking and I strongly suspect the steering box is bad. I was thinking of just scrapping the power steering and going to manual steering, since I'm going to need a new box either way. What parts would I need to purchase (besides the new manual steering box), and is there anything else I would need to do?

 

The spline sizes of the inputs on the steering box are different. You'll need a new steering shaft to swap. The pitman arm is different as well. Those are the only things I've found different. A new pump is only about $40. The boxes are pretty close in price. I paid $150 for a lares box for our 78. Be aware they changed the fittings after 80. Late fittings use an oring. Early ones are compression.

John

 

John, you sure you need the shaft? I thought all you need is the different flex coupling.

The manual Saginaw steering gears aren't plentiful. I'd suggest you just pony up and fix the PS. You can exchange your power gear and pump at your FLAPS. Having PS on your Jeep makes it worth much more than the hundred bucks (at most) you might save by going manual, if you can find the parts. Everybody wants power steering...

Tell us more about your power steering problems. Why do you think the gear is bad?

 

It's not really a money issue. I'm just trying to simplify things and have one less thing to have to repair (power steering) in the future.

The reason I believe the steering gear box may be bad is the steering is...loose...for lack of a better term. It is overly sensitive and difficult to keep the vehicle going in a straight line down the road. It requires constant attention to keep it between the lines.

I did buy a remanfactured pump at my local Advance, and it was supposed to be correct for my year, but it looks completely different from the (leaking) pump that is currently on the vehicle. The pump I bought has the resivoir built into the pump, and the one currently on the vehicle has what looks like a stainless steel resivoir bolted on to the top of the pump. The mounting holes look different to me also.

Oh, the engine is a 304.

 

JMO - you'd be giving up a lot for a questionable increase in simplicity.

Try a different parts store. Look for an old-fashioned store with greasy floors and old guys behind the counter.

The pump for a '74 is a plain old Saginaw pump, with a black steel reservoir. Here's my '75 CJ-6 (a '74 will be the same):



The 6-cylinder is similar.

I'd also suggest that you put the front axle up on stands, and look carefully at the steering as it moves. Put someone in the driver's seat and have them move the wheel back and forth slowly, and look for where the sloppiness is. The flex coupler at the bottom of the steering shaft is a common location for wear, as is the steering box itself. You need to look at everything from the driver's hands to the pavement. Don't jump to conclusions - check it out carefully.

 

TImgr, the pump in your picture is the same as the one Advance gave me. The one on my Jeep looks different. Hmmm.

 

Hmmm, my jeep has all new ball joints, tie rods and drag links, a new steering box brace (which helped alot) and it still drives like that. I thought that was just how cj's drove... lol

IMO, I've had my steering pump go out before i had the big tires, and trying to steer off road without the PS was a bear, even with the school bus steering wheel. I couldn't imagine that the manual box would be too much easier to steer than a PS box with no pressure. PS is worth its weight in gold.


EDIT: My 304 has the same pump as Pictured.

 

Allright, I'll keep the power steering. Now to figure out what kind of pump some PO installed on my '74, since it appears to be different than what is supposed to be there.

 

I can take some better pics of the PS setup later today, if that will help.

 

can you take pics of your set-up ?

 

oh...and all you would need to convert back is:
manual box
manual pitman arm
manual bell coupler

 

Well I quickly realized that repairing the steering problems was going to be beyond my abilities so I took it to a mechanic I trust. He put it up on the rack today and I dropped by after work to hear the news. Turns out I need a new power steering pump (this I knew), steering gear box, tie rod ends, steering stabilizer, and something else (I forget). He also found a broken place in the front of the frame that needs to be welded. No wonder I couldn't keep it straight in the road! Looks like I bought a "project" jeep. ;-)

No worries, I expected to have to spend some money on it. Thanks for the advice so far. I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

 

Update:

My jeep is almost ready. Turns out the (leaking) PS pump that was installed was entirely the wrong one. I have the correct Saginaw pump but finding the right bracket has been difficult. George (George's Jeep Parts) finally hooked me up and I have one on the way, so I should have my Jeep back next week with a new pump, bracket, tie rod ends, steering gear, steering shaft coupler, stabilizer, and welded frame.

 

Good deal. I have spent close to $250 just on parts to convert mine TO power steering, and still don't have the correct pressure lines for it! Everything else lined up and good to go. Gonna check out that thread about building new lines later on.

 

How about this one?

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=PWR&MfrPartNumber=91578

 

While your checking things out be sure and check for spring hang slop and or u-bolts that may be loose.

 

I think you guys are right. I think you could replace just the coupler. The CJ we were looking at doing this on had a worn out u joint at the upper part of the shaft. Sorry for the confusion.

John