Herm's Ford Sreering conversion VS Stock Ross

I have been thinking of converting my stock Ross steering system (which is in like new condition with no play) to Herm's Ford reverse rotation manual steering set up. I have a 1965 CJ5 with a 134 F Head and it will require modification to the front motor mount and to the bottom radiator hose attachment port at the radiator. I'm just not sure if I will see enough improvment over what I have to make it worth the expense and permanent modification of my JEEP. Does anyone have before and after experience with this conversion?

Thanks

 

Two threads came up with a quick search. Seems like a mixed bag of results. Personally the Saginaw system is tried and true which is why I went with it.

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?65783-saginaw-steering-vs-reverse-ford&highlight=Herm+steering+system

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?49598-Herm-s-power-steering-kit-pics&highlight=Herm+steering+system

 

(My Son will be starting to drive next year and I want every thing to be as safe and solid as possable. Just over protective I guess.) I have no personal experience with either Herm's kit or A Saginaw conversion. It's just that over the years I've read that these coversions offered considerable improvment over the stock Ross system. If they don't out perform A properly maintained Ross system I'm not in the market and would be happy to keep it stock.

 

My take is if your Ross system is in good shape then run it. If it needs a bunch of parts and or rebuilding I'd consider swapping to Saginaw. I'm not a fan of Herm's steering system due to the myriad of issues encountered trying to make it work. Just my opinion.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I'm thinking "if it ain't broke don't fix it."

 

If you do the swap, I'd be interested in your Ross box.

 

My thought is if your stuff is in good shape and not running huge tires, run it. I did a snaggy swap and it is a good upgrade but my junk was wore out and everything needed replaced or rebuilt.

 

Stick with the stock setup and keep it in good shape and it will be fine. i have a stock '67 with ross, a 3B I converted to Saggy, and am in the process of finishing my herm kit on my 59 cj6. lots of work!

 

Thanks. I'm making an order to Walcks as we speak. Needed new steering gear gasket and seal. Opened up the housing for inspection and found wear on the sector shaft nubs, ordering Carl's Sector Shaft Repair Kit and while every thing is lose may as well install a Bell crank kit.