Power Steering Conversion start...

Started the saginaw power steering conversion on my '6' today. Along with the PS I'm adding a two hole passenger side knuckle and flip the tie rods to the top of the knuckles (plow frame issues).

I've had pretty much all the parts sitting on shelves and have been tossing the idea around for awhile. It didn't look like all that much work when I planned it in my head, but now that there are parts all over the garage floor (knuckle guts everywhere...not pretty) it kinda seems like a lot to do. I'm giving myself until Oct. 1st to get it all done. Gotta have it done for hunting season:driving:.

 

Finished the install of the two hole knuckle, went through the bearings and replaced the knuckle seals on both sides. The Ross box is out along with the bell crank and the rest of the linkage.

I have pretty much have everything mocked up. I just need to start mounting/welding. It doesn't look like I'm gonna have to knotch the motor mount or the front cross member. I will have to do something about the exhaust though. I'll try to get pics this afternoon.


I am having issues with the knuckle to knuckle tie rod.


later...

 

Well, I did say I'd add some pics, better late than never. The first is the two hole knuckle and it shows the one piece tie rod. The second shows the saginaw box, the mount, and the boxed frame all mocked up. The third shows the saginaw box and how far it hangs down. The fourth shows the outside rail and the fifth shows the hydrolic line routing.

 

Re: Power Steering ...

...and some pics of the steering shaft. The first is the floor bracket I made. I kinda copied McGruffs design or at least was inspired by it. I used the clamp from were the Ross box connects to the steering shaft tube and welded it to a steel plate. Works nicely. The second is the converted steering shaft. A friend turned a bushing, welded it to the shaft and tapped it for a grease fitting. The third is the steering wheel and tube...just because I guess and the forth shows the bracket and tube.

Since these photos I added a brace from the saggy box to the passenger side frame rail. I used a fence clamp and a modified radiator support rod.

The whole process took a lot longer than I expected and I still have a few things to tiddy up. But WOW. I've always been happy with my Ross steering, but this is so nice. Not just steering, but how it handles is completely different.

 

That floor clamp Idea is great. I think I will copy it. Did you find there was a lot of flex before the steering box brace? Mine is significant. WHat is that box mounting bracket from IIMA?

 

All parts were sourced from a '70 Commando. So it was pretty much a bolt up job in regards to the PS pump, saginaw box, bracket, and the two hole nuckle. Before anyone gets down on the parting of the Commando, it served more people better in death than it could have in any life it had left.

As for flex, yes there was and still is a little flex. The brace help considerably, but there is still some. I'm still noodling on some fixes. I should point out too that I was able to retain the front dump driver side exaust.

 

Can you post some more info (and pics) of the lower shaft, from the column to your box? Did you have to use a spud shaft?

Thanks,

Jon

 

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No spud shaft used. The shaft was the stock set-up with the bell coupling on the steering box side and the universal type joint on the steering column end. I did have to grind a small groove in the motor mount for clearence, probably less than 1/4".

The bell joint/coupling fits under the front cross member without any issue. Someday I may upgrade the joints on the shaft, but for now these seem to be working fine and they cost me $0 . I'll try to get some more detailed picks, but with everything bolted back up I doubt I'm gonna be able to.