Conversion of Bullnose to power steering

My '72 Commando currently has manual steering. I am thinking of changing to power steering. Can anyone tell me if there is a bracket that goes between the frame and the steering gear for the power steering? Also what changes if any would be required to the steering column?

Thanks,

Dave

 

I second the picture taking.
I can snap a few myself.

 

The bracket is the same for power or manual. You will need to change the rag joint on the steering shaft, PS has a larger input.

 

The power and manual brackets are different, but either steering gear will bolt to either bracket. The manual gear has three bolts that hold the steering gear to the bracket, while the Jeep power steering has four. If you bolt a Jeep power steering gear to a manual steering gear bracket, you can only use three bolts - there'll be a place on the gear for a fourth bolt, but not on the bracket.

The four bolt bracket is stronger, but you can add a steering gear brace (to the opposite frame rail) if you think the three bolt bracket won't be strong enough. I presume the 72-73 Commando steering gear brackets are the same as the 72-75 CJ, but I'm not certain. There's no aftermarket source for the four bolt steering gear brackets; the only source today is a wrecked Jeep with power steering.

 

Thanks for all the answers. I guess if the bracket is simple enough I could fabricate one. I could also go down on the lot and lay in the mud and check mine out. Are the ends for the rag joint available or can they be pieced together from the salave yard?

Dave

 

Maybe it's a difference in terms, but the Commando does not use a rag joint (by my definition of rag joint) according to the manual. A rag joint is used on the Wagoneer and J-truck; it has a replaceable rubber disk, like a section of tire. The CJ and Commando use what I call a flex coupling and a U-joint. The lower joint (flex coupling) is specific to the manual or power gear IIRC and a replacement is available from aftermarket sources (again IIRC). The right flex coupling should fit a power steering gear. I'm sure you can get a replacement for the flex coupling that will fit the power gear from Flaming River and such, but that would be expensive.

Look here http://www.c104.net/manual/Section_11.pdf at pages 12 and 13.

 

No difference in terms timgr, the correct one escaped me there for a minute. When I converted mine to power years ago I used pieces from a GM of some type. That was a few years ago so I don't recall what exactly I used but full size Jeep would work too. Further on the bracket, there was only one available. Stock Commando P/S box were only a three bolt.

 

Thanks for the document on the steering TIMGR. It was wonderfully complete. My wife is gone for the weekend and I was supposed to be building a deck. The weather is supposed to be bad so I think it is time to secure the space in the garage.



Thanks to all for the discussion.

Dave

 

thanks for taking the pics - i might be doing the same conversion (after i fix the wiring...)