Manual to Power conversion

[Sbccj5]

Sorry if this has been addressed before, I have a 1980 CJ5 that, when new was a base 4 cylinder with manual steering. I have since dropped a sbc into it and am now wanting to upgrade to power steering.

Hopefully someone here has done this before, and can lead me in the right direction. Other than the obvious things like steering gear box and the pump, what all else needs to be changed to make this something even my wife and daughters can steer?

Do I have to change the column, shaft, all the mounting brackets for the gear box etc...?

I have the pump brackets but the rest is what I'm going to have to source and would like to purchase this stuff only once so I'm needing some guidance.

Thanks!!

 

[caveman]

You have to change the column shaft as they are different. The frame mount and pitman arm should be the same.

 

[Sbccj5]

I was wondering about the mounts. I never saw anything that labeled them as either power or manual. Just the column shaft then, thanks!!

 

[hagar]

Column shaft should be okay. Just replace the bell coupler with one for power steering. Only difference is shaft diameter where it enters the coupler.
The pitman arm will have to be changed as well.
Larger shaft diameter at the box end.
One of the box mounting brackets may have to be changed; I believe it is one of the support/tie in brackets.

 

[RiverandSand]

Save yourself some hassel and buy the one piece PS gear mount kit from Morris or Qtech. The stock brackets are fine for stock tires and no lifts but most jeeps aren't kept that way. I also installed the cross brace kit, should keep the PS gear from moving around.
If you haven't got the PS gear yet look for a unit from H1 hummer, they are getting harder to find but are a good replacement for the CJ.

 

[jp360cj]

Yes, you will need to replace the pitman arm with a power steering arm. Depending on what box you use, you may not have to swap the steering shaft or coupler. For example, a full size jeep power steering box has the same input shaft as a CJ manual steering box. I personally prefer a variable ratio box over a factory CJ p/s fixed ratio. The FSJ boxes are variable and would be a good choice if your steering shaft has already been replaced. Other popular swaps are H1 boxes and Dakota/Durango boxes.

Keep in mind that Saginaw switched from SAE flare fittings on their lines to Metric o-ring fittings. IIRC the switch was made in 1980. Decide (and acquire) the box then get the matching pump. Good news with the ABC is that jeep used the same same Saginaw pump, so you should be about to use common Chevy brackets.


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