Need power steering?

Need power steering?
L

littleblue

Jeeper
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Location
Boring, OR
Vehicle(s)
2004 Ford Ranger 4x4
Now, I see people talking about installing power steering, but my question is...is it nessasary? I retrofitted power steering onto a 4x4 '69 half-ton ford cause it was just a pain to drive it, but CJs are much lighter. With a 6" lift, 35/13/15 tires, and a honkin AMC 304 V8 i could understand it but stock with an I6?

Also, for a CJ5 , can you get a power steering other than a worm-gear type? I personaly hate the dull feeling, thats why I ask.
 
littleblue said:
Now, I see people talking about installing power steering, but my question is...is it nessasary? I retrofitted power steering onto a 4x4 '69 half-ton ford cause it was just a pain to drive it, but CJs are much lighter. With a 6" lift, 35/13/15 tires, and a honkin AMC 304 V8 i could understand it but stock with an I6?

Also, for a CJ5 , can you get a power steering other than a worm-gear type? I personaly hate the dull feeling, thats why I ask.
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Hell yeah It's worth it! Add some bigger tires, drag it off road, and It's worse. It's one of the best upgrades I have ever done to my 7. My "jeep experience" is much enhanced!:cool: A power box won't have that dull feeling, and It will react quick and tight If all your steering components are up to snuff.
 
I like everything simple. If the jeep is stock with stock tires and you are driving 10 mph or faster there is no need for power steering. At parking lot speeds manual PS is inconvienient. Rock crawling in 4WD low is a real pain with manual steering.
 
Even with stock tires, if you off road at all you will want power steering.
If you are only on the road you can get away without it, but it sure is nice.
 
Old Dog said:
Even with stock tires, if you off road at all you will want power steering.
If you are only on the road you can get away without it, but it sure is nice.
Click to expand...
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Especially when those old shoulders cranking away on the wheel are in less than "mint condition" :D
 
coldwater said:
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Especially when those old shoulders cranking away on the wheel are in less than "mint condition" :D
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Hey now I resemble that remark.gerg.png
 
My Scrambler is manual steering and the CJ7 is power. World of difference. Power all the way if you even think of going slow off-road. I'll be converting the Scrambler soon. I dont even understand why power brakes and steering were optional still in the 80s.
 
littleblue said:
Also, for a CJ5 , can you get a power steering other than a worm-gear type? I personally hate the dull feeling, thats why I ask.
Click to expand...

As for your next question: I don't know of any steering that will give you better feel and feedback than the worm gear type. Rack and pinion steering is preferred in sports cars for the feedback but I have never heard of anyone trying to install rack and pinion on a CJ. Actually, I can't imagine you would need (or notice) the difference when off-roading.
 
Drove mine for 18 years with the stock Ross box and linkage; on and off road... Didn't appreciate an upgrade until I drove a buddies '69 with a manual Saginaw conversion... Needless to say I was convinced, but did the Saggy P/S conversion in '98 and haven't looked back! Works great on and off road; better feel, controlability and overall convenience. Plus, the wife likes it!!:D More than worth it for anyone NOT looking for a true resto...
 
Well, who am I to question that kind of unanimous decision? Once again my blue-oval-only knowledge has failed me again. where do I start? Is there a company that makes after-market CJ5 power steering kits, or do I steal one off another rig and do a little retrofitting?

PS: Thanks a ton for all your prompt, knowledgeable answers. Y'all are makin this project a reality.
 
One way Ive seen it done is the old Ebay conversion. Someone grabs it off a parts Jeep and sells everything as a package deal. Ive seen that go for around $AMC 150 . Only problem is your getting 20 - 30 yr. old parts most likely. But buying all new , good chunk of change. Depends on your budget. New steering box alone is $300 usually.
 
Just poke around till you find a part out going on. Craigslist and ebay are great places to get started. Buy as cheap as you can, cause you never know how hard they have been used, and you will need the cores just in case you have to buy a rebuilt unit. In my experience, I usually get good units from a part out, and they work just fine. Trust me, you are gonna love that conversion!
 
littleblue said:
Ok, so you say an old jeep....like a newer CJ or a JK or what? What'd work on a CJ5 ?
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Well, We have no idea, because we have nothing to go on. You never told us anything about your jeep! Take a minute to go into your profile and add some information about what it is, what year, any mods that have been done, engine, tranny, Transfer Case , front and rear axles, lift, etc..That way we know what you are starting with, and can help you.
 
Hey all. im new to the jeep family. just purchased a 73 CJ5 with AMC 304 and bigger wheels and tires. the wife loves it but first thing said was need power steering. so, tell me guys what all do i need. am somewhat of a mechanic but mostly been restoring camaros. somebody help get me started.
 
Ran 33x14.50x15 super swamper tsl's on a '79 CJ5 with no power steering
and it was quite easy to drive.
That being said driving down the road and hit standing water was FUN,
it would almost rip the steering wheel from my hand if not paying attention
this at 45mph. A woman wouldn't stand a chance, no offense ment.
 
I've had two CJ5 's over the years. One with power steering, and one without. Don't get me wrong, its a nice thing to have sometimes, but unless you got some massive super swamper tires, I don't think its worth going through the hell of installing an aftermarket unit.
 
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Power steering? All signs point to "Yes".

Power brakes? No, IMO
 
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