power steering conversion

[joe garland]

Hey Folks need some advice. I need to convert my 1981 CJ5 from manual steering to power. What year and model Jeep can I use to make the swap??

Thanks for the help,

Joe

 

[CJ]

Hey Joe and welcome to the site!

You'll need the PS pump and brackets from a V8 if you a AMC 304 and if you have a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l or a AMC 150 you can get a pump and brackets from either - they both work. Any year pump will work but depending on the age, the lines will be either o-ring or flanged. You just have to make sure you get the right pressure line.

You'll need a gear box and don't forget the bracket! You'll also need a new steering shaft coupling. -->> Power Steering Lower Shaft Coupler and Other Jeep Parts and Jeep Accessories by 4 Wheel Drive Hardware

Depending on the engine you may or may not need a lower pulley to drive the PS pump, and of course you'll need a belt.

This is a very easy swap and our member Coldwater just did this to his CJ7 .

I'm sure he will chime in here in just a bit when he see's this thread...

BTW - what CJ and what engine?

 

[coldwater]

Hi Joe! welcome to the site. I did indeed just finish the same conversion on my 78 / AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l -6, If you need any help just let me know. There were actually a couple things iI learned the hard way.

 

[joe garland]

Thanks to both of you. That was just what I needed!!

Joe

 

[Louisianacj5]

Is this all you will need? I have an 80 model CJ5 I am going to get a reman box and a saginaw pump for my 350 but as far as manual to power that is all I will need?

 

[CJ]

That is all, you may have to have a fitting or adapter made if you use a GM pump but all the gear box items are what is listed.

 

[joe garland]

Many Thanks again to all of you. Going to start this week on project

Joe

 

[BrockGrimes]

Hi Joe! welcome to the site. I did indeed just finish the same conversion on my 78 / AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l -6, If you need any help just let me know. There were actually a couple things iI learned the hard way.

Where did you source your parts?
List the parts you needed to go from manual to power?

 

[joe garland]

Brock, I'm still gathering info but I found two possable donars on Craiglist. One is a Grand cherokee, the other is a YJ. If you are in Clovis, check Tex. around Houston or along the Gulf coast. Jeeps die early sometimes with the salty climate. Let me know how you are coming along.

Joe

 

[coldwater]

Where did you source your parts?
List the parts you needed to go from manual to power?

sourced the parts from craigslist. got the box, pump and pump brackets, and ordered the new lines from a place on ebay that was cheaper than any I could find elsewhere. Aside from the arse ache of getting the bolts off the new PS gear box, the whole job only takes a couple hours. Very simple upgrade.

 

[BrockGrimes]

Brock, I'm still gathering info but I found two possable donars on Craiglist. One is a Grand cherokee, the other is a YJ. If you are in Clovis, check Tex. around Houston or along the Gulf coast. Jeeps die early sometimes with the salty climate. Let me know how you are coming along.

Joe

Did you find a list of what box's will fit the CJ?

btw, Not trying to hijack just asking questions that might help you and others also, LOL.

 

[CJ]

Did you find a list of what box's will fit the CJ?

I'm pretty sure just about any saginaw box fits. I got my old one off of a 75 Chevy mid size car. Don't remember which one exactly. The ratio may be a little weird and the hoses may require an o-ring or a flare... But I believe all the boxes use the same bolt pattern.

If I'm way off base here, someone please correct me...

 

[cjnut]

I'm pretty sure just about any saginaw box fits. I got my old one off of a 75 Chevy mid size car. Don't remember which one exactly. The ratio may be a little weird and the hoses may require an o-ring or a flare... But I believe all the boxes use the same bolt pattern.

If I'm way off base here, someone please correct me...

No need or correction, but I might add to look for a saganaw box that has the "76" stamped on it. That is the quick ratio box. Commonly used on camaro's and 70's Wagoneer models.

Bill

 

[BrockGrimes]

wagoneers huh, there are a few near me, I'll take a look and report back.
I wonder if I can use the entire system?

 

[cjnut]

wagoneers huh, there are a few near me, I'll take a look and report back.
I wonder if I can use the entire system?

I'm not sure about the pump mounting brackets for the Jeep 6cyl an earlier post said it will but it will work for the V8. You can use all that you want, pump, box, mounting brackets But I have never used salvage yard hoses just me I guess. Take the old hoses with you so you can match up the ends for your new hose If your Jeep has a bell coupler where the box connects to the steering shaft you will have to cut off the little nipple at the end of that box. (cut-off wheel on your grinder) Most of the wagoneers I've seen use the pancake style coupler.

Bill

 

[Petescj]

For the return line not the pressure line , can I just use a length of hose to rplace my dry rotted one or must I order the whole deal?

 

[CJ]

Sure can, I had a length of fuel line for mine.

 

[Petescj]

I was hoping so. Im just gonna do the same and cancel my order from 4wd. Its taking way to loooonnnngggggg

 

[cjnut]

For the return line not the pressure line , can I just use a length of hose to rplace my dry rotted one or must I order the whole deal?

Regular hose is just fine for the non pressure side.

Bill

 

[coldwater]

I found mine on ebay. About $50 got me both pressure and return lines delivered in 4 days. They were exellent quality fit perfectly, and got to my door in 4 days.