power steering conversion

[curley727]

New to the jeep world! I have a 1972 CJ5 with a AMC 304 and I want to convert to power steering. Any help or direction would help.
Thanks!

 

[tarry99]

New to the jeep world! I have a 1972 CJ5 with a AMC 304 and I want to convert to power steering. Any help or direction would help.
Thanks!

Saginaw series 800 is what Jeep used throughout the late 70s and 80's Probably the best all around power steering gear available to this day......I would find one rebuilt from one of the many re-manufacture's. If you need suggestions let me know......These people can also valve the steering to your particular driving style....Don't waste your time on something in the junk yard that you have no history on.......steering is far to important!
Your current gear probably has a 3 bolt mount the 800 has a 4 bolt but some just use the old mount using 3 bolts. Input shaft diameter is larger on the 800 box as well as the sector shaft that holds the Pittman arm.............
It would be best to find a 1972 factory Jeep with power to look at the Pittman arm and input shaft flex joint......they do vary and looking at a factory setup will save time chasing parts so you know what to look for.......of course you will need a power steering pump and the brackets that fit the AMC 304 ....again look at a factory setup before traveling to the wrecking yards in search........

 

[gert]

well your brackets and pump can be scavenged from J trucks and Wagoneers with the AMC V8s as the motors are externally the same

 

[curley727]

Tarry99, thanks for the info! I've heard the stock power steering gear has a 3.3(?) to 1 ratio which makes driving highway speeds a bit twitchy. Do you know of any Saginaw box that has a higher ratio? Possibly a variable would be even better.
Thanks!

 

[tarry99]

Tarry99, thanks for the info! I've heard the stock power steering gear has a 3.3(?) to 1 ratio which makes driving highway speeds a bit twitchy. Do you know of any Saginaw box that has a higher ratio? Possibly a variable would be even better.
Thanks!

Most of the steering gears are a little fast for something like a Jeep with a short wheelbase..........I would go to a re-builder and ask for a Variable ratio box. You want something slow in the middle and fast out at the edges........meaning driving straight ahead it is slow so it does not wander and then as you steer L/R the ratio speeds up so it turns quicker........Tom Lee @ Lee Manufacturing probably one of the smartest steering re-builders around......in LA 818-768-0371 Call him........

 

[curley727]

Thanks tarry99. I'll give that a try.