Power steering box choices

[Mountain132]

It seems to be commonly accepted that the Scout II power steering box is the best choice for a conversion because of its geometry allowing it to be mounted to the outside of the frame with the steering input shaft towards the rear of the vehicle. I also believe a toyota version was used (seriestrek). Has anyone used a different type? The Nissan trucks from about 88-95 used a similar one. Would the fact that the pitman arm originally faced the driver effect the steering when reversed? There seems to be really good deals on the nissan boxes lately.

[TeriAnn]

Has anyone used a different type?

I've been told that Timm Cooper is currently using Range Rover P-38 power steering boxes for his conversions. They are evidently the best of the Rover steering boxes.

He did a conversion for me 10 years ago using a Scout II box.

My conversion sitting up against the back of the radiator bulkhead

[109 Pretender]

I used a RR steering box, rebuilt pump and RR steering shaft/joints on my 109. It works quite well and even the factory hoses fit. However, it eats up too much room in the radiator area. I have a RR V8 fitted and needed more radiator for summer w/ac turned on. I've just bought a Scout II box and am in the process of changing over. I also think the Toyota box is an excellent choice. I wouldn't use the RR box if you contemplate needing a larger than stock rad. ( unless you don't mind moving the rad. forward several inches to clear steering gear. Read TeriAnn's piece about this subject on her website- it's very informative.

Cheers!

[Mountain132]

Terri Ann,

I appreciate the feedback, I reference your site on a daily basis and the information on the power steering conversion is the most detailed available. Because everyone is using the scout boxes they seem to fetch a high price. Just by searching ebay there seems to be a few other manufacturers that have designs very similar to the saginaw some in the 20-40 dollar range.

mitsubishi montero 97-99
toyota 4 runner 92-95
nissan frontier 98-99
nissan pickup 86-95
ford F-250 76ish

dates are estimates based on the advertisements

Just wanted to know if by using one of these assuming that it fits the same as a scout that the conversion may have a mechanical disadvantage? Could finding pitman arms that fit be the only other criteria that makes it more difficult.

Mac

[Mercedesrover]

Would the fact that the pitman arm originally faced the driver effect the steering when reversed? There seems to be really good deals on the nissan boxes lately.

If you take a rearward facing pitman arm and spin it 180 degrees to face forward, your steering will be backwards. Turn the wheel left, the truck would go right. Turn it right and the truck would go left. I guess you could get used to it.

[Mountain132]

thanks mercedesrover, I was wondering if that would be the case.