Powersteering options

[DiddyZook]

I have searched on here but have not found much information at all.

The little Sierras of yesteryear are growing up, wearing bigger rubber, getting themselves locked and undergoing more and more modifications. The flexibility, traction and power all improve but the steering doesn't, especially compared to any modern vehicle.

Most of the Sierra's which have had powersteering added have gained it from a Vitara. But with the lack of decent small 4wds available nowadays, the growing popularity of 4WDing, and the number of Vitaras already canibalised, there are less donor vehicles available (just ask anyone looking for a 1600).

The Jimny powersteering can also be utilised but is still rare and costly.

What other options are there which would be a relatively simple fit?

Has anyone adapted PS from another make model?

What needs to be considered when choosing a donor vehicle? Surely some of the more common wrecks must have some potential.

[christover1]

Lots of zookers use power steer box from a toyota cressida, I think you still need a vitara pitman arm, but not sure.
And many different pumps have been fitted, all depends on space and fabbing skills.

christover

[DiddyZook]

Thanks Chris,

I've read your threads on fitting PS to the Frog.

I have also seen mention of using a Tarago Pitman arm, though not sure if this is just for SPOA.

What is it about Cressida which makes it acceptable? Cressidas are not exactly the most common vehicle.

What characteristics would rule out a vehicle as a possible donor? Is it possible to take it from the myriad of FWD vehicles with PS starting to appear at wreckers?

[christover1]

I believe the cressida box shares 1 bolt hole with the sierra , making positioning/lining up the box easier.
The spline on the box needs to fit whatever pitman arm you use.
steering shaft needs some way of fitting the box, and I think cressida box matches a vit shaft uni.
Cressida shares a spline size and count with the Vit and the Tarago I think.
Pitman arms choices need to consider the ball joint type.
Some pitmans have the ball, some the socket on them, for the drag link.
Cressida box mounts flatter to chassis, unlike the Vit box.
Cressidas were a common box, but now, as you said, are getting harder to come by.

I believe the box and pump should be a matching set, ie from same donor, but I don't have the engineering skills tp back that comment, just makes sense to me, and it ensures ps lines to be easier to fit/make up.

I used an entire Vit set up for ease of fitting with my limited tools and skills.

christover

[redzook]

i used a 60 series land cruiser box

with a old falcon pump (tear drop shape)

works really well and if you move your front diff forward a fair bit the 60 box is ideal as it has a forward facing pitman arm

[DiddyZook]

Thanks Tim, anything Falcon is cheap and easy to come by and I would imagine 60 series wouldn't be as rare as Cressida.

By memory you moved your diff forward about 4-5 inches didn't you? How far do you need to go to get the 60 series box to fit nicely?

[Bentzook]

[ZOOK60]

Thanks Tim, anything Falcon is cheap and easy to come by and I would imagine 60 series wouldn't be as rare as Cressida.

By memory you moved your diff forward about 4-5 inches didn't you? How far do you need to go to get the 60 series box to fit nicely?

I guess it all depends on where you mount the box and what pitman arm you use.

[redzook]

Thanks Tim, anything Falcon is cheap and easy to come by and I would imagine 60 series wouldn't be as rare as Cressida.

By memory you moved your diff forward about 4-5 inches didn't you? How far do you need to go to get the 60 series box to fit nicely?

i think its around 6+ inches
forget now

if u wana just move it a bit forward there is always ifs hilux box( rearward facing pitman arm)
but most hilux dudes want them so they are a little dearer

ull have to cut into ur front clip body mount tho to fit the ifs box im pretty sure

[Damo]

I have also seen mention of using a Tarago Pitman arm, though not sure if this is just for SPOA.

I've got the Tarago pitman and SPUA + 2" lift springs. You would need more drop or crossover steer etc. to correct for SPOA.





This is connected to a Vitara PS box. Just as much work as mounting a Hilux IFS etc (though no butchering of body mounts required), but the pump does bolt straight up to my 1600.

Easiest way to go is Jimny (bolt on) but $$$

[PJ.zook]

Just give it a few more years and you will start seeing cars like Excels in the wreckers yards (assuming insurance will still allow places like pick-a-part to still exist and asshats not suing them cos they tripped over an old rim lying on the ground). Anyway they all have powersteer these days and are a nice small car that you could cannibalise.

[Damo]

Just give it a few more years and you will start seeing cars like Excels in the wreckers yards (assuming insurance will still allow places like pick-a-part to still exist and asshats not suing them cos they tripped over an old rim lying on the ground). Anyway they all have powersteer these days and are a nice small car that you could cannibalise.

You might be able to use the pump off something like this but steering rack wont work.

And no suggestions of mounting it to the axle housing, hydro assist style either thanks

[NIK]

I got my jimny p/s for $500 steering shaft, lines, resivour etc. Its not completely bolt on you have to fab a bracket to hold the pump. Maybe wrong tho. Havnt had a look at a jimny so not sure.
Nik

[Rotazuk]

I bolted a toyota celica box into my 413 , they are the same as the Cressida box . Ran the pump from the celica also but as the 413 was shagged it would stall the motor at idle turning the wheel statonary . Now have it plumbed into a nissan pump and works very well .
Was easy to fit with the adaptor plate I made , bolted right up to the existing shaft also . Very easy .

Chris