CJ manual to power steering help

#1 05-12-2004, 01:58 PM

I have a 1984 CJ7 with manual steering. I want to convert to power steering. I recently read an article that someone used a steering system from a 1981 AMC concorde. I tried it and it did not work. Everyone says to look for a Saginaw box, but they are mostly all Saginaw boxes at the wrecker and they don't look like they will work. Nobody from what I have read has given a make/ model of a steering box that will work on a CJ other than another CJ. The main problem is the way the shaft couples to the box, and they all look like they will not work. A local jeep guy here says that only another CJ will work. He says I need the steering box,mount bracket,pitman arm and coupler all from a CJ with power steering because these pieces are all different from a manual system. I think the pump and hoses are the only pieces that can be found from other vehicles. If anyone has done a modification using another steering box from a different vehicle I would like to hear from you, or if anyone has any old power steering parts from a 1976-1986 CJ I would be interested. I am looking for the power steering box,power steering mount bracket,power steering shaft coupler,and power steering pitman arm. Thanks
Alan

Tippy · #2 05-12-2004, 02:58 PM

Putting power steering on a CJ is one of the easiest mods there is and can be done with junk yard parts and one call to 4wd hardware.

I used a steering box from a '76 wagoneer. Bolts right up to the old brackets. I got my pump and all the mounting brackts form an AMC pacer, but any AMC vehicle w/ a 258 will work. Try to get one that does not use the o-ring (one more piece to go wrong imho). I think they started them in 1980 or so. The coupler on the steering shaft is differnt for a manual and a power. 4wd sells a rebuild kit that will make the adaptation for you. It is found here

The pitman arm also has a differnt spline count and can be found here

Then go to your local hydrolic shop and have some hoses made. Or you can get the oem ones from a parts house. Trial fit a new belt and volia, power steering!

Of course all of this has been covered before and could have been easily found if you searched, but I am feeling generous today! [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]