UPDATE: 08/12/2010: I’ve added a link and section regarding the rack and pinion mod implemented by Sam.
UPDATE 01/19/2010: Here is a link to the post about Lawrence Elliot’s nice little mod of the bell crank to eliminate sloppiness. This is a simple way to improve steering sloppiness while keeping everything else stock.
UPDATE: The picture below is how NOT to update your the steering in your jeep! I found a picture of this crazily creative solution for updating the steering mechanism on an early jeep at JP Magazine, so I’ve added it to a post I made about steering upgrades last April. I’ve also updated this post with images from two different jeeps that installed a saginaw non-power unit within the engine compartment and can be found under section 3B.
Modifiying the steering system of early jeeps might be one of the most common upgrades around. It often follows the upgrade of the engine to a V6 or V8, right after the jeep owner discovers how much work it is to turn the wheel while jeeping. So, here’s my list of steering options:
1) Keep the stock setup (but this is often impractical when upgrading to a v6 or v8). This is a Ross worm/sector manual steering box and a drag link that connected to a frame-mounted bellcrank.
2) Swap in a Hudson steering unit. I exchanged emails with with a reader named Larry who had one of these in a CJ3B and loved it (calling it the sweetest driving jeep he’d ever owned — he planned to put one in a 1949 CJ-2A he just bought). I’ve never tried the swap nor tried driving a jeep with the setup in place. I doubt these would work on a MB/GPW setup. (To the right is an image of a Hudson steering wheel in a jeep from Jp Magazine.)
These can still be found using craigslist and junkyards. Here’s a quote from the CJ-3B site.
“Forget the power steering and get a 1949-1954 Hudson steering set up. You can swap out the whole steering column or just machine the steering box to fit your original steering column. They both used Ross steering boxes, but the Hudson used a tapered roller bearing with a different gear ratio, making it feel just like power steering and gives you the tighter turning radius.” http://cj3b.info/Tech/Upgrades.html
3) Swap in a saginaw or GM steering box that is not power steering. I had one of these in a jeep my parents bought me (before I rebuilt it). However, even with a lightweight v6, it was a pain to steer when the jeep was not moving. To install one of these boxes requires creating some kind of sturdy mount so that it will mount against the left front frame member near the bumper. Then, likely, you’ll have to replace the front cross member (usually with heavy angle iron with a V cut into it) to accommodate the steering column rod. Finally, you’ll likely need to replace the steering column itself with a column that will easily connect to the new steering box. Here, Dan documents his swap of a Hudson steering mechanism with a manual saginaw system.
3b) Swap in a saginaw or GM steering box within the engine compartment. 
I’ve not seen this done in person, however, it looks like a slick way to install a newer box without having to cut either the grille, the crossmember, or both. I would think this would only work with a 4cyl engine though. Maybe a straight six would work as well. You can read more about this at the Pirate 4×4 website (scroll part way down the page to see the pics).
4) Swap in a saginaw power steering box. Swapping in the power steering requires everything in #3 plus you’ll need to route the two hydraulic steering lines through the grill, under the grill, under the the new crossmember or through the crossmember (which is what I am going to do __ see attached pics). I’ve not met anyone who was sorry they had powersteering, especially with a v8. Here’s a nice clean version http://cj3b.info/Tech/SaginawSteering.html (note: though I haven’t seen many jeepers move the crossmember exclusively to the front of the frame as shown in that link. If you are running a meaty v8, I’d think that with the older frames you’d get some serious twisting.
Once the steering unit is installed, you’ll still need to run those pesky hydraulic lines. I wrote two posts on this. Here’s the First Post, which examines what a Toyota Land Cruiser owner did to run custom lines. This Second Post shows what I did.
In my case, you can see what I did by reusing the cj5 power steering bracket. When I built my first jeep, I took a 1/2″ piece of flat steel, drilled the mounting holes for the steering, welded the plate to the front left frame and then used some spacers so that the powersteering would fit correctly.
Below is how I’ve connected my hydraulic saginaw unit to the stock CJ-5 mount, which mounts to the frame with four bolts.
5) Hydraulic steering. I have not driven a vehicle with this system, but I noted last august that several jeep racers are now using this system. Essentially, the steering column direct connectivity to the steering rods is replaced with a pure hydraulic system. You can review an article here.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/suspension/129_0611_hydraulic_steering_tech/index.html
6) Rack and Pinion Steering. At Flatfender Willys, Sam has been implementing an off-the-shelf rack and pinion system that easily improves the steering of flatties without the hassles of adding hydraulics. Learn more here.
If I missed some steering system with which I’m not familiar, please let me know!
Nice upgrade article from the CJ-3B site- Steering tips from 4×4 wire
- Steering upgrade from the CJ-5 website
- Saginaw conversion from 4Wheel Drive Magazine
- Hudson to Manual Saginaw Conversion by Dan
- Saginaw DIY Rebuild guide
- Stock CJ-2A steering setup from CJ-2A page
- Old School Steering from JP Magazine
- Saginaw installed inside engine compartment
Can you modify the power steering on my 2004 Tahoe Z71 4wd to mbaout 2 pounds resistance. I would send you the gear box. If you can’t can you tell me who might do it?
Hi John,
Thanks for the question. I haven’t ever worked on a 2004 Tahoe power steering unit, so I’m not the best choice for modifying it. Where are you located? I can see if I can find someone near you who can do it though.
Thanks,
– Dave
Hello Dave,
I want to do the #3 option in my cj2a, I was looking for mores pictures and all stuff i need, but its some confuse still, would you please send me more pics of a saginaw conversion for this model in detalis,
Regards,
William
i don’t like the steering mod on the first picture the welds don’t look like they’d take much to break.
lol .. that’s the point of the first pic … it’s exactly what you SHOULD NOT do 🙂
= Dave
I have a 1949 Willys Jeepster and am thinking of modifying the steering to make it handle better with power steering or converting to a Mustang 11 front end. Would you have information on a power steering conversion for my Jeepster?
Hi Hubert,
Sorry, I didn’t have much luck searching for what you need. Any power steering conversions related to later model rather than early models.
Here’s some information on a later model jeespter conversion: http://forums.off-road.com/jeepster-american-jeepster-club/227687-poor-return-center-power-steering-conversion.html & http://forums.off-road.com/jeepster-american-jeepster-club/204125-power-steering-conversion.html
You might try here as well http://forums.off-road.com/jeepster-american-jeepster-club/
Best,
– Dave
Thanks Dave
Hubert
I inherited a 1955 CJ5 from my grandfather. Back in the ’60s he installed a Hudson steering system. Your post is the only other time I have heard of this. The Hudson conversion leaves the original drag link that goes from the steering box to the bell crank. He also relocated the bell crank and swapped the tie rods around so that the tie rods were like a modern Saginaw conversion with the left hand threaded tie rod (the one with the hole in it) is now at the passenger tire instead of the bell crank. I am in the process of converting the Hudson box over to a manual Saginaw unit mounted behind the bumper, eliminating the bell crank and drag link by the engine. This means that I will also have to make a steering shaft from the new Saginaw box to the steering column, but that is pretty common and well documented. I am going to leave the Hudson column since it is pretty basic and has self canceling turn signals. This will require me to cut the Hudson steering column shaft and turn it down to 3/4″ on the end so I can weld on a steering U-joint. The other challenge is the steering wheel. Since the plastic on the Hudson steering wheel was all split and cracked I wanted to replace it with a Grant wheel. Well good luck trying to find an adapter for that. Also the self canceling feature of the column will only work with the original steering wheel. I ended up cutting the wheel apart and taking out the middle metal piece with the splines in the center and tines for the turn signal unit. Now I just need to machine an adapter plate to weld to it that will accept the standard three hole steering wheel and weld it to the old Hudson part.
Hi Dan,
If you have any pics of this I’d appreciate seeing them as I’ve not seen a picture of a Hudson box installed. Best of luck with your efforts and thanks for sharing you information.
– Dave
I sent you an email with some pictures and more information. Let me know if it doesn’t come through.
Pingback: Builds: Dan replaces the Hudson with a Saginaw | eWillys
so i got CJ2A with a 350 chevy small block in it (maybe a little to much power for it haha), out of all of these choices what do you think is the best for price and results? or the price doesn’t matter but you get the best results?
Well, depending on the current set up (assuming you have a stock system), the cheapest and easiest might be going with a Hudson setup. However, they aren’t easy to find anymore.
It also depends on what you will do with the jeep. If you are doing some serious jeeping, you’ll likely want power steering, as it really is an asset when you are in the trails. NOTE: I’ve never been jeeping with a Hudson setup.
The power steering mod will require some changes. If you are unfamiliar with welding or don’t have someone who can do this, then this could be a challenge as the power steering unit should attached to a nice thick plate (1/2″ thick) welded to the frame. Then, you’ll have to run the steering column over, under or through the front cross member located under the grill (assuming it is still there — usually when a V-8 is installed, those cross members get replaced).
Fortunately, the power steering pump and steering units are pretty inexpensive and very available.
I hope that helps .. feel free to ask additional questions.
– Dave
alright! thanks so much! i’m only 16, i Inheirted my jeep. but my step dad is pretty familar with welding and all that stuff. i have the money, its just the matter of getting it started, so i think i’m going to go with the power steering. thanks so much for your time and advice! it really means a lot to me cause i wanna get this thing out on the trails like my dad did back in day.
Trevor,
You are welcome. Why don’t you take some pics and send them to [email protected] and tell us more about your jeep and I’ll create and publish a post about it. There are several people your age involved with building jeeps that have contacted me. In fact, I was 19 when I started my build.
Also, if you want to take some pics of that front area near the driver’s side of the grille, I can give you more advice.
Best of Luck,
– Dave
yeah for sure! will do! thanks again.
I have a 1930 pro-street model-A with a blown 640 cu in Merlin that used to have the old Vega box in it. I have since used rack and pinion and now it steers much easier. I thought about my 46 cj2A with my small block chevy and thought……why not? Boy was it easy to convert and the steering is easy even when barely moving (parking and hill climbing) Also it has NO PLAY in it so you’re not always correcting the wheel going down the road. This is a NON power unit and it uses the Vega mount and sits behind the grill. You don’t see it. Total cost about $1000,00 The Rack is from Flaming River. You could also get a unit from any major hot rod supplier like P.A.W. or Jegs etc. Hope this helps you out, it really works for me. They also offer them in power units with the small (in size) pump, but even with the weight of a Small Block Chevy or Huge Merlin, I prefer the manual and my wife has NO trouble turning either of them and she’s a tiny lil thing lol.
I would be very interested in seeing some pics of that mod. That sounds very interesting. If you get the time, you can email pics to [email protected]. Thanks for the input Sam!
= Dave
Just to let you know Dave, this rack and pinion is NOT Mustang or anything of the sort. It was designed for street rods using I-beam or Tube front axles. It is a cross-steer push pull unit that bolts up to a Vega mount on the frame. I am going to put together a list of parts (and approx cost) and a “How To” plan for you so you would see how very simple it is to do. I’ll also enclude as many pictures as I can describing the steps to take and where to get the best deals on the needed parts. I may even make a vidio of how it’s done if there is enough interest. To date, I have personally converted about 15 and helped with several more. I am happy to say everyone is very pleased with the performance of their conversions. Oh and yes, the original steering column is retained if wanted. Stay tuned!!!!!!!!
Hi Dave……..been looking fr a phone no. to call you and help you with the steering conversion. My computer isn’t friendly right now, BUT here’s some info that may shed some light on the subject for you. Go to UNISTEER.COM and inter Ford steering and look at the cross steer rack. You will need the Vega mount and the steering column kit. ( bearing and seal and U-joint for the bottom of steering shaft) This is made by Borgson and top quality stuff. You will also need the short shaft that comes with the rack to connect it to the bell crank. Take a look at the sight and you will see how easy it is. Also I noticed some guys were having problems with windshield wiper assemblies. Look to ToTal Performance and go to the T-Bucket section. You will find the windshield wipers sets that will bolt right in and come with all the wiing too……no muss, no fuss. If you have a unusual question or application problem, please call or e-mail me and I’ll do my best to help. If your readers have a question, they too can ask me. I’ve been building custom hot rods for over 45 years and now I’m doing Willys (have been for over 15 years now). I’m retired but still help out when I can and still work on a few when I’m not fishing or…………..Here’s my info [email protected] and 720-841-0614 I live in Arvada, Colo. Best regards, Sam
Hi Sam,
You can reach me at 831-325-9616 if you want to call. I’ll look into the unisteer.com link and see if it’s clear what they are doing.
The windshield wiper assembly tip is very helpful, as I’ve been facing that issue. I think readers will really appreciate that.
I’ll write up both over the next few days and post them. Thanks!
And feel free to call me if you’d like to chat.
Best,
– Dave
Dave,
Are there any pic’s or info related to the rack and pinon steering modification? I went to the Unisteer web site and took a look at the rack Sam was talking about and that does look trick and especially if no pump is required.
I did not have much luck with the wipers Sam was talking about. I too need to deal with this issue, any info would be great.
Bob M.
Hi Bob,
Sam has provided me the details (specific parts links) for doing this modification, but I don’t have any pics. I’ve been so busy with the kids this past month that I haven’t had a chance to complete the post about this mod; however, I dropped them off today and will have time this week to complete it.
Sam also provided me more info about the wipers and I will be discussing this more as well. Essentially, he said the dealers of Model T Ford Parts have the right rod length necessary. Just tell them the length you need.
– Dave
Hi Dave,
have you got the pics about the rack and pinion steering from Sam? I can´t imagine how this is mounted. Is it possible that Sam use only one side (passenger side drag link) of the steering unit and not both sides? If so, what happened to the driver side output of the steering unit?
Greeting from Germany
Wolfgang
I’ve got a 4wd 49 wagon w/ the Ross box on the drivers side, pitman arm and a single tie rod between the knuckles. Would the Hudson drive mentioned above work in the Willys utility trucks as well? Not easy to find but looks like a good alternative if the orginal setup goes bad.
Good info as ususal.
I’d have to take a closer look at the utility trucks, but I would imagine it would work fine. If that doesn’t work, you could try using Sam’s Rack and Pinion swap as well. That would be the next easiest way to deal with the steering if the Ross box goes bad.
I really like the steering ideas that you have.
I’m in the process of installing a small block chevy
into a 1951 3a any word yet on the “how to plan”?
Thanks for your time
I am looking for a steering box for a 1955 Willys jeep.
Do you have any information as to where I could find one?
Thanks,
Rusty
Electric Power Steering for less than $200
I recently installed electric power steering in a 1966 Mustang. I did not use a kit, I simply pulled a column style EPS from a newer GM vehicle and then spliced the unit into the original steering column.
The results far exceeded my expectations and the cost was less than $200. I designed a controller that automatically adjusts assist level based on vehicle speed, so that the steering feel is “just right” regardless of speed.
I documented (with pictures) how I went about this on a Vintage Mustang forum. If anyone is interested do a google search for “Best $200 mod ever (EPS)”
or
follow this link to page 7 where the details start: http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/mod-custom-forum/787114-best-200-mod-ever-eps-7.html#post6037649
Any questions just ask.
Thanks for the input and the link Jeff. That sounds interesting.
Can I use this in my 55 CJ5 with the F
head motor left in…. Will it work with
the stock motor?
Rack & pinions need to be mounted to a fixed point on the frame. They’re great for IFS trucks but putting one on a solid axle 4×4 is a rather frightening prospect. It’s best not to attempt it. I wouldn’t even do it on a 2wd with a dead axle. The only practical options are manual or power steering with a saginaw box. If you’re creative you might be able to rig up an electric power assist but and I wouldn’t know how to do it and there’s no kit that I know of.
Turns out there is a kit for a 58 to 83 CJ5 you might be able to modify for other Jeeps but it’s $1450.00. I think the saginaw box is still the most practical option.
http://www.jegs.com/i/EPAS-Performance/563/9001/10002/-1
I have a 1957 Pickup, like to do the Saginaw inside installation. I have the F134 engine & stock steering components. Will this work ?
Thanks,
Tom
Tom,
The short answer is yes. How much you’ll have to modify isn’t clear to me as I’ve never installed that setup in a truck or wagon, however here are some links that should help:
http://www.oldwillysforum.com/forum/showthread.php?6176-Power-steering-conversion
http://www.oldwillysforum.com/forum/showthread.php?2554-53-power-steering-conversion
Non Wagon/Truck:
https://cj3b.info/Tech/SaginawSteering.html
Good luck!
– Dave
I have a 1951 Willys Station Wagon with power steering. Due to fluid leaks, my mechanic says I need to replace the steering gear box. Where can I find a Saginaw gear box? Thanks
Hi Michael,
I pulled mine out of a junk yard, but there are other sources. Also, has your mechanic tried rebuilding the saginaw box? There are rebuild kits.
Here’s an interesting site that may help you identify your box if is power steering: https://leepowersteering.com/pages/how-to-identify-gearbox … this could help narrow down locating a replacement box.
Replacement boxes are available in a variety of places. Here’s a three-hole box available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Steering-Chevrolet-Camaro-Cherokee-Wrangler/dp/B00ZASQ4OI
Here’s more info about power steering boxes from Hemmings: https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/saginaw-steering-boxes
I hope that helps,
– Dave
I have a 1951 Willys wagon with a GM 350 engine, turbo GM automatic transmission, and power steering. But now I have a major leak of power steering fluid. My mechanic says I need to replace the steering gear box, but I’ve researched a lot and can’t find one for my car. Is it possible to have the existing gear box rebuilt? I’m not really a car guy, so any info you can give would be greatly appreciated. The wagon has been running great, but I don’t want to drive it with this problem. Thanks.
I think you already answered my question earlier. Sorry for the repeat.
Michael, go to the Borgeson Steering Products site and you’ll find more parts and information than you ever wanted. Good people with an understanding of steering modifications on old vehicles.
Michael, no worries. Feel free to email me directly if that doesn’t answer you question ([email protected]).
Paul, I’m not familiar with that site. I’ll check it out!
I have a 51 cj3 that has power steering conversion my issue is tie rods are mounted to bottom of knuckle arms and they rub leaf springs is there a kit to drill knuckles to mount tie rods on top of knuckle arms I have too raise axle assembly to change tie rod ends any help would be appreciated
Neil,
There are some tie rod flip kits out there (such as two options on this page: https://ok4wd.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?p=3&q=tie+rod+flip) or https://ok4wd.com/rock-equipment-tie-rod-flip-sleeve. I have not used them nor have I ordered from this company.
There is a little more info here: http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/tie-rod-flip-kit-advice.112623/http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/tie-rod-flip-kit-advice.112623/
I hope that helps,
– Dave
G,day all . i have a 56 willys 3/4 weight 4×4 truck , they were imported into australia to be used as fire fighting vehicles in the country area,s .
mine was modified in the 80’s and had a ford 351 cleveland and a c4 auto fitted , the rest has been left unmolested apart from a set of 8 x 15 f100 rims fitted .
any way im asking for some advice on can i fit a later model steering wheel to it ? mine is the original 2 spoke jeep style . i would like to keep it looking retro no girly padded type thing . could you please help
Hi Dean,
That’s a good question. What newer model steering wheels will slide onto a stock steering column? Unfortunately, I’m not sure what newer steering wheels will work. Usually, folks switch up the column to get a newer steering wheel. So, I’m not much help!
– Dave