FJ40 Power Steering: Saginaw or Toyota Box?

[WildYoats]

Just curious, I was planning on converting my Fj40 to PS via the old Toyota SA PS Box I had laying around. I have a whole complete system available for the install.

In the research I have done, I am finding a lot about the Saginaw swap but not too much about the Toy box deal. It's obviously not as popular, any concerning reasons as to why?

Danke.

[cruiseroutfit]

I'll chime in...

There are four common PS FJ40 conversions...
1. Saginaw
2. FJ60 Box
3. Mini Box
4. Scout

Each has there pro's and con's.

There is also the rare option of finding a OEM FJ40 PS setup, but that is very similar to the mini-steering and retains the center-arm (out in front)... The center arms are prone to wear with large tires and can develop steering slop fairly quickly.

The FJ60 and Scout box are essentially the same idea. Mounts outside the frame, mods include shock tower, etc. Good option if using a PTO winch.

Saginaw is the most common and easiest to get aftermarket parts for, downside is you can never run the PTO winch, etc...

Need any more info... ;)

[racerdave]

I installed PU style PS on my ’76 FJ40 this past November. I chose PU style for a couple of reasons.
1. Cost
2. Ease of install (I do not have any fabrication or welding experience)

I purchased the box bracket from William Dorry, wdorry on ih8mud.com. Here are some pictures of conversions he has done, http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/wdorry/lst?.dir=/PS+brackets&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com

The conversion went as follows,
1. Removed stock steering box and bracket, retain pitman arm and all linkage
2. Installed new bracket using existing holes
3. Installed PU power steering box onto new bracket
4. Attach stock pitman onto newly mounted PS box
5. Mounted PS pump and bracket to 350
6. Connected hoses and filled and bled system
7. Drove around the neighborhood with one hand tied behind my back

I used a Saginaw pump and bracket from an old suburban (I have a 350). The hardest part of the conversion was getting the pitman arm off the old PU box. Carl and Von at Rocklogic4x4 can attest to this. Carl ended up cutting the old arm with an angle grinder.

I have yet to field test this new set up. I hope to do so on the February run with WC. I would be glad answer any questions or open up the garage if you wanted to take a look.

[WildYoats]

That's helpful thanks.... What did the bracket cost if you dont mind me asking? I know JT has them too, seem a little pricey though.

[racerdave]

The bracket was $85. It shouldn't be too hard to make one. The first thing I thought when it arrived in the mail was, "I need to learn how to weld". He also sells a bracket to mount a sag pump to a 2F.

You are more than welcome to check mine out and get measurements and such.

[WildYoats]

Great, i'll take you up on that sometime and take a peek at it.

Are a WC member? Sorry, have I met you? Do you WC folks still meet at Hires on your given date? Been meaning to go up there sometime in my 40 and say hi.

[racerdave]

I am not yet a member of WC. I started attending runs with them last fall. This past Saturday I submitted my application and dues, just waiting on the vote. The ’04 calendar was just posted on the WC website; social night is now on the 4th Thursday of each month. The venue changes each month.

I have not yet had the opportunity to meet you. I hope that sometime this summer I will be able to attend a run or two with WildYoats, as long a “visitors welcome” sign is hanging. I have been out of the off-road scene for far too long. I still have my first FJ40, a ’66 that I bought 11 years ago. It hangs out on the side of my house waiting for my younger brother to finish school and begin work on it. It was just last spring that I picked up the ’76. It is in rough shape, but should be a good starting point to build a fun truck. PS steering was my first project on the list, a locker and larger tires are next.

[WildYoats]

Yes, they really seem like a great group. Many years ago I had a chance to meet them on a trail run we did with them up Mineral Basin. Adam is real nice, I see Paul May every so often here and there, and Kurt is a regular here too.

Since I have been dabbling with my 40 lately, I too have pondered joining up with them as well. Running a club is dificult at times, for a change, it may be nice to partake in some club runs where I don't have to run the show, or at least feel like that....

Anyway, yes, I'll have to peek at the mount. :yes:

[Brian Passey]

Hi Jonny.
I went with the Saginaw, If I remember correct it removes an extra joint in the steering, Mine went fron 7 to 3 joints, I went with AGR on the pump and box so it cost a bit more, The kit was from Downy it cost $6-700.00
Good luck