Well, it started as a simple project...
I had done quite a bit of research on the conversion but I guess there is nothing like learning on the fly. For those that are going to do the conversion here are my suggestions/observations:
-It is going to take some time to find the brackets for the pump
-Make sure you have the right hoses (o-ring or flare for the pump and box) there are cool little conversion pieces if you need them
-If you get a Wagoneer box it will be cheaper than a CJ box
-People say that the Wagoneer box has the same spline count as manual steering box, I did not find that to be true (I tried 3 boxes) you will have to get a 30 count adapter
-Get a new pump it is only 25 bucks
-Use the rental pulley remover and replacement device
-If you bend the pulley when removing you can get a Doorman 300-122 for 15 bucks and it works awesome
-Get a HD steering box and a cross brace
-PB Blast all bolts on frame before removing...throw a little torch heat on them as well
-Do the tie-rod flip while you are at it
-If you have over four inches of lift you will need a drop pitman arm to keep geometry correct
-Replace all removed frame bolts with grade 8 or stainless bolts
After all this, the conversion was totally worth it. I took it out on its maiden voyage today and I truly don't know why I did not do this sooner.
I had done quite a bit of research on the conversion but I guess there is nothing like learning on the fly. For those that are going to do the conversion here are my suggestions/observations:
-It is going to take some time to find the brackets for the pump
-Make sure you have the right hoses (o-ring or flare for the pump and box) there are cool little conversion pieces if you need them
-If you get a Wagoneer box it will be cheaper than a CJ box
-People say that the Wagoneer box has the same spline count as manual steering box, I did not find that to be true (I tried 3 boxes) you will have to get a 30 count adapter
-Get a new pump it is only 25 bucks
-Use the rental pulley remover and replacement device
-If you bend the pulley when removing you can get a Doorman 300-122 for 15 bucks and it works awesome
-Get a HD steering box and a cross brace
-PB Blast all bolts on frame before removing...throw a little torch heat on them as well
-Do the tie-rod flip while you are at it
-If you have over four inches of lift you will need a drop pitman arm to keep geometry correct
-Replace all removed frame bolts with grade 8 or stainless bolts
After all this, the conversion was totally worth it. I took it out on its maiden voyage today and I truly don't know why I did not do this sooner.
