Date:         Tue, 11 Jun 2002 05:17:51 -0700
Reply-To:     Arlen <manx1342@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Arlen <manx1342@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      manual steering - more questions - longish
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

What with the discussions on converting from power steering to manual
steering, it has brought up a couple questions that I need to find
answers to. Yes, I am in the process of doing this conversion. I have
the rack.

What my research has turned up (the scariest part) is that the steering
knuckles (part #s from a body shop parts listing) between power and
manual are different. The numbers are the same but the "manual" ends
with AG, whereas the "power" ends with AH. First question: does anybody
know what these letters signify? My only thoughts are that the steering
arms may be a little longer to gain some mechanical advantage. I would
guess that the rack itself could also have a higher steering ratio, even
though they are physically the same width (they take the same tie rods,
boots, etc.). The connector shaft (from the relay steering box back to
the rack itself) is also different (longer, with a different coupler at
the rack end, but fits all years).

Second question: Has anybody ever seen an '87 or newer Vanagon with
manual steering?

Third (and most important) question: Is any one out there parting out an
'86 (from 24G120001) or newer that may have these parts for sale? I do
not need the hubs (drive flanges) or brake rotors.

Any insights (or hard parts) will be appreciated.

Arlen