Date:         Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:07:38 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Adding Power Steering
Comments: To: James Henry <jch@JCHGIS.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <A6C837B5356C4828A0AF2D18B2FE22AB@jhenryPC>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

So that you have full understanding, the steering knuckles for "Factory"
power steering vans have the tie rods attach at a slightly different
point.  That's one of the things that cause a power steering van to be
harder to steer when the power steering is out.  Fewer turns of the
steering wheel are required to go from lock to lock.

Now, with that said, one can swap in a power steering rack and attach
the tie rods to the standard steering knuckles with the end result being
a van that steers even easier than a factory power steering model.
Especially if the larger, non-power steering, steering wheel is kept.

You'd want to get a power steering rack and the "U" joint as well as the
rod that goes forward to the steering wheel mechanism as those parts are
different.  Of course, you'd have to have a power steering pump and the
lines (or hoses such as Frank Condelli sells) to go from the pump to the
rack.

Power steering models came from the factory with "Goodies" to boost the
idle when the steering wheel is turned to the stops.

Mike



James Henry wrote:
> The question came up today on the Subaru Conversion list about adding a
> Power Steering rack to an early (83.5, 84, 85) vanagon. I thought I would
> ask here as well. Anyone had experience in adding a ps rack. Can you outline
> what is involved?