Power steering '48 Willys pickup
- Thread starter Mel
- Start date
NCCJ3B
Gear Grinder
I did it in my 63 falcon which should be a very similar install to a willys truck. I got the steering column and controller for $60 from a totalled prius. I had to chop a section out of the factory shaft, mill 2 flats for an adapter U joint that was 3/4" double flats to metric spline. I also chopped the sleeve column and got seals so everything looks stock except the little bit of the motor you can see under the dash.
Driving is great. I was afraid it would make the steering awkward at speed but it doesn't. It is very different in the sense that it doesn't want to return to center as naturally so you have to pay attention to the road and give it minor steering input as any bump steer will take you out of your lane if you're watching the birds instead of the road. My falcon would definitely benefit from solid thrust rods but it hasn't been bad enough to make me want to dig into that and the CJ-3B brakes and gear box leaks are my current priority.
Here's a walk-through I made from photos explaining most everything. Please feel free to ask any questions.
Driving is great. I was afraid it would make the steering awkward at speed but it doesn't. It is very different in the sense that it doesn't want to return to center as naturally so you have to pay attention to the road and give it minor steering input as any bump steer will take you out of your lane if you're watching the birds instead of the road. My falcon would definitely benefit from solid thrust rods but it hasn't been bad enough to make me want to dig into that and the CJ-3B brakes and gear box leaks are my current priority.
Here's a walk-through I made from photos explaining most everything. Please feel free to ask any questions.
Yaupon
Sharpest Tool
I've been following this general idea of a steering swap for a few months, just in the "thinking about it" phase...
Here's a YouTube video describing installation of 2009-2013 Toyota Corolla EPS (which might be the same as Prius unit) Electric Steering in a Willys... judging from this video (not sure) I guess the EPS will work without the "control module". I assume the control module adds fancy features such as speed-sensing variable assist and such.
Here's a web page that compiles some of the basic information for Japanese vehicle EPS - these will work fine without the control module.
I am fairly certain if I ever go to power steering in my wagon it will be EPS.
Brad
Here's a YouTube video describing installation of 2009-2013 Toyota Corolla EPS (which might be the same as Prius unit) Electric Steering in a Willys... judging from this video (not sure) I guess the EPS will work without the "control module". I assume the control module adds fancy features such as speed-sensing variable assist and such.
Here's a web page that compiles some of the basic information for Japanese vehicle EPS - these will work fine without the control module.
I am fairly certain if I ever go to power steering in my wagon it will be EPS.
Brad
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Tralehead
Well Oiled
One of the first things I thought about doing to my Wagon was installing power steering. I started a thread on it:
www.oldwillysforum.com
Got a lot of response on this thread, as well as some ref to others.
What ended up was a description of an aftermarket EPS unit and some great installation posts. Even a thread on installing one in an FC.
The aftermarket unit isn't cheap, but it does allow using the stock column and wheel.
There's a lot of discussion on this topic, and the Prius version looks great.
Thanks for the detailed vids, etc.
Power steering in a stock '60 Wagon
Has anyone done this with a stock 226? Not sure if I want to put the time, money and effort into the Ross box, especially after reading about the hassles some folks have encountered. Plus it's IMHO a worthy upgrade. Cursory searches have found pump and Saginaw box kits but not for Willys...
What ended up was a description of an aftermarket EPS unit and some great installation posts. Even a thread on installing one in an FC.
The aftermarket unit isn't cheap, but it does allow using the stock column and wheel.
There's a lot of discussion on this topic, and the Prius version looks great.
Thanks for the detailed vids, etc.
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jim53066
Bigger Hammer
Here is a link to a company that does aftermarket electric steering, I can't say enough good about the owner. He even answered his phone on a Sunday and talked me through an issue when it did not work because I pinched a wire and it grounded out. Check his web site, there is a ton of info on installing EPAS.
JIM
JIM
Here's the link to my install of EPS on my 57' PU. Not as cheap as using a Prius, but works well.
www.oldwillysforum.com
How about electric power steering?
Still looking for solutions to power steering. Has anyone tried one of these units? It looks like an easier install than changing the gearbox and adding a pump. https://www.jegs.com/i/EPAS-Performance/563/9000/10002/-1