Power steering conversion???

M

mlilli33

New member
Hello all,

I just took my 72 Scout ll out for its first drive in 25 years and it steers like an IH farm tractor. I have other vehicles with manual steering but this thing is ridiculous. It is all over the road and an absolute bear to steer at any speed. I just had it inspected so everything is at least "safe". I am thinking maybe adding power steering could be a solution that May fix multiple problems that might be going on. Has anyone done this with the amc straight six? I am guessing most available parts are for the more common IH motors. Any help/suggestions appreciated. Thanks
 
Power steering install won't "fix" anything. These vehicles did not come out of the factory performing as you describe!

And ps was an option on that vehicle also, the engine used has nothing to do with ps availability. The amc 258 used the same saginaw pump as was used with the 304/345, only the mounting bracketry was different...same steering gear also.

But a total rebuild of the front suspension will take care of the issue...that includes replacing ball joints, tie rod ends, spring bushings, rebuilding the steering gear if all the adjustment in it has been taken up, etc.

Also carefully check the area of the frame where the steering gear mounts, the frames are noted for cracking in that area and must be reinforced as a repair.

Same for verifying that tire size and pressure is consistent all the way around...and that the wheel/spindle bearings are properly serviced.

Installing a "straight steer"-type frame brace is a bandaid and will not correct a vehicle with multiple worn components. It will help stiffen the front section of the frame on vehicles which have had suspension lift and much larger tires installed though...those mods tend to greatly accentuate frame "flex" which leads to poor handling especially going down the highway in a straight line.

As one who owned/operated/performed in a state "vehicle inspection station" for many years, I can tell you that no state inspection process I'm familiar with will identify and fail a vehicle with the dynamic condition you describe! They "might" catch a loose lug nut or "brake pull" if the inspection process in your state is a dynamic check (and I'm not referring to the smogging process which is a separate operation).
 
Thanks Mike. I guess I will just get a second opinion because the inspecting mechanic knows the Scout has been idle for a long time and said all suspension components are good to go and I just don't see how that can be true. I think I would still like to add power steering while it is in the shop. Is there a complete parts list for adding ps anywhere on the site? Thanks.
 
mlilli33 said:
thanks Mike. I guess I will just get a second opinion because the inspecting mechanic knows the Scout has been idle for a long time and said all suspension components are good to go and I just don't see how that can be true. I think I would still like to add power steering while it is in the shop. Is there a complete parts list for adding ps anywhere on the site? Thanks.
Click to expand...

The "parts list" is an mt-130 parts catalog for the Scout II platform. Complete analysis of the parts manual comparing ps vs. Non-ps versions will show you what is involved.

A ps pump and hoses are available new, the rest of the stuff would most likely have to come from a boneyard/donor vehicle.
 
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