1954 M37 Power Steering Conversion

[rockingk]

Every once in awhile I try to find the complete set up to convert my steering to a power set up, unsuccessfully.
This post is another attempt prompted by my 2011 4th of July Parade participation with my M37 in Historic Sonoma, California.
I was invited to drive Hap Arnolds grandson, Robert Arnold and Chirstine Olds, Robin Olds daughter in the Parade.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound like a pussy, but after I got home I decided to give the power steering search
another attempt. Does anyone have first hand experience that they may wish to share on this topic. I can get the work done
if I can obtain all the gear, which I am not sure what that at all entails. What I have found on the Web is never complete.
I attended the big Tower Park Marina Vintage Military Vehicle Meet in Lodi, CA inquiring about PS and stuck out on the topic.
But, I found a lot of great parts for great prices not pertaining to the steering issue. Does anybody out there want to comment?
Thanks.

[adamkw12]

I did not get my setup from them, but I think they have everything you need for the setup. There websit I think is www.snakeriver4x4.com. They can also tell you step by step on how to install it. I talked to them a couple of years ago and they were very helpful.

[M37UK]

Power steering conversion is relatively simple to do.
I dont have that much mechanical experience but I managed to fit the steering box, PS pump and ancilliaries.
It can be a simple bolt on job if you go with the right parts.
The trickiest bit I found was shortening the steering column and adding the universal joints and steering column bearing. I also had to re-weld the PS pump bracket to fit my Canadian engine.
My setup was supplied by Charles at M-Series Rebuild so I suggest you give him a shout for an idea on the parts required and cost.

Unfortunately it isnt a cheap conversion no matter where you source the parts.


Good luck

[MSeriesRebuild]

Every once in awhile I try to find the complete set up to convert my steering to a power set up, unsuccessfully.
This post is another attempt prompted by my 2011 4th of July Parade participation with my M37 in Historic Sonoma, California.
I was invited to drive Hap Arnolds grandson, Robert Arnold and Chirstine Olds, Robin Olds daughter in the Parade.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound like a pussy, but after I got home I decided to give the power steering search
another attempt. Does anyone have first hand experience that they may wish to share on this topic. I can get the work done
if I can obtain all the gear, which I am not sure what that at all entails. What I have found on the Web is never complete.
I attended the big Tower Park Marina Vintage Military Vehicle Meet in Lodi, CA inquiring about PS and stuck out on the topic.
But, I found a lot of great parts for great prices not pertaining to the steering issue. Does anybody out there want to comment?
Thanks.

We can help you with a power steering kit that you can install. Happy to discuss with you how our setup is designed and works; 704-474-4683, Mon-Fri 8-5 eastern time, ask for Charles.

[Josh]

Not that I am trying to poach Charles' business, but, if you are more inclined to do it yourself, check out my rebuild thread, I have some good pictures and info on parts I used for mine.

Something you might want to consider is a ram assist on the tie rod. This will take about 70% of the load off the box, and subsiquently, off the frame. I can steer my 38.5" tires at idle with my pinky!!! Be aware that if you do this, you will need a much larger power steering pump, however. Something like off of a commerical truck, and, you will have to partially disassemble the steering box to make the modifications.

Josh

[M37UK]

Even without ram assist I can easily turn my wheels with my pinky while the truck is at standstill at tickover