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Looking for some input. Just started on my project. Doing an axle swap using axles from an 89 dodge 3/4 ton. Have the front axle located and wondering about steering. It looks like the stock steering can be made to work fairly easily. I also have the power steering box and column from the donor truck which should also work.

I'm an old school guy and not put off to manual steering. Truck will be a three season driver on nice days. I have enough other cars that this wont be used full time. One of which is a 70 superbee that I just converted to manual steering which I love. I also learned to drive on an old suburban manual steering three on the tree.

Just looking for feedback on power versus manual. I know the pros and cons of both...no broken thumbs, simpler, tire size effect, etc. I also like the look of the stock column and wheel, really don't want to use a new column as I think it detracts from the military look. Thoughts, opinions? Anyone using stock steering with an axle swap?

There are a few power steering conversion kits out there for the M37 that involve cutting and grafting the original column to a replacement PS box.
http://snakeriver4x4.com/psteering.php
It looks pretty straightforward. If you're already swapping out the drive train for more modern gear why not go with power steering as well? It's a lot more pleasant to drive and perhaps safer. Also, if you intend on any technical off roading you might consider moving from a push pull steering linkage to crossover. That said, I hear there is not a lot of under carriage space to run a crossover steering link.

rcamacho wrote:It's a lot more pleasant to drive and perhaps safer.

I would say not safer, if power is lost so too may the ability to steer.


power steering is nice offroad when you need to dry steer wile off camber But with the m37 being so capable
off road, the heavy steering is the only thing keeping your buddies with jeeps Toyotas fords and chevs in the rearview

im a fan of the full feel from manual steering but not the stock worm and peg and the compounding idler arm.
check out the 265 build for what im going with http://www.g741.org/PHPBB/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=6124

Very interesting and cool steering box u got there, RMS! I like it

I run the stock steering with NDTs-next to impossible to turn from a standing start due to the ground pressure on those thin front treads. More modern tires that have more ground surface area are a bit easier to steer but that Armstrong steering wears heavily after a while, especially for us baby boomers!

It's your rig so you can choose your own path
Gary

Thanks for all the input.

RMS, did you ever figure how to mount to the hollow shaft? And is that the kit from snake river that adds an additional bearing to the column?

I know the armstrong may get old, especially as I get old. But, I like showing my kids and their friends what real cars and trucks were like. Decisions, decisions...

What box is that?
Yeah, for technical off roading I'm used to power steering at minimum then going to hydro assist.

RMS wrote:

rcamacho wrote:It's a lot more pleasant to drive and perhaps safer.

I would say not safer, if power is lost so too may the ability to steer.


power steering is nice offroad when you need to dry steer wile off camber But with the m37 being so capable
off road, the heavy steering is the only thing keeping your buddies with jeeps Toyotas fords and chevs in the rearview

im a fan of the full feel from manual steering but not the stock worm and peg and the compounding idler arm.
check out the 265 build for what im going with http://www.g741.org/PHPBB/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=6124

I believe its off a 70s gmc or international 5ton. its a saginaw 5690694

superbee70 wrote:RMS, did you ever figure how to mount to the hollow shaft? And is that the kit from snake river that adds an additional bearing to the column?

...im bad...too busy pouring $ into datsuns....... yes its the snake river kit but no I don't like it or any of the options available for running a stock hollow shaft. having a new shaft with splines for the stock wheel and a key way to work with the 1000 series u jay is the way to go (as Jess recommended). then I will find my own way to rig up a lower bearing( something like a motorcycle tapered head set /fork bearing and cup/race as a pillow block is not needed because no slip joint will be used and the cab will be solidly mounted on the front driver side cab mount like stock.

rcamacho wrote: for technical off roading I'm used to power steering at minimum then going to hydro assist.

I sometimes use power assist when off road. the system I use is cheep, removable and dose not affect my collector plate status. this power assist system is easily achieved by recruiting a friend or two to stand on the running board and help turn the steering wheel

The snake river power steering is one of the best mods i have done.

Power steering done right, (we have designed and built our own system) is one of the best upgrades you can do to an M37. Our system is overbuilt in the eyes of some, but we don't have to worry about component breakage. Ours is also designed so manual steering is possible if a hydraulic failure occurred.

Why not use Corvette style or early Ford/International Power steering? A control valve is grafted into one of the monkey motion shafts and a cylinder is attached to the tie rod and frame. If it craps out you can still muscle it to the side of the road. Then just disconnect the cylinder from the tie rod and you are back to stock steering. No modification to the box or shaft at all.

just me wrote:Why not use Corvette style or early Ford/International Power steering? A control valve is grafted into one of the monkey motion shafts and a cylinder is attached to the tie rod and frame. If it craps out you can still muscle it to the side of the road. Then just disconnect the cylinder from the tie rod and you are back to stock steering. No modification to the box or shaft at all.

May work for some, however in our situation liability could become an issue. We work things out to the point we figure it is the most fool-proof and will not be a liability issue on us or a failure for the end user. The folks using ours in extreme off-road situations like fire service test such systems to the MAX; thus far we have a record of no issues.

just me wrote:Why not use Corvette style or early Ford/International Power steering? A control valve is grafted into one of the monkey motion shafts and a cylinder is attached to the tie rod and frame. If it craps out you can still muscle it to the side of the road. Then just disconnect the cylinder from the tie rod and you are back to stock steering. No modification to the box or shaft at all.

The factory-installed Bendix power steering on Studebakers was done this way.