Power steering box swap

General topics.

Moderators: notoptoy, S Allen, Solex68

Post Reply
fairlane292
Roadster Fanatic
Posts: 86
Joined: Sun May 28, 2023 11:02 am
Location: 01571
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Power steering box swap

Post by fairlane292 »

Anyone here swap an aftermarket power steering box for the OE box?
User avatar
Solex68
Site Supporter
Posts: 2083
Joined: Fri May 25, 2012 3:30 pm
Location: Laguna Hills, CA
Model: 2000
Year: High Windshield-68-70
Contact:

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by Solex68 »

Typically, the later recirc ball type steering in the later 69 and 70s give an easy steering experience compared to the earlier model roadsters. I was amazed at the ease of effort required when steering one when I drove a car with it. Night and day difference and much easier to implement than a power steering change.
I have seen powered steering on a car or two at the Solvang show years ago, so yes, it can be done, but the cars I saw it on, were heavily modified all around and I would say they had the money to invest in the change based on the total car's worth.
Greg a.k.a SOLEX68 - http://www.datsunvents.com/
Laguna Hills, CA
68 2000
Always willing to help another Datsun Roadster owner
Pending installs: SS brake lines, Stan Stealth Dizzy
fairlane292
Roadster Fanatic
Posts: 86
Joined: Sun May 28, 2023 11:02 am
Location: 01571
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by fairlane292 »

Thanks Greg, I have heard that about the recirc ball box. I wish I could try a later 69 or 70 but they’re so rare here in the northeast making that very unlikely.
I’m working on a SN95 mustang 5.0 swap so the front will be 100-130lbs heavier and I’d like to go a bit wider than stock on front tires. I have an 04-09 Prius electric pwr steering system coming and will see about mocking that up soon on my early ‘69.
User avatar
Solex68
Site Supporter
Posts: 2083
Joined: Fri May 25, 2012 3:30 pm
Location: Laguna Hills, CA
Model: 2000
Year: High Windshield-68-70
Contact:

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by Solex68 »

There is/was a company working on a rack and pinion steering swap but I don't know if it is still in their plans or not to complete the project.
Greg a.k.a SOLEX68 - http://www.datsunvents.com/
Laguna Hills, CA
68 2000
Always willing to help another Datsun Roadster owner
Pending installs: SS brake lines, Stan Stealth Dizzy
fairlane292
Roadster Fanatic
Posts: 86
Joined: Sun May 28, 2023 11:02 am
Location: 01571
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by fairlane292 »

I had not seen anything on a rack and pinion conv kit. When I needed a roller I tried to get a late 69 or 70 but just wasn’t able to. The cost for a late 69 or 70 box, pitman and idler is high unless you can catch a break. The Prius EPS will work ‘IF’ there is room for it. With the collapsible column, under the dash is likely out. It appears the only possible location (in my case) is pretty much right off the box. I’ll have the Prius EPS tomorrow so I’ll start looking at the possibilities soon.
User avatar
spyder
Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
Posts: 2206
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2005 1:43 am
Location: Live Oak, TX.
Model: 2000
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by spyder »

Someone has done it with pictures, not sure how to search for it.
devo
Roadsteraholic
Posts: 536
Joined: Mon Jun 17, 2013 7:58 pm
Location: Texas
Model: 1500/1600
Year: Low Windshield-64-67.5

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by devo »

fairlane292 wrote: Sun Nov 05, 2023 1:55 pm Anyone here swap an aftermarket power steering box for the OE box?
Looks like Vinechoy accomplished it
viewtopic.php?p=214307&hilit=electric+p ... ng#p214307
User avatar
redroadster
Roadsteraholic
Posts: 2408
Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 10:58 am
Location: KCMO
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by redroadster »

And you loose the death spear column in the swt.
Datsun dealer tech 76 to 87
Mitsubishi tech 9 yrs
Volvo, Kia, Toyota too
6 month - Rolls Royce
ASE MASTER TECH 96. - 11
70 SPL 86 Z31 T , Sportster
fairlane292
Roadster Fanatic
Posts: 86
Joined: Sun May 28, 2023 11:02 am
Location: 01571
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by fairlane292 »

Got the Prius EPS yesterday. Bench tested it and it is amazing. Default w/o speed sensor connection will be 43mph. I looks like it will feel well under the dash. The big thing is the shaft connections down to the steering box and especially to the steering wheel such that the original ignition, etc and wheel can be maintained. Will have more on this however most mockup will be on my roller outside and it's starting to get very cold here.
SOUPY
Roadster Fanatic
Posts: 90
Joined: Sat Dec 26, 2020 7:21 pm
Location: Smith Mt. Lake Virginia
Model: 2000
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by SOUPY »

Even back in the 70's (like forever ago) I thought a rack and pinion set up would be cool! Just think of the weight savings you could achieve! The steering box is heavy as is the idler arm box and all the linkages. Surprised someone hasn't commented about having tried it. Racers? Autocrossers? Any thoughts out there?
Life's too short, buy your best tool first!
69 2000 'Lil Red, pretty much done
66 1600 Stroker, Whitelady, in progress
User avatar
Solex68
Site Supporter
Posts: 2083
Joined: Fri May 25, 2012 3:30 pm
Location: Laguna Hills, CA
Model: 2000
Year: High Windshield-68-70
Contact:

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by Solex68 »

These were the guys who were making a new steering box for the Roadster. They once showed it on their site as an up and coming item and I even emailed them about it
https://technotoytuning.com/
.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Greg a.k.a SOLEX68 - http://www.datsunvents.com/
Laguna Hills, CA
68 2000
Always willing to help another Datsun Roadster owner
Pending installs: SS brake lines, Stan Stealth Dizzy
User avatar
redroadster
Roadsteraholic
Posts: 2408
Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 10:58 am
Location: KCMO
Model: 1500/1600
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Re: Power steering box swap

Post by redroadster »

Datsun dealer tech 76 to 87
Mitsubishi tech 9 yrs
Volvo, Kia, Toyota too
6 month - Rolls Royce
ASE MASTER TECH 96. - 11
70 SPL 86 Z31 T , Sportster
Post Reply