Power Steering Conversion?

**Mr.B** · 09-16-2006, 10:44 PM

I'm looking for a write-up on a power steering conversion. I've searched, but couldn't find one for a YJ. If there isn't one, maybe someone who has done it could give me some tips and ideas of what it will cost. I'm not looking for high performance, just something better than manual steering. If there is something from different vehicles that will bolt on, that would be fine. There are lots of junkyards around here, but the Jeep yard thinks they are selling new parts.

**Mr.B** · 09-17-2006, 10:14 PM

I went to Kragen today and got an estimate. Here's the breakdown.

Power steering pump $80
Core charge $50 (don't have one to return)
Power Steering Pulley $25
PS hose $24
Power steering hose $17
Gear box $168
_________________________
Total $364

The kid at the counter said he thought I could bring in my old manual gear box for the core charge. If he is wrong, it's another $125.
There's got to be a cheaper way.

**Mr.B** · 09-20-2006, 10:15 PM

The Jeep junkyard is going to want almost as much as Kragen wants for rebuilt parts. Besides the '98 Durango, is there another gearbox from another vehicle that I might find at the pick and pull? And how about pumps? There sould be one that will bolt on. They're pretty much all the same, aren't they?

ChevDog1 · 09-21-2006, 01:54 PM

I bought an entire 1987 cherokee for $400.00 for the drivetrain. It turned out that the power steering was a bolt in to my YJ. That's power steering for free!

**Mr.B** · 09-22-2006, 08:29 PM

Well I went to J&W, the jeep junkyard today and they wanted $400 for a complete setup. Thats more expensive for used parts than from Kragen for rebuilt parts.

**Mr.B** · 09-23-2006, 04:00 PM

Today I went to the pic a part, and found a 86 Cherokee Laredo with a 2.5L. The power steering looks like it will bolt on to my 2.5L. Here's a picture of the pump on the Laredo.

Here's a picture of my pulley where the pump should be mounted.

**Mr.B** · 09-23-2006, 04:23 PM

Here is a better picture of my Wrangler. What I cant seem to get in a frame is that are three bolts holding down the idler pulley bracket. The center one, just below the belt, I believe is just for the pulley tensioner. The pump bracket on the Cherokee only seems to have two bolts.

**Mr.B** · 09-29-2006, 10:03 PM

For those of you who are interested, I did pull the gearbox and pump from that '86 Cherokee 2.5L. The gearbox will bolt right into my Wrangler. The hoses won't work though. The return hose points straight up from the gearbox and interferes with the radiator bracket. And the pressure hose is too short. I haven't tried to mount the pump yet. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Unfortunately work keeps getting in the way.

**jeeepguy** · 09-30-2006, 12:05 PM

You'll be better off going to a place that makes the hoses and getting new ones rather than working with used ones. Better to not chance a dry, rotted, cracked hose for so little difference. Besides, you can then get any fitting you need to make it work.

**Mr.B** · 10-07-2006, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeeepguy

You'll be better off going to a place that makes the hoses and getting new ones rather than working with used ones. Better to not chance a dry, rotted, cracked hose for so little difference. Besides, you can then get any fitting you need to make it work.

I agree. Buying them from the junkyard was a mistake. But I was only out about $16. I did get the sensor with it though. I don't know if my computer will read it, but it will at least plug the hole in the new pressure hose I bought from Napa.

southerndawg · 10-07-2006, 04:23 PM

That sensor was worth every bit of $16. I spent a good bit of time trying to find the right size bolt to plug it. Napa couldn't do it and neither could another shop. Ended up buying the sensor in the end.

-95 YJ 2.5

**Mr.B** · 10-20-2006, 10:37 PM

I finally got it all together this week and it all worked. I had to buy a rebuilt pump from Napa, because the one off the XJ wouldn't fit. I got new hoses and used the sensor off the XJ to plug the hole. Your right, it was worth the $16.

**Mr.B** · 11-07-2006, 10:46 PM

After I got every thing in and started driving around, the gearbox started leaking around the stub shaft(where the steering column bolts on). I bought a seal kit from Napa for about $7. The 20 year old seals were a PIA to remove, but it's working great now.

southerndawg · 11-08-2006, 09:23 AM

Good job!

I had the same problem with a CJ gearbox I replaced. Had to replace a seal after we had it all mounted up. It was a pain to get to being so close to the radiator.

That 2.4 in your signature is a typo right?

**Mr.B** · 11-08-2006, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southerndawg

That 2.4 in your signature is a typo right?

LOL I've been on this forum almost a year now, and you are the first to notice that, including me. It's been fixed. Thanks.

10-07-2006, 04:23 PM	#11
southerndawg Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: South Georgia Posts: 90 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	That sensor was worth every bit of $16. I spent a good bit of time trying to find the right size bolt to plug it. Napa couldn't do it and neither could another shop. Ended up buying the sensor in the end. -95 YJ 2.5

11-08-2006, 09:23 AM	#14
southerndawg Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: South Georgia Posts: 90 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Good job! I had the same problem with a CJ gearbox I replaced. Had to replace a seal after we had it all mounted up. It was a pain to get to being so close to the radiator. That 2.4 in your signature is a typo right?