Draglink

[jwgreen]

Ok guys so I'm looking at converting my 69 to power steering. I've got a steering box off a Nissan Xterra that will fit pretty well where I want it but here's the question. The pitman arm location is 5" rear of the stock position. Does anyone see any issue with that? I know 0 about steering geometry so I'm needing a little guidance here. I plan on having a replacement Drag link and Tie rob fabricated seeing how mine are shot and I would rather upgrade to parts that I can find more readily so if the Drag link needs to be a bit longer that will be no problem. Anyway, any info would be a great help.

[moore_rb]

The joint between the Pitman Arm and the drag link should line up vertically directly over the tie rod. if the draglink is in front (or behind) the tie rod when the steering is centered, then you may experience bump-steer (a phenomenon where bumps in the road are transmitted up the steering shaft and into the steering wheel.)

Ditto if the angle of the drag link is too severe relative the tie rod - bump steer can result.

The XTerra's steerring box has a rearward Pitman Arm, while the Patrol's is forward facing. This is going to create several design considerations:

If the Pitman arms are the same length, then positioning the XTerra steering box so that the center shaft is as close to the stock location of the Patrol's center shaft is going to be the best way to mitigate any geometry issues.

If the Pitman arms are different lengths, then they are going to travel in totally different arcs, and if the steering center shaft is not centered in this arc, then you will have "unbalanced" steering radii (meaning it will turn sharper in one direction versus the other)

Steering system geometry never works well as a "let's try this and see what happens" candidate - get all your measurements and angles fully drawn out before starting fabrication...

and speaking of fabrication- the steering box puts 500% more stress on the frame than the suspension does - be sure that steering box is bolted into bossed and gussetted frame attachment points.

If you want power steering and the ability to keep the Patrol's stock steering box, then consider a dual valve slave cylinder style design- like was used on 60's Mustangs and Corvettes... I was going to look into possibly doing a system like this when I rebuild my red Patrol.

[Esteban]

...If you want power steering and the ability to keep the Patrol's stock steering box, then consider a dual valve slave cylinder style design- like was used on 60's Mustangs and Corvettes... I was going to look into possibly doing a system like this when I rebuild my red Patrol.

You can see pictures of your idea at the following link, that shows my brother's Patrol:

http://www.60patrol.com/forum/viewtopic ... tte#p13741

[moore_rb]

YES! This is exactly the system that I was thinking would work. Esteban, you (and you brother) are my heros (again)

I rebuilt this exact style power steering in my black 69 Corvette back in 2001-2002, so that's why I thought that it might work.

I am going to go post a couple information points in your other thread about where you can order the Corvette parts already fully rebuilt and restored.

[jwgreen]

Guys,

Thanks soo much for all the information. Now I'm not sure what I will do!!! I like the idea of PS but since I haven't driven this thing at all, ever, I guess I will just stay with the stock setup and see how I like it. If I don't then I will probably opt for the setup that Esteban mentioned because it seems much easier for me with my limited knowledge on that stuff.

[sleepyzzz]

Guys,

Thanks soo much for all the information. Now I'm not sure what I will do!!! I like the idea of PS but since I haven't driven this thing at all, ever, I guess I will just stay with the stock setup and see how I like it. If I don't then I will probably opt for the setup that Esteban mentioned because it seems much easier for me with my limited knowledge on that stuff.

i agree with you, get it where you can drive it first, and then decide what needs changing.

[Coyote Patrol]

I drive my Patrol almost every day. The only time i felt power steering would be nice is when im out hunting and 4x4ing. Those sharp turns avoiding rocks etc. it would be nice. Other than that every day driving, manual steering on these isnt bad with the original large steering wheel.