Converting a rack/pinion steering to saginaw

[Jared]

I'm very seriously considering doing a SAS on my quad cab '04 Dakota and using it as my primary wheeling rig. There is one major hangup that needs to be addressed before I can proceed. This truck has a rack and pinion steering setup.

I'm thinking that I could use an XJ steering box and spacer and just mount the sucker to a flat place on the frame. Am I wrong? I'm not willing to shell out the coin for full hydro, but need a factory quality steering setup. Are there other practical options I'm not seeing yet?

Thanks,
Jared

 

[I Lean]

Nope, you're not wrong. Even if there's no prime flat spot on the frame, something could certainly be fabbed up.

 

[ChestonScout]

we used a 78 bronco steering box on my buddies Durango.

 

[Jared]

Did you have to make any special modifications to mount the box? I'm assuming most boxes don't just mount up to a flat surface on the frame.

Also, do different boxes have significantly different steering ratios? I would like a fairly quick steering box... i.e. I want less turns lock to lock.

Thanks,
Jared

 

[XJEEPER]

Sorry to hear that your 30 is grinning

You might be able to do it with all Dodge parts, since some XJers have been swapping in Durango/Dakota boxes for the larger (stronger?) internals.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=71626&highlight=durango+steering

 

[Jared]

Good info Jeff. Thanks!

 

[Devel]

we used a 78 bronco steering box on my buddies Durango.

the reason they swapped is because he blew the durango box up but i guess thats what u get when you run a ford motor and the rest dodge

 

[ChestonScout]

Did you have to make any special modifications to mount the box? I'm assuming most boxes don't just mount up to a flat surface on the frame.

Also, do different boxes have significantly different steering ratios? I would like a fairly quick steering box... i.e. I want less turns lock to lock.

Thanks,
Jared

We just welded some flat plate on the frame and drilled new holes. All of the old saginaw pumps do just mount to a flat surface. You just have to make sure its plenty stong. You should mount spacers in the frame rail where your bolts run threw.

 

[XJEEPER]

We just welded some flat plate on the frame and drilled new holes. All of the old saginaw pumps do just mount to a flat surface. You just have to make sure its plenty stong. You should mount spacers in the frame rail where your bolts run threw.

Spacers....as in sleeves for added strength .