Herms steering kit pics needed

WOW, seems a lot of issues with this conversion compared to the sag box up front conversion.

 

I like Herm's design.
And I realize that he makes this product to 'fit' many different years and models of Jeep vehicles few of which are 'uniform' and most have been modified in some way(s), so it's definitely not 'one size fits all'. But with that said, Herm's steering kit is not cheap, and the only instructions that come with the kit is a single sheet of paper with a few worded instructions and ZERO pictures and a note at the bottom saying, 'call me with any questions'. That's just not good enough. It seems to me it wouldn't be too difficult to photocopy three or four (clear) black and white photographs with a few well placed arrows and some concise instructions. In fact, once I'm finished with my install, I'd be happy to put an instruction sheet together for Herm simply to help anyone else to not get into the same frustrating position that I'm in now.
Lastly, Herm mentions on his website that a 'rear dump exhaust manifold' is needed to make this kit work. Fine, I sourced and bought a manifold online. But there's NO WAY (at least on my CJ5) the steering link can get around that manifold without some major modifications. Herm needs to come clean on this fact up front and instead suggest fender-dump headers be used with the kit. It would have saved me the time and money on sourcing a manifold that will not work.

I will get this install finished and it will work well in the end. But it could have been a lot easier with just a little more initial help from Herm.

Max

 

I also like the placement in terms of strength of the area and protection from harm. That being said, this mod is a train-wreck of cascading modifications.

With an FHead, I needed to rework my exhaust manifold (I had it welded to spit out horizontally - and I didn't like the result lol), remove my fuel pump, chop a chunk out of my engine mounting plate, and compromise my cooling system (likely requiring an electric fan).

If it's done as part of a large series of mods, it's great, ideal even IMO. As a single mod, no way.

 

The original Ross steering on my 71 CJ5 had gotten so bad, I could barely keep the Jeep in TWO lanes, let alone one lane. Completely unsafe. So I decided that it was the perfect time to upgrade to Herms kit, hence it was a 'single mod'... I'll get it worked out, just not as smoothly as I had hoped when I began this project. But then again, nearly all my Jeep projects don't go as smoothly as I hope in the beginning, that's part of the reason we love them so much, I think... Oh well, (Jeep) life goes on!

Max

 

Yeah my CJ was a “93” Jeep. I could take the wheel from 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock without any grab. I also liked the idea that I could get easier replacement parts. It does greatly help, but be ready for collateral damage.

 

It would be great to see some pictures.

 

Does anyone have photos of this mod with an fhead? I've got a '64 cj5 and am looking for a good way to do this.

 

I might have a pic around, but I hated how it turned out.

Mods I'm going to make to remedy fitment issues:

Late CJ grill (radiator hose)
Fuel pump removal (steering)
Notched engine plate (steering)
Dual CV steering joints with a carrier on top of frame (exhaust)

 

Let me point out steering feel is vastly improved but packaging is a hot mess.

 

Dang, I'm wondering if a rebuilt ross with a tightsteer (TightSteer Model #100) and a damper is a better first option.

 

I also do not like the Chevy Saginaw placement/process either. The Roxor steering gear (being similar location to the Chevy) is much wider/flatter, and thus is better protected by the front bumper AND does not impact a winch plate. You'd still have the grill/engine mount/cross-member/exhaust fitment issues, though, which are primary concerns with the Chevy style. Roxor is also power steering and I wanted manual.

Saginaw swaps of all sorts have been done many times mind you, but there is a good reason no bolt in type "KIT" exists for this. There a ton of variables and IMO WAY too little room to work to get a reliable polished decent result.

Honestly, after doing dual master cyl and steering mods to this 57 (thankfully NOT a restore candidate), can't say I'd do either again. Some of my mods I'm very happy with (NT30, disk brakes, oddly enough the propane swap lol), but those are not on the list.

 

Personally I love all the Saginaw steering swaps I’ve done. Hardest part is routing the steering shaft usually but for me worth every bit of effort. There is so much documentation on different ways to do it that there is tons of ideas and information available.

 

To be honest, I haven't driven this other than on my short dirt road, and then I started taking it apart, so how bad it is, I'm going on just looks alone, and moving the wheel in the garage. I've got the old tub off and am putting on a new one, and looking to go through pretty much everything.

You mention power assist ram, on this CJ there was a power steering pump that is sitting on the floor now, and a hydralic piston attached to the steering. It looks a lot like the steering on my tractor, I'll get a photo today and post it. I didn't realized is was a decent steering alternative because it just looks cobbled together by a PO, not to mention that the one weld point they made looks like crap and needs serious attention. I'll look into this a little.

 

I appreciate your opinion! I don't want to add a saginaw, just for the sake of it. I was thinking it was the best solution, but I guess I need to look a little more.

I live on a steep mountain, and am looking to do a disc brake mod too. I was under the impression that a dual master was needed for disc bakes.

As far as mods go, I was only looking at the steering and the brakes. Updating the biggest safety troubles.

 

So much documentation seems to be my trouble. I tend to find a lot of conversions on jeeps with v-6s but can't find much on the fhead other than cutting the cross-member, which I was hoping not to do. I'm no mechanical genius so I'm looking for a reasonable template or guide to use. I can do most anything if I know what the end looks like ahead of time.

 

brakes i would say are the most important if you are on a steep mountain. steer all you want with sloppy steering, but if you are headed downhill with sloppy steering and the brakes aren't working, its a moot point at that point in time.

i did the "metcalf conversion" and i love every second of it. i did a dual MC at the time too. some say you dont need to, but i did. you cannot beat 4wheel disks on an old jeep.

Trackick Disc Brake Conversion Bracket, Two Pair

 

dont cut into the cross member.

 

If someone wants to be creative, an electric assist system should work with the original Ross box and linkages. May not be cheaper or easier though.

Mike

 

Here's some pics of my current steering as I bought it.
Jeep