Stock Column

I am planning to order one of Herms power steering conversion kits and have a question (More are sure to follow). Can anyone give me details as to how to retain the original column (1970 CJ5) for the conversion (I.E. length of bushing at bottom of column, ways to secure bushing etc..)

 

Im planning on doing the same conversion to my 1971. I contacted Herm and he recommended that I upgrade to a later moded AMC tilt column. I would like to retain the original look. AA's kit recommends keeping the original column set up. I'm still trying to decide.

 

There are 2 ways to retain the stock column and/or look. The cheaters way, the way I did it, was to use a Postal jeep column. It is built identically with a few minor changes that very few people notice. The other way is to disassemble the factory Ross box and take the shaft with the worm gear on it and cut it off with a hacksaw or bandsaw. You must make sure to leave the shaft about 1 ½-2" longer than the column tube, you then make/ purchase a brass or bronze bushing that slides up into the tube and allows the shaft to pass thru it. The universal joint is then welded, pinned or set screwed to the shaft. You then need a column support to tie the column to the floor panel when its re-assembled. The bushing can be retained in the steering tube with a couple of small cap screws, you must drill and tap a couple of a say 8-32 sized hole in the bushing and then clear these holes in the tube. You could also make the bushing a press fit in the tube and then use a punch to dimple the column tube and the bushing at the same time, this will press a small amount of the steel into the soft brass or bronze keeping it from coming out. The bushing can be bought from Advance adapter or if you can get me the diameter of the tube and shaft I can make it cheaper. I also make a nice column clamp to hold the column to the floor. I have sold several to board members.
The postal jeep columns are availabe from these people;
http://www.postaljeep.net/ This ia where I got mine, they are about 5 miles down the road from me. There parts guy is nice but a numbers only man, tell him you want a column for a early 70's model postal jeep the one with the small column. If you tell him its for a cj he'll tell you we don't sell cj parts only postal parts. Hope this helps.

 

Mcruff,

As soon as Turkey Day is done you are sure to be hearing from me. I would much rather buy products from you and THANK YOU for the help.

 

The Postal Parts place mentioned is a good source. I called and the column, wheel, u-joint, shaft, and rag joint were $150.00 plus $30-$40 for shipping. However, before I ordered it I decided to check local junkyards in Buffalo. The first place I tried had a 75 and I pulled the whole steering assembly with the dash brace for $19.95. Shop around.

 

I would be interested in your clamp. I am trying to install the Saginaw
Steering and maintain the original look or feel. I noticed that you have Hedman Headers. Do you know if the conversion can be done with the stock manifolds and exhaust system? I currently have headers but would ideally like to change back to the stock exhaust. Oh by the way my jeep is also a 1971 with the Dauntless V6. How do I go about ordering your bushing and clamp. Does the bushing act like a bearing?