Reverse Pattern Saginaw Kit

http://www.universal5.com/index.php

 

ok well sorry herm guess i will build my own kit for a normal kit

 

Never thought this steering setup was a good idea but after seeing the photos and how crowded and how close the pitman is to the axle tube and how crowded the engine compartment becomes underneath, I think it is even a worse idea than I previously thought!
I'm not really sure why anybody would want to do this at all as the Scout steering boxes are quite rare compared to standard saginaw boxes. I also see no real advantage to this system over the standard way that Jeep does it now and most of the guys have used previously when converting from there ross boxes. (my .02)

 

Don't the scout boxes sit on top of the frame rail?

I agree it looks too crowded for my liking. Do you need to use longer than necessary bumpstops to prevent contact between the axle and pitman?

 

That's not a scout box, looks like a van box - and a really bad idea. Maybe it's just the pictures, but it looks like the drag link is going to contact the tierod and the pitman is going to hit the axle tube.

 

I think its just the pictures. Did you check the link to the gallery at U5? I believe Herm said the box can be found in Ford rangers. I think part of the attraction is that its a bolt-on kit with no welding (but some drilling) required.

 

That's what I was looking at was the 12 or so pictures in that gallery. Looks awful close to both the tube and tierod. Be curious to see what happens when one side of the suspension gets flexed at full lock.

No reason that a standard saginaw couldn't be bolt on if someone built the bracket right. I'm trying to figure out what the benefit of a setup like that would be vs a more normal conversion?

 

Linky no werky for me...

 

It's working for me.

 

Still not working for me either. FWIW

 

I applaud the effort to do the R-D on something of this scope for vehicles that are now 30 years old and older. (clapping hands for Herm)
It appears to me that the box/pitman arm are pretty close to the same drop down length as the stock bellcrank would be, maybe a little lower.
As per previous discussions on this board, we all have a little bit different way of doing this conversion. A lot of that is dictated by the components we are able to find very easily (or not) or already have at hand.
Even with the Herm bracket, the rest will be still left up to you.
There are just too many variables when it comes to upper and lower shaft lengths, how many u-joints or center supports, obstacles to go around or thru.
No two conversions seem to be the same; especially after POs have installed different drivetrain/running gear/steering column components.
I can see the Herm kit (bracket) working for factory stock unaltered Jeeps. How many of these folks want to alter their Jeeps?
The principle is still the same; to upgrade the steering.
Putting it in kit form is very difficult to do.
I would like to see one installed and working before I pass judgement.

 

ok i have 2 questions. is 10 going to be the number of kits herm has to offer to start? if the box comes out of a ranger then i know i can find one. maybe i will just make my own kit if herm is not going to offer enough for us hungry early jeep owners.

 

Yup, does look like a ranger box 83-97.
http://www.pbase.com/mariob01gt/rangersteeringbox

Now that I've seen a better picture, one comment I have is that Herms pictures have the pitman arm hanging down about 1" further than it would be if everything was tight. So there's a little more room there than his pictures would indicate.

 

Well just looked at the pics of this setup over on U5. Looks interesting. Someone on this board, I dont't remember his name has a setup that he used a Ford van box in asetup somewhat like this. Sure tucks up nice and neat.

 

My understanding is Herm will be fabricating the first kits by hand and later kits will be done by the same firm that lasercut his dual MC brackets.

 

As was said, that's not a Scout box. Just for info purpuses, Scout 2 boxes mount to the outside of the frame rail and the gear portion is above the frame rail with a very long pitman shaft and housing. The pitman arm on those also go forward. These are very good for steering conversions on early Bronco's and some 1/2 ton early Ford 4x4's. Someone that used to frequent this board, GrandpaJeep I think it was had a Scout 2 steering box conversion on his Jeep and it seemed to work good for him. Nickmil.