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Electric Power Steering - Possible? Anyone tried this?
Hi All,
Planning on a power steering conversion on my 53 F100. I have seen the many threads on the Toyota conversion and have seen the rack and pinion option. I currently have the stock set up.
Anyone have any thoughts on this kind of set up, or has anyone tried this on their truck?
I haven't looked into it myself but I am surprised that it hasn't become " the thing to do " much cleaner engine compartment ,no oil , no hoses , no pump . If mine was not already in I would certainly be looking into it .
My son and I are building a 48 F1 together, and are using the EPS from a Saturn Vue, and we love it. With only electrical power applied, the EPS allows us to turn the steering wheel lock to lock using one finger. We went with the stock front end with the disc brake conversion. For the power plant, we used a 302 mated with a T5 5-Speed and the Explorer rear end w/disc brakes. Using the EPS allowed us to use stock components on the 302 with no exhaust manifold clearance issues, although we did offset the engine approx. 2 inches. We mated the EPS to the stock F1 steering.
I was able to modify a 1968 Mustang column for the EPS which allowed me to incorporate turn signals and emergency flashers.
EPS rough in with 1968 Mustang column
Original steering box with shortened shaft and connector installed
Jondors,
Welcome to FTE, we're gonna like you here. On your first post you not only had some helpful steering info...but you posted pictures that included a nice view of your truck.
That saved us from having to ask you for them.
What year Saturn Vue was that from?...I'm interested in that steering upgrade.
Tom - Thanks for the welcome, I’ve been “lurking” for over two years so I don’t feel like a newbie. My EPS came from a 2003 Saturn Vue. If you’re interested in the EPS I’m sure you’ve already seen the excellent information available on the several of the Mustang sites.
Anyone interested should google “best $200 mod ever”, I think I would have to agree, it’s a great mod.
That is a great way to tackle the steering without added belts, R&P, pump, clearance, etc. Nice job Jondors and a great looking truck! Look forward to more.
Welcome John. Great first post. That P/S set up would probably help quite a few peeps out there. The link had mentioned something about a controller. Is that something that should be acquired when getting the box? Or maybe an aftermarket sort of item? Nice truck by the way.
Oh my, what a nice clean truck, and for the EPS, I think you have a lot of interested viewers. I know you have been lurking but you still get an official FTE welcome and a rep for the cool thread.
The controller adjusts the "resistance" of the steering so that you can tune it to you liking. It does not come with the box (steering column). It is my understanding that the controller is required to make the system operate correctly (the link explains why). I believe I bought mine from a vendor on ebay for $65. There appears to be several different vendors now. I couldn't say if one is any better than the next.
I think the EPS option is good for vehicles which don't have a lot of space or are not catered for by the aftermarket industry. They all require some type of speed sensor to reduce assistance as you get faster and switch off above 20 mph. I've seen some systems with full assistance till they are manually switched off by the driver! There are easier options out there for our trucks but if you are great with electronics it's worth considering.
It has been two years (I think) since anyone here has chatted about adding the EPS steering boosters to their trucks. Do any of you have some experiences to share?
Tom
I don't remember this thread, but I'd caution about using the Saturn EPS -- I had an '06 and just before I sold it, it was recalled for the EPS. They used plastic gears and they were prone to breaking at inopportune times.
I don't recall which thread but there was mention of a salvage electric power steering not that long ago and if I recall correctly it was some of our overseas members .
