willys pickup power steering

[erk]

Does anyone know if the original column can be used for a saginaw
power steering conversion on a 1950 willys pickup truck. I have a 800
box and pump, but no other steering components. Someone ripped out all the OE stuff and when I got it it had a monte carlo column and wheel in it.
Is finding the original worth it or is there an easier way?

[Big Buro]

I think I missed something. Did the Willy's have the power steering already on it when you got it or do you have the components and want to install them? Either way, if you already have the power steering then half your troubles are taken care of, provided that it was done correctly. You can take the original column and get it to fit. You may have to cut the column in order to provide mating clearance for the saginaw. It takes quite a bit of work but it can be done. Most of the trouble will come from getting it adjusted so that you can drive it down the road, after it has the power steering.
I don't know where you're going to find the original for the Willy's though. That might be hard to come by.

Good luck.

[erk]

There is currently nothing as far as steering in the willys truck. I have the monte carlo column, box, pump etc. I was not wanting to use the car column. Would a old CJ2, M38A column work? I have been told that these can be adapted to receive a flaming river steering shaft. I just don't know about the length. Plus this is my first buildup and I want to do it the right way.

[Big Buro]

O.K. with that being said, you can use the original Willy's column. You can also use the CJ2A, M38, and older CJ5 columns as well. Depending on the routing of the shaft, you'll either go over or under the motor mounts. If you go over, you'll run between the motor mount and exhaust manifold. In this case, you can use almost any original column because you'll have to cut it to length. That part is pretty simple. The difficulty will be in the saginaw mounting bracket, if you can't find one that bolts right on. Be sure to "over build" the bracket if you have to fabricate your own and use a brace on it if at all possible.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[5.0L 44GPW]

ERK you can use the stock column just check into using a bottom bearing out of a 73-79 ford pu it will just slip into the end of the column and hold the bottom of the shaft, if you want to use another type of column the 73-77 ford pickup has a nice column to use, its small, no key and comes in auto and stick transmission form, I use them in every Saganaw steering box conversion I do, they almost bolt right in a early flat fender or CJ and bingo you have turn signals on the column