manual to power steering help

[oneribshy]

I have a 2.3 1984 ranger 4x4 I want to switch from manual to power steering. I'm 60 and just don't have the arm strength anymore. What all will I need to make a complete switch? I have to do the work myself. Is there a change over kit you can get?

 

[Fellro]

Now, I haven't doen a Ranger, so I can't say for certain what will work or not, but from looking at the steering gears, it does seem like ti would be a bolt in swap. Pretty much you would need the steering gear, hoses, pump and brackets. I would suggest a trip to a salvage yard, especially if you have any you-pull-its in your area.

i highly doubt you will find a simple conversion kit, as there really isn't a market for such.

 

[oneribshy]

That's kinda what I thought... There are you pull it places around here I'll check in with.... Thanks

 

[kiwi f150]

I agree with Roger - they're called couriers over here and i've changed one a long time ago for someone who was in your position.
Make sure you get the belt pulley too as you need the extra belt for the power steer pump.
Before you start give the bolts and nuts around the steering box a good soaking with PB blaster or similar as they are going to be a cast iron bi*ch to get off.
I'd leave the idler arm on the new steering box in place as that will save a lot of grief trying to get it off - it should be the same anyway.

 

[oneribshy]

I've Looked and have found nothing here so far. But I will keep trying. I might just go the new route.. Thanks Guys

 

[Fellro]

For the pump and brackets, you may not be limited to just Rangers, I would think you could get them from the Mustangs of the same age. It is best to get all the pulleys that you can to be certain though. If you have v-belts, you may be able to go into the 70's cars as well. The steering gear of course has to be from a Ranger.

 

[oneribshy]

Thanks good to know,, I'll try that too. I am a fly by my pants guy... Now I am thinking of throwing in a bigger engine.. I have the stock 4 speed manual.... What could I put in easily? Could I put the v-6 in it?

 

[Fellro]

Depends how you qualify easy... You would need to use the 2.8 or 2.9 V6, and I am not certain the bell housing was the same. If you are carbed, then you would want to stay carbed, The 2.9 I think was only available in injected form.Then the motor mounts would be the next issue, and you would need all of the accessories to go with it.

On the really bigger side, I am told the V8 conversions are pretty simple... I dod take a 4 cylinder out of a 79 Mustang and put in a 351W... That wasn't quite a bolt and go setup, but a 302 would go in much easier.

 

[oneribshy]

Was wondering if a 2.9 inline six would work?

 

[Fellro]

May I ask what would have used a 2.9 inline? Certainly not a Ranger, they were all V configurations. It is best to stick to V configuration due to the brackets being considerably different.

 

[dustybumpers]

Don't forget Explorers when you look for donors. They made a v 8 'Sploder starting in '95. You could get the whole truck and switch everything over for an all Ford swap
Some of the V 8 Explorers were All wheel drive......

 

[oneribshy]

I was told a 2.9 might work..... I am wondering about putting in a 302 like you suggested. I have seen a few around and have even had one in a boat and she sounded real nice.. I just might go that route. Id imagine bell housing tranny and rear end would have to change too, considering they where made for a 2.3

 

[BKW]

I agree with Roger - they're called couriers over here and i've changed one a long time ago for someone who was in your position.
Make sure you get the belt pulley too as you need the extra belt for the power steer pump.
Before you start give the bolts and nuts around the steering box a good soaking with PB blaster or similar as they are going to be a cast iron bi*ch to get off.

I'd leave the idler arm on the new steering box in place as that will save a lot of grief trying to get it off - it should be the same anyway.

No Ranger, Bronco, Bronco II or F series truck has an idler arm, it's called the Pitman Arm, and...

With or without P/S is different!

E3TZ-3590-D .. Pitman Arm-Use with P/S / Marked: E37A-3590-AA or AB / Obsolete

1983/86 Ranger 4WD & 1984/89 Bronco II 4WD
-------------------------------------------------------
E3TZ-3590-E .. Pitman Arm-Use without P/S / Marked: E37A-3590-BB / Obsolete

1983/89 Ranger 4WD

 

[oneribshy]

Well I have the power steering in and works good had all new pitman and rod ends put in. Had to eliminate the fuel pump and put a inline electric one in. But boy the little guy just has no power with the one barrel to bad I just bought it brand new... My dilemma know I WANT MORE POWER what could I do? engine change? I'm trying togo the cheapest and most power change possible????? If I went with a bigger engine Think id have to make tranny rear end transfer case change and I don't think I can handle that cost. if so could my existing tranny take a v-6 or v-8

 

[Fellro]

There are performance parts available for the little 4 popper, as it is a favorite for mini rod tractor pullers as well as for 4 cylinder class stock cars when they were primarily rear drive. Otherwise, I am told a V8 is actually an easy swap on the Rangers. Not as sure about re-using the current trans though and maintaining current 4x4, better chance with a V6 for that.

 

[oneribshy]

Another delema

I did my steering swap. Had some trouble along the way. I couldn't find right bracket so modified one had to replace the fuel pump (steering pump in the way) with a inline electric fuel pump and after all that tried to put belt on and the adjustment for gearbox was 3/4 high so I just ground it off. So the belt wouldn't be ripped apart. I'm finding out I don't like the lack of hrsp I have. What is the best n cheapest thing I can do? Turbo? Bigger carb? maybe change plants to a 302? If I change to 302 would I have to change my tranny-transfercase-rearend?

 

[Fellro]

For a 302, I would expect at least trans change. rear isn't so much an issue, but not sure if the transfer case will hook up.

You can get better cams and carbs for them. I know the 2300's I have run always had 2 bbl carbs, so might be a start. A cam that gives a little better torque would be a good way to go as well.

 

[oneribshy]

UPDATE---- going to stick with my setup 2.3 going to replace my NEW one barrel and get a holley 350 2 barrel with another manifold with a new flow master exhaust system. I have some race track friends that race these 2.3s in their dirt track cars.

 

[oneribshy]

ps going to post some new pics of truck tomorrow shes changing all the time.

 

[oneribshy]

I did the conversion its ok has some mounting probs but the biggie was the adjustment screw for the steering box... had to grind most of it off to make the pump belt not get ripped apart.