Adding Power Steering

[PoodlePuncher]

After driving my truck for about a month, i've come to the realization, i'm too old for manual steering.
I've already found a bracket for the pump, and have priced the parts to be around $400 including new tie rods.

The process should be pretty straight forward, similar to other classic cars where i've done this (68 & 72 C10, & 72 Chevelle)...
But i have a couple questions.

1: Will i need to modify the steering shaft? or can i just throw a new rag joint on there and call it a day?

2: What to do about the pressure sensor. is there a unused connector in the harness? or will i need to modify the wiring?

Thanks

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Have you considered electric power steering or electric over hydraulic?

Shouldn’t need to modify your steering shaft. Rangers used the same power steering box from 83-97 and that box is also found in the Bronco II 83-90, Explorer 91-94, full size Bronco, OBS F-series, and E-series.

I don’t think there is a pressure sensor?

 

[SenorNoob]

There is on the 2.3 of that era. It was to bump the idle up when the power steering pump was putting in work. Otherwise it could stall in a slow turn in the parking lot.

Crazy to think it didn't have enough power to turn and pull forward at the same time. LOL. I know from experience though that a fully loaded AC compressor would cause my 92 to stall on take off.

 

[PoodlePuncher]

There is on the 2.3 of that era. It was to bump the idle up when the power steering pump was putting in work. Otherwise it could stall in a slow turn in the parking lot.

Crazy to think it didn't have enough power to turn and pull forward at the same time. LOL. I know from experience though that a fully loaded AC compressor would cause my 92 to stall on take off.

the 2.3 seems like the perfect candidate for modern electric power steering...
but that's a can of worms for another day. or maybe a different truck entirely LOL

 

[PoodlePuncher]

Have you considered electric power steering or electric over hydraulic?

Shouldn’t need to modify your steering shaft. Rangers used the same power steering box from 83-97 and that box is also found in the Bronco II 83-90, Explorer 91-94, full size Bronco, OBS F-series, and E-series.

I don’t think there is a pressure sensor?

i quoted the wrong comment in my previous reply...
but yeah, electric would be cool, but right now i'm looking at a direct bolt in solution.
don't really have time to research and fabricate something...

Maybe when/if i replace the frame

 

[SenorNoob]

Could use a stock power steering gearbox, and a Volvo style EPAS pump...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/298495019439

Then the only thing custom would be a place to mount the pump and a couple hoses/wires.

 

[PoodlePuncher]

Could use a stock power steering gearbox, and a Volvo style EPAS pump...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/298495019439

Then the only thing custom would be a place to mount the pump and a couple hoses/wires.

That's an interesting concept. i didn't know those existed.
I'm more familiar with the fully electric boxes like in the Prius, or my Veloster (but it's rack and pinion)...

I've got too many projects going at the moment, so i'll file that for later consideration.