Looped Lines on PS Box?

[briansz]

I've been searching through threads on here for about a half-hour now, and it looks as if the best method to convert a PS box to manual would be via a line connecting the two ports on the box, correct?

I have an '83 2wd with a very sloppy manual steering box and just finished tearing down an '84 2wd parts truck with power steering. Unfortunately I toasted one of the lines to the box pulling the engine from the remains of the parts truck, couldn't see it connected due to the front end hit and tugged a little too hard with the cherrypicker

I'm looking to save two hundred bucks on a new manual steering box right now. I read that the pitman arm and intermediate shafts are different, but I have them, the steering column, and the entire front suspension from the parts truck.

Anybody know how I'd go about filling up the power steering box with fluid before connecting the looped line?

Thanks!

 

[dave@threat]

The lines are cheap to replace. The high pressure line is around $19.00-$25.00 new and the low pressure line is about $11.00-$20.00

 

[briansz]

I'd thought of that, just not sure I want power steering. The power steering gear does not appear to have play in it. My manual gear has quite a bit of play. I suppose I could replace the line and swap all of it (pump, bracket, belt, pulleys). I have more or less the entire parts truck torn down at this point, so I have a lot of possibilities.

 

[Will]

Well, I get any hose--whether a steering hose or a hose on my Bobcat or excavator--replaced for between $13 and $20 at our friendly local hydraulic shop. Just get it fixed. Power steering is better.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Not to mention the power steering box and manual steering boxes have different ratio's.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Not to mention the power steering box and manual steering boxes have different ratio's.

When my 2.8 goes on strike as it loves to do before it is warmed up it is pretty tough to muscle around until I get it restarted. I don't think it would be too much fun to have it like that full time.

I have driven manual steering trucks (not RBV's though) and it feels like I am steering a ship in the movies. Spin the steering wheel fast coming into the turn and start straightening out equally fast about halfway thru so when you have the truck pointed in the direction you want to go so are your wheels.

People say you get better "road feel" with manual steering, personally when I drive my dad's old Dodge I am so busy spinning the stinkin wheel like I am trying to miss an iceberg so I don't really notice.