I am recovering from several strokes and addition to a rotator cuff injury from a fall and am looking for a way to continue to drive my 52 Dodge. Looking for some ideas of mounting a power steering pump on the front of the block. I’m running a 330 Hemi on a 88 Dodge Dakota clip.
While it might offend the powers that be as not being traditional, with a lot of us getting on in years and having mobility issues, could we allow a pass on electric power steering conversions here?
If you get a steering quikener and mount it backwards it will make the steering easier but more turns lock to lock.
If your clip already has a power steering box or rack the simplest solution would be to use an electric pump from a Toyota, Volvo, Mazda, or something similar. You could mount it remotely and wire it up without having to mount anything to the engine.
Watch this video where he installed a cheap Prius EPS into a Samurai. Your Dakota front clip should be easy
It looks like that may be a great option for the Dakota rack, much easier then mounting a PS pump to a 331 Hemi that doesn't have any mounting holes in the front of the block. I wonder if that Pirus electric power steering pump is easy to find, and if it fits anything else.
The Prius electric power steering pump is as rare as "rocking horse shit" [they don't have pumps] The Prius steering columns are readily available [the cars have been around since 1997] In NZ they are cheap at NZD $125 [USD $75] Logistics would be the biggest headache in the USA. here is an example on Fleabay https://www.ebay.com/itm/145902717866 There are 1000's of Prius around with dead batteries ,But the engines / trans /etc are worthless because the rest of the car is too reliable
Here is one I heard of the other day, electric, fly by wire, rack and pinion. No steering shaft interference, put the steering wheel wherever you like and have a clean firewall. I don't want to know the price. On a full fendered car, most would never know it was there.
My daily 4x4 PU is drive by wire. I actually had a dream (nightmare) the other night I was on a familiar road here in town that runs alongside a creek with a lot of fast moving water. As I was entering a corner in the PU the steering stopped working and I was left careening toward a very watery landing. I awoke, took a piss and returned to bed.
I am sorry to hear of your ailments. None of us are getting any younger. Life is like riding a bicycle, they're fun once you figure it out, but they don't work backward. So, we either give up our passions and interests or we adapt. Everyone enjoys a good book (or should) and there is no shame in donning a pair of readers to aid tired eyes, I don't understand the stigma associated with people needing to adapt their vehicles so they may continue driving hot rods while their aging or injured bodies "argue" with them. These adaptations may not be traditional, dying is traditional though and I chose to rage against that end as long as possible. I hope you find your steering fix and continue the drive. Aside from the junkyard ideas there are new products on the market that are relatively easy to install but may be cost prohibitive to some. EPS columns simply replace the existing column from the floor up and have an assist motor and a brain that makes work seamlessly and effortlessly. There are 4 wires (ignition lead, 12v constant, ground and a speed signal) that must be connected up. The columns can be tilt or non and take a GM steering wheel or adapter. The signal switches/hazards/horn are GM based as well. The column itself is cut to fit and will require a new column drop as the diameter of the new column is 2" If I remember correctly (that's another thing that deteriorates with age, I wish there was an easy fix for that one!). As for safety, they will work as any manual steering does if the power is disrupted or the system fails. "feel for the road" is still the same as it currently in your vehicle, the faster you drive, the less the assist. In a parking lot it is one finger turning, on the freeway it is virtually undetectable. You can find them at Summit and other parts houses. I have installed one such system (coincidentally on a truck with a 330 Hemi) and I can tell you it works extremely well. I am happy to assist with more information or pictures, anything to help keep you rolling. BB
Just to add to the electric options out there, I was at a junk yard today and saw this unit on a Chevy Cruise. Electric assisted power rack. I can't say if it would work for the OP.
I still think it would be easier to just add an electric pump vs the electric steering assist. If you have a Dakota clip you already have power steering. Junkyard pumps are cheap and easy to find. Add some hoses, wiring, and a$50 controller.
The Jalopy Journal
