Electric power steering

Has anyone tried to put electric power steering assist on an early, ( 1961 Econoline ) and if possible will it fit around the 3 speed shifter column. and will the old box handle the extra tourq. Other wise I am going to attempt to install power assist out of a 71 econo. Or maybe is there a power steering box I can make fit. I have a 71 econo parts van with the power assist which I am planning to swap the 302, 3 speed, 9" posi into my early. I may go with auto trans. I dont know but these are the parts I have in possesion at the moment. My bad shoulders need a little help. What options do I have. Thanks Bryan.

Yep, I'd like to try it too, but a neat (small) cable(?) shifter for my automatic seems to be unheard of....

I have been reading about electric Power Steering box and module from 2002-2007 Saturn Vue, 2005-2007 Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent. Also Saturn Ion 2003-2006 with metal ECU case.

It attaches to the steering shaft under the dash.  If you loose power, you still have your regular manual steering. This is an electric assist, no hydraulics.

Someone on eBay is selling the wiring harness to use these in other vehicles. I can't find the link right now.
Here is a link to one of the motors for sale.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/02-03-04-05-06-07-SATURN-VUE-ELECTRONIC-POWER-STEERING-COLUMN-OEM-/331705797069?fits=Make%3ASaturn&hash=item4d3b34c9cd:g:UFUAAOSwiCRUf0vR&vxp=mtr

Here is an ad for a used motor and includes the wiring harness.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/02-07-SATURN-VUE-05-06-EQUINOX-ELECTRIC-POWER-STEERING-PUMP-MOTOR-ASSEMBLY-OEM-/161896560179?hash=item25b1c97633:g:Tf4AAOSw8-tWU99g&vxp=mtr

This is not a bolt-on solution. You need to cut the steering shaft to insert this motor.

I am assuming you need to have an automatic steering column or a column with the shifter arm removed to use the electric assist ??? It doesent look like it would fit with a 3 speed shifter on it.

Similar column for an automatic.....Need a nice little cable shift mech.

Sounds like a complete change out from 3 speed to automatic with a floor shifter.

Remember that only 65 thru 67 econos handle the large bell housing required for the 240.
Also, the drive train may all have to be changed out .

With the automatic floor shifter you don't have to worry about the assist mounted on the column.

Just an idea.

I get mine from some salvage yards- bought 3 this year! usually 50 bux for all needed! with warrantys!
I also bought a lowmileage saturn vue for daughter -had bad computer- there is NOTHING LIKE that steering! No Effort!! @ the wheel to steer.

CASIMIER: Any experience with small, neat shifter for automatic? I don't want some 'Rat-Fink' thing
poking up from the floor. Something mounted on the doghouse?

I'm in the process of doing this conversion on my G. This is the shifter I'm using - http://www.lokar.com/product-pgs/shifters/shifter-product-pgs/cable-op-shifter.html
It's a little pricey but you can choose the shift arm length and it's really nice. I had to get a longer cable for it too. If you want to stray over to the VCVC site, look at Pan58head's thread on the electric power steering conversion. He lays out everything you need to know. It shouldn't be too different for an E van.

Oscarm
the Lokar shifter is ideal for the doghouse mount,
You can order different lengths of cable.

I have a 68 dodge. would any of the power steering units fit it. or do I need to find a dodge vehicle to get it from? is this mounted under the dash? or closer to the front end assembly.

get one listed above & must fit & adapt it!!!!!!!!!

Here is a good discussion of the Electric Power Assisted Steering adapted to Mustangs and Falcons, which would be similar to us putting the little electric motor under our van dash.

http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/all-ford-techboard/538585-100-power-steering-yes-you-can-use-column-electric-power-assist-system-epas.html

If you go over to VCVC I have a write up on doing the conversion. Stock column shift is not going to happen because where the steering box has to be


Thanks samsvan for the credit on this I was the first!!!!!!

Pan58head: How about a link? Thanks.

Sorry not the best with computer stuff, just go to vcvc and search electric power steering

I tried that earlier, couldn't search(went to an error page, probably b/c I'm not a member)but scanned through every thread on the forum at lunch a couple times in general and the doghouse one and came up with one thread about electric steering with a link to summit or jegs that didn't have any responses by someone else. What's your handle over there or what is the thread title?

http://www.vcvc.org/showthread.php/23845-electric-power-steering?highlight=electric+power+steering
Panheads install is the simplest and cleanest I've seen. Mine's in and working good now too.

Thanks samsvan glad yours works sometimes my engineering works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, that works!

I did the Saturn Vue electric power assist steering conversion.  It took some fabricating and I had to relocate my shifter (automatic) but it was DEFINATELY worth the trouble.  My God. So much more enjoyable to drive.  I actually modified a jeep automatic shifter and put it in the dash where the ash tray is. Here is a pic (zip tied controller box is temporary) it may look like you would hit your knee on it getting in and out but there is a lot more room than it looks like in the pic.

i will add = there were & still are some power assist - type stuff available to add to the econo steering systems- were all on eatly falcons & comets !! Theyre out there & usually for sale on craigslist. I have even got one fron a vette- yet you still need the power steering pump & all that stuff too. Best advice - go electric steering - adding to old box & get an automatic if needed- much happier to drive!!

For those econoline owners that have hope?/ Here it is -Today on craigs!!!!!!!!

http://spokane.craigslist.org/pts/5533019664.html

Right here in spokane wa.!!

Just breezing through this and wondering why no one has mentioned my shift cable conversion for the C4?????  They work great and have sold many of them....Come down and from the back so you cannot see it from across the parking lot and uses a custom H/D 1/4" cable and hyme joint bearing ends,,,
vic