how hard should it be to turn 67 bronco???

[Jeremy0201]

ok so I'm Finally up and running on my Bronco project, only question is it turns like a bear (whatever that means).. I was entering a round about turning right of course and I had to use everything I had to make the turn at an slow pace and I even jumped the sidewalk a bit.... So aside from power steering conversion way too expensive for me, could it be possible that I need to lube some areas or what? The vehicle has not moved in 6-7 years, I have full turn radius but it makes it less fun than I imagined the maiden voyage.... Thanks

 

[rustbucket]

How big are your tires?

 

[Jeremy0201]

OH.... 35 inchers 12.50's

 

[garberz]

It should be extremely hard to turn with 35's and no PS. First on your priority list should be power steering or a really big steering wheel. Seriously, if you want to enjoy driving your Bronco, power steering is a must have.

Mark

 

[Jeremy0201]

Its top on the list.... whats the cheapest easiest power steering swap?? Ive seen vendors wanting 800-1000+... If i could source the parts from junk yard I would but I just dont have time to spend looking and not finding what I need. Right now I have almost zero free time I have been going from work to bronco then home to a toddler just to get it running finally... I cant see driving it safely with the steering so hard although the PO must have????

 

[Scoop]

How big are your tires?

How big is your steering wheel? ;D

If you have an aftermarket smaller diameter wheel it will be extremely hard to turn at slow speeds .

 

[Timmy390]

whats the cheapest easiest power steering swap?? Ive seen vendors wanting 800-1000+... If i could source the parts from junk yard I would but I just dont have time to spend looking and not finding what I need??

I think the first thing to do is figure out which steering box you want/need with those 35's . Each option has it's own + and - Once you know that you can zero in on a kit.

From the BC's site......the link below shows the populer options and explains the do's and dont's
The box that you use will depend on what size tires you are running or plan to run in the future. Sure you can get away with running a stock box with 37" for a while but it won't be long and it will start to leak or the shaft will start to twist. http://www.bcbroncos.com/powersteering.html

Tim

 

[70_Steve]

whats the cheapest easiest power steering swap??

I did my original power steering conversion for about $350. It was the 2WD F150 box and a stock pump. Sourced the box, PS brackets, pump and a DD shaft from Randy at Driven 4X4 parts in Phoenix (see top of page!). Bought the box bracket, u-joints for the DD shaft and shorter, adjustable drag link from Wild Horses. Ran that setup for 15 years. Sold the rest of the setup when I redid the front suspension and steering. Still have the box, if you're interested.

The 2WD box is longer than the stock box, and requires a minimum 2 1/2" suspension lift. If you're running 35's then that's probably not an issue.

If you don't mind sourcing the stuff from a recyler, give Randy a call. He will know exactly what you need and can probably put together a package for you.

The setup I'm talking about is basically this kit from Wild Horses.
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/produc...djustable_draglink/bronco_Power_Steering_Kits

 

[Apogee]

While 35's and manual steering isn't going to be fun no matter what, before you assume anything, I would suggest that you throw the front up on jack stands and make sure everything is working like it should. You'd be amazed at how hard it can be to turn a rig with overly tight ball joints, seized TRE's, etc.

 

[redtail]

Its top on the list.... whats the cheapest easiest power steering swap?? Ive seen vendors wanting 800-1000+... If i could source the parts from junk yard I would but I just dont have time to spend looking and not finding what I need. Right now I have almost zero free time I have been going from work to bronco then home to a toddler just to get it running finally... I cant see driving it safely with the steering so hard although the PO must have????

I can build you a 4x4x2 box for $300 (shipped and all the details included in that). I have built several. Steering is a hard with 35's, it is slow and just nasty, esp offroad.

You would need to steal a power steering pump and mounting hardware from a small block ford in the junkyard (type of pump is personal preference) and some hoses from a 1979 bronco (I am pretty sure they would work, you should double check). depending on the power steering pump you may need an adapter for the fittings.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Put the front end on jackstands and try turning side to side. If it is stiff then you have a problem, King pin, ball joint, tie rod end, something is bound up and needs replacing.

If it turns easy and free on jackstands then it is a bad combonation of tire size, steering wheel size and/or girly biceps.

 

[triracer67]

X2 on the jack stands. My '67 has manual steering and 35s, it steers great on the road, it's a challenge off road. I did have to replace the manual box when I purchased due to slop and binding, it was a challenge to steer. I found a box here for $50, it solved my steering problems.

I've had power steering on 3 of my 6 Broncos, it is nice. But, it can be really expensive to add, just figure about $700 when it's all done.

Try to lift, it should turn very easy, if not, something is binding.

Good luck.

 

[patterdale]

OH.... 35 inchers 12.50's

You answered your own question. If you do not have the stock steering wheel it will be very hard to turn those tires. The wheel was obscenely big back in the day to allow enough leverage to manually turn the wheels. Guys nowadays don't like the big wheel and replace them. It's a foolish thing to do if you don't convert to power at the same time.

 

[Lmfp]

Thats just nasty lol. I hated not having powersteering with the stock tires. Couldnt imagine it with a set of fattys on there.... Might want to source a big rig steering wheel for that thing

 

[Jeremy0201]

It's the ford circular horn button in the center definitely not small... As I drive more it's ok at speed but those slow turns are still rough.. I will start sourcing parts then.. Thanks

 

[thegreatjustino]

I drove for years with 32s and no power steering with the stock steering wheel. Ever try at three point turn? LOL

Fortunately I added power steering before I went to 35s. The 32s were bad enough.

 

[graniteguy]

This may sound silly, but make sure you weren't in 4wd. That will make a turn wider. It happens.