BUGA Community

Technical => Driveline => Topic started by: Lyndon on August 14, 2008, 12:40:30 PM

Title: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Lyndon on August 14, 2008, 12:40:30 PM
im seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford swb, i have a 3.8 v6 so all i need is the steering rack to bolt straight in, does anyone know where i can get one ready to bolt straight in? thanks guys Lyndon
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hammers_spanners on August 14, 2008, 12:49:05 PM
Lyndon there is no drop in power steering rack to suit a Bedford.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Warren on August 14, 2008, 01:29:24 PM
I think Chris has posted about a porche system that can be made to fit.
also a link on the subjuect

http://www.bedfordcf.co.uk/powersteering.htm (http://www.bedfordcf.co.uk/powersteering.htm)

and from the old site

http://www.buga.bedfordcf.com/funk/thread.php?id=1518

http://www.buga.bedfordcf.com/funk/thread.php?id=998

http://www.buga.bedfordcf.com/funk/thread.php?id=671

http://www.buga.bedfordcf.com/funk/thread.php?id=489

Warren
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Rogue Trooper on August 15, 2008, 09:53:13 AM
Here, do this...

Please note this was posted on the old site by Garry who is now on this site as SundownerNZ

Hi all,

There have been a number of questions both on here and on SCV site about power steering fits to CF Bedfords so I thought it was about time I posted some pics of my setup. This should give you an idea of how it sits.

As some of you already know, I have a 928 left hand drive Porsche steering rack fitted to my LWB, driven by a std 350 chev power steering pump. The pump is fitted in the stock position on the left hand side of the block. The LH drive unit is used to provide an easy fit to the CF as it needs to go in front of the cross member. Most car racks fit to the rear of the cross member. With the LH drive unit you just rotate it end for end and fit it up.

The Porsche also has a long throw, much like the CF rack but not quite the same length so you do loose a few mm in throw but it's hardly noticeable. With most car racks you loose heaps so your turning circle is way less than normal.

As you can see by the pics, the steering column shafts virtually line up but the shaft from the steering column to the rack needs to be modified slightly to fit, depending on what you use for a universal. You can also see the new mounting brackets made to mount the rack. These bolt to the std CF rack mounting plates welded to both sides of the cross member. We also added a couple of extra bolts in the verticle just to make sure. The tie rod end threads also need to be altered to fit the CF tie rod ends.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/sundownernz/vans/PowerSteering06r.jpg)

Front on view of the rack fitted.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/sundownernz/vans/PowerSteering01r.jpg)

Right hand side showing mounting bracket.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/sundownernz/vans/PowerSteering02r.jpg)

Left hand side showing bracket.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/sundownernz/vans/PowerSteering03r.jpg)

Right hand side showing steering column connecting shaft.

Thats about it really. Fairly straight forward. Any questions, fire away.

Cheers,
Garry.

Edited by ShaneJ to show correct model of steering rack used
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Tweaker on August 15, 2008, 12:27:49 PM
Those pics are exactly what I needed to see!

Thank you!  ;D
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Sundownernz on August 18, 2008, 10:28:10 AM
Hi Rogue,

Thanks for transfering that over. I was looking at doing just that so you saved me the trouble. And thanks Shane for correcting the 924/928 mistake. Hope this helps fellow members out.

Cheers,
Garry.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Tweaker on August 19, 2008, 02:31:10 PM
do anyone out there know wether the long or short 928 rack was used in this instalation? I've been incontact witha Porsche spare parts dealer. And I've uploaded this for you all.

Notes: there are two different rack (the rack is what the inner tie rods screw into) lengths, as measured without inner the tie rods attached: a 795 mm nominal length (known as the -22 rack or BX rack) and an 810 mm nominal length (known as the -24 or -26 rack or CX or DX rack).
The 795 length was original equipment through 1981, the 810 length started around 1982.
The two different rack lengths require different steering stops.

Now the price differs conciderably between the two!

$299 for the short  :)

$599 for the long.  :(

Plus postage of cause!  :o

I would love to know the turning circle of the Porsche rack ina Beddy v's the Transit rack ina Beddy v's Beddy rack (ina Beddy - lol)? Can anyone shed light on this?
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hammers_spanners on August 19, 2008, 03:59:16 PM
Before you buy any rack check that the rack shaft length is the same. If not then you may get what is known as "Bump Steer" due to the change in steering geometry.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 19, 2008, 05:20:44 PM
hi guys my rack that i have currently installed is a 928 porsche left hand drive S4 1987  i believe this is the longer of the two. when the wheels are sitting paralell with each other the bedford tie rod ends are vertually touching the end of the porsche rack ends hope this helps, i have seen the transit conversion and i think the porsche conversion would be easier by comparison cheers stevo 8)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 19, 2008, 05:23:14 PM
oh forgot to mention, bought the porsche rack of ebay for $22.00 australian but cost me $99.00 aussie to get it back to new zealand cheers stevo
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Jock on August 19, 2008, 06:51:31 PM
A good price to pay for power steering hunter.... What other parts are you going to use for
the conversion? What pump etc. Well done so far. Jd
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 20, 2008, 04:34:34 PM
hi jock i have a hilux power steer pump i have been adapting, they are small and easy to get, all the gm pumps seem to leak eventually due to the pressed steel housing and are a lot larger than the hilux pumps, the only thing is you have to run a seperate resevoir wich is good if your pressed for room and you can mount it for easy access, i have talked to the power steer guys and they seem to think the hilux pump will be ok, a road test will soon sort that out anyways cheers stevo 8)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Jock on August 20, 2008, 04:52:47 PM
Some pics of fitting the hilux pump would be good, where are you going to mount it?

Jd
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 20, 2008, 06:38:26 PM
hopefully gonna mount it on the right hand side between motor and steering shaft, have power steer rack mounted and motor in so gotta sqeeze it there somewere, will take some pics in the weekend and post them for you cheers stevo 8)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Lyndon on August 21, 2008, 03:08:12 PM
Rogue whats the part number of the rack? i have the porsche wreckers in the usa asking.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Lyndon on August 21, 2008, 06:53:05 PM
Hunter where can i get the same from?
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Dano on August 22, 2008, 12:58:14 AM
Doeas the Porche power steering rack fade at greater speed????, so it's not so sensative at say 140kph ?
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Tweaker on August 22, 2008, 07:57:16 AM
Doeas the Porche power steering rack fade at greater speed????, so it's not so sensative at say 140kph ?

I think you'll find that's the pump.  ;)

I've got a 1976 XC Fairmont. It's no problem down the when screaming down the highway and is easier and liter than a new Commodore when parking ;D and it's all original.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 22, 2008, 12:52:08 PM
hi lyndon got mine of a private sale on ebay but german auto dismantlers in the us have them, i bought a 944 rack and that cost me about 320 bucks , will find address for you cheers stevo
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 23, 2008, 03:28:12 PM
hey lyndon www.germanautodismantlers.com  i have dealt with these guys before for some parts but make sure you tell them exactly wat you want and maybe send them a pic, they are yanks and good to deal with but hardwork somtimes, must be our accent or something, any way give them a call, im sure they will have one there cheers stevo 8)  oh and make sue you get the steering coupling aswell, could save you abit of frustration if you try and get one thats not matched to the rack.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Lyndon on August 25, 2008, 07:01:40 PM
hunter what coupling do i need for it mate
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 26, 2008, 06:18:19 PM
hey lyndon just get the couplings that go with the rack you are buying, make sure that they fit it to the rack to check other wise the will give you anything, those yanks are hard to deal with somtimes unless you get the rite bloke the pic is the coupling i used and cut in half.............
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 26, 2008, 06:23:17 PM
then i welded to the commodore coupling will have to get it xrayed and certed for over here, dont no what your legal requirment is for steering bits over there, may pay to look into it, i was going to use the complete commodore coupling and get a adapter to fit commodore to porsche made up but was gonna cost about 500- 600 bucks the get the internal splining cut so done it this way, but any way do your homework first, if ya need any help sing out mate cheers stevo 8)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 26, 2008, 06:28:27 PM
here the pic
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Dano on August 27, 2008, 03:40:19 AM
Tweaker,can you take some photo's of ur set pls, I like the xc idea as I 'm running alot of ford bits......cheers , part #'s would be good too


Gary did you have to "graft" the steering couplings, I think I read somewhere it matched???? is that correct?
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Rogue Trooper on August 27, 2008, 10:33:15 AM
then i welded to the commodore coupling will have to get it xrayed and certed for over here, dont no what your legal requirment is for steering bits over there, may pay to look into it, i was going to use the complete commodore coupling and get a adapter to fit commodore to porsche made up but was gonna cost about 500- 600 bucks the get the internal splining cut so done it this way, but any way do your homework first, if ya need any help sing out mate cheers stevo 8)

Did you check out whether you're allowed to weld the steering coupling first? I've been told that welding steering and brake components is frowned upon. That's why I had a spline made up on my steering linkage for my EB column conversion.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 27, 2008, 04:30:02 PM
yes did speak to the certifier he did say thet welding was frowned apon and could be used as a last resort will have to get the welding xrayed and certified tho, guess i will find out when it comes time to get the full certifcation done, had the welding done by a engineer who specialize in steering caponents and is known to the cert guy. other wise will have to try the splining process i guess  cheers stevo 8)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Lyndon on August 28, 2008, 12:40:57 PM
looks like i got the right topic going, power steering is becoming more n more wanted so if anyone could supply the full rack & bits apart from the pump id say theres good $$ to be made, why make just one for yourself when you can make plenty more & sell them, if on a winner share them out, thanks Hunter & others we seem to be getting progress where needed.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: hunterbynature on August 28, 2008, 03:10:42 PM
cool will be keeping patterns and measurments etc for mine but will be getting certified and road tested before passing on to any one who wants one gotta be right first ay!!!  garys has passed the test of time hopefully mine will too cheers stevo 8)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: petrolhead on August 29, 2008, 10:50:30 PM
Hey another option that has not been mentioned is the RRS power steering system which has mainly been adapted to suit Mustangs and Early Falcons. The rack actually pivots from the centre and for that reason a lot of Hot Rodders are using them. The rack works and looks very simular to a Camira rack and I think that it could be adapted very easily.
Regards
Petrolhead
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Warren on August 30, 2008, 09:44:29 AM
Hey another option that has not been mentioned is the RRS power steering system which has mainly been adapted to suit Mustangs and Early Falcons. The rack actually pivots from the centre and for that reason a lot of Hot Rodders are using them. The rack works and looks very simular to a Camira rack and I think that it could be adapted very easily.
Regards
Petrolhead

PetrolHead

Any pics or links to this system ?

Warren
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Tweaker on August 30, 2008, 11:38:17 AM
http://www.rrs-online.com/rack&pinionproducts.php

Here you go Warren.  ;)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Warren on August 30, 2008, 12:59:21 PM
thanks Tweakie
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Tweaker on August 30, 2008, 06:37:26 PM
thanks Tweakie
ROFLOL!! ;D I sound like a biscuit! LOL! I needed a good laugh today thankyou!  ;D
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Marishka on August 30, 2008, 07:44:46 PM
thanks Tweakie
ROFLOL!! ;D I sound like a biscuit! LOL! I needed a good laugh today thankyou!  ;D

ROFPML,  i can picture them now, BeddyTweakie,s from arnotts,
like a montecarlo. covered in pink chocolate, yum, id buy em.
marty :)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Lyndon on August 31, 2008, 06:41:45 AM
thanks Tweaker i wrote to that site to see if they can help with making one to fit, also hey marty good to see your on again.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: petrolhead on September 03, 2008, 11:00:51 PM
There is a Hot Rod Builder down my way that likes these Camira power steering racks as you can simply lengthen or shorten them to suit your application without any major dramas.Since I am unable to it would be nice if somebody out there could visit a wrecker take some pic's and put them up on the site. Once you see the rack then the understanding is easier.
Regards
Petrolhead
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Lyndon on September 04, 2008, 01:00:55 PM
the camira one sunds interesting but whats involved in the fitting to the cross member, also will the linkages fit up or is there lots to do. someone thats in the know of fabricating & welding needs to make up conversion kits & sell them as theres so many of us thats keen on them. also i need a front spoiler anyone got one to sell me?
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Bullstik on September 14, 2008, 05:56:12 PM
any luck with any of the power steering unit ideas,
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Lyndon on September 16, 2008, 10:45:54 PM
no Bullstick like normal people say they are going to do kits etc but never do, im waiting on front spoiler also but no one comes up with the goods like promised, all talk.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: ben on September 17, 2008, 12:38:19 AM
hey lyndon buddy i never promised you a front spoiler.. i said id be making a mould of the spoiler i have here but i didnt say when i would be doing it..

i am still going to be doing it.. looks like probably next month.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Lyndon on September 17, 2008, 02:41:37 AM
cool ill  beleive it when i see it mate, sorry its just hard to get the right part for these vans, thanks.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: BlackBedford on October 01, 2008, 02:44:28 PM
G'day
here is a picture of the Transit power rack in my CFL truck:

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb11/blackbedford/DSCF1260-s.jpg)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Marishka on October 01, 2008, 05:21:00 PM
yeah lyndon , wake up dood, we are going to do the spoilers when we get around to it, not all revolves around u.
 "all talk"   "believe it when u see it"
cheeky bugger.

marty
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Warren on October 01, 2008, 05:32:05 PM
Thanks for the Pic Chris, did you follow the info on the british site re this conversion, did you have any issues setting it up etc?

Warren
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: BlackBedford on October 01, 2008, 09:41:13 PM
G'day Warren

How did I do it?

I cheated and bought the CFL already converted.
The conversion is very well done and is the reason I bought it. It is magic to drive with no bump steer and still had a good turning circle.
The previous owner spent a LOT of money with an engineer to get it done properly and no, he didn't read the British site.

I intend to copy it for my new CFL van, and yes I will post pictures and measurements for anybody else who wants to do it. I have already bought another Transit rack off ebay for $100.
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Warren on October 01, 2008, 09:46:30 PM
Haha Chris, I thought that might be the case (you not having done the conversion).

I am very interested in how it is done, as I'm looking to do it myself, so any and all info greatly appreciated.

Warren
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: BlackBedford on October 01, 2008, 09:57:28 PM
No problem
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Tweaker on October 12, 2008, 10:17:35 AM
About the Camira power rack.

I know a dude up here that says he knows that guy from RRS and that this conversion kit was originally invented using Camira racks. And that the guy got it all up and running by buying all the Camira racks he could find at wreakers. This bloke subsequently does his own mods to vehicals at home himself. Saw him fitting a commodor motor with power steer to a HT sedan in his garage, not bad for a guy in a wheel chair! 8)
Title: Re: seeking the right power steering unit for my bedford
Post by: Tweaker on October 12, 2008, 10:20:19 AM
By the way, I just wanted to say.

If everybody else is taking too long? Do it yourself.

That's my moto anyways! ;)

Peace!
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal