Transit Power Steering Rack

[Zeeman]

Yes, I am fitting aircon as well.. using a serpentine belt drive setup. Depends on the motor, but there are plenty of bracket kits to use both Saginaw style power steering pump and compressor for aircon. I am using the Vintage Air style setup. Space can be tight in the Bedford engine bay though, the motor needs to be moved back and dropped down on a V8 conversion to fit all this stuff in.

[Zeeman]

I never posted the info about the splined connector, if anyone is interested..

The part you need is pictured, the steering connector / u joint from 1990's Ford transit van (same year as the rack)
Spline starts where the dot of white paint is.

And a splined uni joint: Flaming River part # FR2526PL 5/8"-36 spline (Bedford steering column end) and 3/4" - 36 spline (Transit linkage).

Hopefully this info is of use to anyone doing the conversion.

[baz]

Hi Zeeman,
Any chance of marketing the transit rack & assembly on the BUGA site?
There's lots of interest on the forums & a NZ import seems to be the only (presently) available option.

[Zeeman]

I don't think so. To sell as a bolt in kit would probably be north of $2500. And would have to be engineered as well. I doubt anyone would be willing to pay that. All the information is in this thread if anyone wanted to build their own setup. I don't even want to think about how much time and money is sunk into my front end, and it's still not done yet.

The problem is Australia is such a small market for aftermarket automotive stuff. Economy of scale only comes into play if you make stuff for popular models (HQ-Z Holdens, XA-XF Falcons etc.) There are people out there willing to pay for the right setup (hot rodders etc), but in my experience it's not Bedford owners.

[baz]

Thanks.
Looking forward to seeing the work on your van one day.

baz