Specifications

SAGINAW STEERING CONVERSIONS
Power Steering Box
Manual Steering Box
Stock Illustration Stock with long tie rod
Saginaw Steering Installation
saginaw steering conversions (1941-79)
55
The Saginaw steering conversions for these vehicles is a proven advantage simply because they allow you to have better control
of your vehicle both on and off the highway. The problem with stock steering on these vehicles is excessive play or backlash. In
addition to offering a sound positive means of controlling your vehicle, it can be performed at a reasonable cost. Additional advantages
include exhaust clearance, engine positioning, and custom steering columns. These kits fit Jeep vehicles only.
Before you consider this conversion we recommend that you thoroughly read and understand the complete installation procedure.
Do not take shortcuts on steering installations. We recommend that these conversions be installed by a qualified technician.
The control of your vehicle depends on your steering performance. Failure of your steering system can result in severe damage
and possible injury.
SAGINAW STEERING KITS:
Most Jeep vehicles had basically the same stock configuration. It is simply a gear box at the base of the steering column which controls
a drag link towards the front of the vehicle. The bellcrank is mounted on the front crossmember or axle and uses a push-pull affect
for steering. Because there are many motions and joints on this system, excessive free play and backlash develops.
The Saginaw steering system requires the elimination of the stock gear box and bellcrank. The new steering box is mounted on
the inside of the left front frame rail, just behind the bumper. Although this sounds simple, there are several things that must be
considered before the installation can be completed. Such things include:
Power or manual steering Steering column type Steering box location
Motor mount clearance on steering shaft Tie rod size & length Winch clearance
On engine conversions that are retaining the original steering box location, you will be locating the engine position as close as
possible to the original steering box. When eliminating the original steering box, you will be able to offset the new engine 1” towards
the driver’s side in order to allow for additional front driveshaft and starter motor clearance. In 1971, Jeep changed their steering
design to almost the exact same configuration as the kit that we offer. The difference between the original Jeep installation and our
installation is mainly in the design of the mounting bracket for the steering box. Jeep also used a rag joint coupler between the steering
box and driveshaft.
We offer a couple conversion kits. These kits are either power or
manual steering conversions, and use either a Flaming River or
Borgeson yoke design. None of these kits supply the steering box
(manual or power), or steering pump and hoses (power applica-
tions). To help identify the kit necessary for your conversion, please
consider the following information. Note: Full steering kits should
not be ordered when converting Jeep Pickups & Wagons, since
special tie rods will be required.
POWER & MANUAL STEERING BOX SELECTION:
Make sure the box that you select has the same basic configuration as the ones illustrated. Both Power & Manual boxes can be
found in the 1960s and early 1970 GM cars, or Jeep vehicles 1972 & newer. The manual steering box must have a shaft stickout
length of approximately 3” long, and the spline on the shaft approximately 1” long.
The location of the Saginaw steering box will require a spud shaft. This shaft couples and extends the steering
box shaft into the engine compartment. Both Power and Manual boxes have two spline sizes
that mate to our spud shaft. Our manual steering kits are supplied with a .730” dia.
30 spline spud shaft. If your steering box has .730” dia. 36 spline,
Part No. 716834-36 can be substituted. On power steering kits,
we supply the most common spud shaft which is a .800” dia. 36
spline. On some of the newer Saginaw boxes, we have found them to have
a .730” dia. 30 spline. Part No. 716834-30 can be substituted.