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Power steering
I hear so many different ways people do power steering conversions on M715's, but what way gives you good performance with highly available parts? I just want a cost effective, easy to get parts, and light to moderate fabrication solution. Any info is greatly appreciated.
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Use a box from a FSJ - full size Jeep - bolts right up, even the pitman arm works. I used a box from a '79 on my M725 - no problems even with 36's on it.
However, some guys will tell you that if you're doing heavy off-roading, go to something stronger. I know of one guy using rams, another with hydro-boost.
The FSJ way is the cheapest route.
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Don't know if you know this or not but you'll have to tap the PS box to provide hydraulic pressure to the ram assist. I didn't know before I started this portion of the build and found it out the hard way.
I suggest Redneck Ram kits if you can't source your own parts, they are reasonably priced and have a good rep for reliability.
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Like Rich posted.
FSJ Box and pitman arm. Normally you can get a box, pump, pitman arm and old hoses from a junk yard for less than $100 total. Bolt it up, mount the pump and enjoy.
GM cars had the same box from 1966 or so until the mid '80's. You need a full size car with the box inside the frame mounted in front of the wheels. My pump and box came from a 1966 Impalla. I had to fab up my own pitman arm and combine rag joint parts to make it work. Go FSJ parts. Lots easier.
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Get a good fluid cooler if you plan on wheeling it. I have driven one with 37s and a 350 conversion. The fluid would heat up alot.
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I bought a '66 Gladiator for an engine conversion and it also had a power steering conversion. When i mounted the box in my 715 i fabbed an extra stud mount wear the previous owner just used a spacer. I'm not sure wear the box originally came from, but it fit. Because the Gladiator had a Dana-44 and ours have a '60,I did have to redrill out the taperd hole in the pitman arm for the bigger '60 tierod end. I also agree with gimpyrobb about the cooler for the fluid. Its on the list of things to do.