FNG with question about power steering and suspension

[snakeater]

First off I am new here and this is my first 715. I have had everything else and always wanted a m-715, just never seemed to have the money at the right time. got one and I am never going back. Let the mods begin, I plan to drive this thing which has led to these questions.
Question 1: What steering box is used with the most success to convert to power steering? I already have a 350 with turbo 400 tranny, so I know a stock GM power steering pump. I have searched and found that a wagoneer will work, but is there any new info. on this?
Question 2: Has anyone tried removing leaves in the spring pack to soften the suspension? I don't want to lose any lift, just soften then factory spring pack for better offroad use. Or is there better way to accomplish this on a budget? Thanks Snakeater

[brute4c]

The GM car box IS the Jeep Wagoneer power steering box...either works...the stock truck uses 3 bolts...the power boxes can use 4...many like to drill the 4th hole clear through the frame and add a spacer inside the frame from side to side to reinforce the hole.

People remove leaves...up to 2 and you are ok...3 and you start getting spring wrap...staring with the shortest leaf, and calling it #1, remove #1 and #3 OR for a little more flex remove #2 and 4.

You wont lose much on height...you will lose carrying capacity...but you will get a better ride.

[Overfiend]

I got my PS box out of a 78 wagoneer direct bolt in. Only problems I realy had was the top bolt in the front is kind of a PITA to get to

[snakeater]

thanks guys, that takes care of my questions for now.

[foodstamp]

for the top front bolt on the steering box i used a socket like this http://www.mytoolstore.com/wilmar/w1126c.jpg and a ratchet wrench. worked great, its hard to fit any other tool in that little hole, can hardley get my fingers in it to get the bolt in.

[saxon]

If you cut a slot in the end of the bolt you can use a skinny flat tip screwdriver and spin it in till the head flushes up at the hard to tighten spot, then struggle.

[DocKill]

I used a saginaw 76 box and it mounted up without issue.

[snakeater]

what is the application for that box dockill, make and model of vehicle would help. My next project is to get the rollcage madeup and a top on the m-715 as it is nasty weather here and she is topless. Truck is 98 percent rust free and I want to keep it that way. Already has some custom body work ala---my buddy Dave that has surely increased the value(LOL). Next after the top work is power steering and spring work. I have a picture inmy mind for this truck that I am working towards. Imagine a three color desert load up and drive to hell vehicle.....and your close. Snakeater

[brute4c]

Its the same application...of all the different boxes GM and Jeep used, there is one that has a "76" cast ino the housing that is said to be stronger than the others.

[phoenix]

I agree that the 76 box is the one to use but there is a few different gear ratios in them They are not all the same. I will be using one from a 87 wrangler and it has a ratio of 14:1 The wagoneer (1978) has a ratio of 20/16:1 must be a variable rate. Either way, there are a bunch of ratios out there that have an identical looking box. I checked out some other years of trucks and 1982 jeep truck has a 16.1/13:1 ratio. 1981 Jeep CJ-7 is 17.51:1

If anyone wants to know the exact ratio of their steering box, I can tell you for any year any model 4x4 made from 1945-2000. Not that I have them memorised, I just have a book called The standard catalog of 4X4s 1945-2000