I posted this in another thread, but it is good to make this a separate thread. I'll provide updates as I go
I am converting my GN from power steering to manual to shed some weight up front. I am hoping to loose about 30lbs. Well see. I have been researching this stuff for two days and have hassled every manual steering vendor/manufacture from coast to coast for exact information.
THREE options as I see it right now.
1. S10 conversion. Several to choose from. The 85 - 92 (appox) have 4 bolts holding the top are appox 24:1 and are lighter than the power steering, but heavier than the option below. It is also the cheapest for several reasons. One you can reuse the stock pitman arm or the S10 pitman arm (one of them anyway).
2. Vega box (140) not recommend by manufacture for vehicles over 2600lbs.
There are several vendors, but I wanted a reputable manufacture. Also I want to find everything I needed for the entire conversion.
Manufacture = Flaming River
Note: Pete and Jakes Hot Rod shop has a pitman arm that is real close and I think will work. specs = 5.75" center to center, 1.25"drop, no offset. = $155
3. GM 525 manual box (Vega Boxes big brother)
Manufacture = Borgeson
I am converting my GN from power steering to manual to shed some weight up front. I am hoping to loose about 30lbs. Well see. I have been researching this stuff for two days and have hassled every manual steering vendor/manufacture from coast to coast for exact information.
THREE options as I see it right now.
1. S10 conversion. Several to choose from. The 85 - 92 (appox) have 4 bolts holding the top are appox 24:1 and are lighter than the power steering, but heavier than the option below. It is also the cheapest for several reasons. One you can reuse the stock pitman arm or the S10 pitman arm (one of them anyway).
2. Vega box (140) not recommend by manufacture for vehicles over 2600lbs.
There are several vendors, but I wanted a reputable manufacture. Also I want to find everything I needed for the entire conversion.
Manufacture = Flaming River
- Vega box - PN FR1500 (20:1) / FR1500Q (16:1) , 11.25lbs, 5/8 " 36spline input shaft, 1" 32 spline output shaft (sector) = $375/ $475
- Pitman arm - PN FR1009532 6" center to center, 1.5" drop, no offset, fits Vega Box sector = $310 - I did a price challenge with Summit and I believe they are changing the price to $223 (still high)
- Telescopic Arm - FR1856S - $120
- U-joint to Steering column - FR1717 - $75
- U-joint to Vega box - FR1735 - $75
Note: Pete and Jakes Hot Rod shop has a pitman arm that is real close and I think will work. specs = 5.75" center to center, 1.25"drop, no offset. = $155
3. GM 525 manual box (Vega Boxes big brother)
Manufacture = Borgeson
- 525 manual box 16:1 quick turn ration - PN 920028, Specs = 16.75lbs, 3/4" 36 spline input shaft, 1 1/8" 32 spline output shaft = $490. The standard 525 PN920010 box is 24:1 ratio, but is $100 bucks or more cheaper.
- Telescopic shaft 26" long, 1" DD to 3/4" DD (place the big end to the steering column out of firewall) PN 450024 = $75
- Ujoint - PN 015252 steering column to telescopic shaft = $75
- Ujoint - PN 013449 telescopic shaft to manual box input = $75
- Best of all they have a pitman arm that is designed for the conversion.
- Pitman - PN 806019 6.25" center to center, 1.5" drop, no offset, fits 525 box sector = $85