manual steering

drybone · October 10, 2002, 02:22:12 PM

Does anyone out there run a independant manual steering box with MARLIN'S high steering kit. Reason I ask is that I'm not building a "ROCKKRAWLER" but more or less a serious trail machine with tall (36") but narrow (10.5") meaty treads for the off pavement world. Is this too impossible to steer? Should I just stick with power steering. If I do, has anyone been able to move the power steering onto the second pulley instead of the third outer pulley (for clearance with a larger radiator). Lots-o-Questions, any advice would help. Also I might not reply quickly due to where I live, Panamint Springs... not Trona (Peeeeeyyyyuuuu!!)

cruzila · October 11, 2002, 02:28:18 AM

You are not talking about removing the PS

Why are you planning to move pulleys, what is the rig, year? more more :.order: :.order:

drybone · October 11, 2002, 01:11:43 PM

OK, Venus lined up with the moon, and Mars is in the distance. (that's when the satelite works for online duties). More information about my rig: Let's see??? 1983 Shortbed bobbed bed 18"s. Modified lumber (sort of) rack, with the a 6 1/2 foot aluminum top. I sleep on top in good weather but also have a tent to throw up there, canvas sides and back (acts and feels more like a 4-runner). Enough with the cosmetics, although I will say that the interior is really, really nice.

Let's get to the meat: 4"soft ride lift, 3" body lift. Calling Marlin next week to order my tranny and crawler. Setting up with 5.29's and probably ARB's. Currently running 33 10.5's BFG Mt's on 15" centerline's, and will be ordering Q78 Buckshot 's (36 10.5's) soon.

The real money has been spent on what I feel is most important, a custom 20r/22r hybrid motor from D. O.A. racing . Holley dominator manifod, holley 4bbl carb., tri-y headers the works. Truly a work of art!

Back to the question at hand, I'm not using my second pulley currently and would like to tighten up the engine bay. Or I feel if I could still manage to steer the rig in low gear ( manual box) then I would rather ditch PS outright. I owned a 1982 longbed which had manual steering and I preferred the feel on the road and off. What I'm not sure of is would the high steer be tougher to steer with the manual steering than the push pull or easier??? I know I can always switch boxes at a later date but just wanted feedback on the subject.

And yes you have a place to crash out here (in the middle of nowhere) anytime. Just ask Marlin how nice it is.

yotatops · October 22, 2002, 08:44:11 AM

i think you are going to end up with a fairly serious rock crawler whether you like it or not, from the sound of the mod you have planned

yotatops · October 22, 2002, 08:47:52 AM

i think you are going to end up with a fairly serious rock crawler whether you like it or not, from the sound of the mod you have planned. i just installed Marlins hy steer on my '85 runner. i didn't have any steering fluid with which to refill the box with, so I had to drive it without much power assist----kind of herky jerky, not a uniform feel over the entire range of motion. with fluid in the box, it steers 100% better with less effort. it could be how i did the install, but it works great with power, just not so great without. my .02

drybone · November 06, 2002, 01:33:48 AM

You are probably right about the power steering verses manual. Sorry I've been gone for awhile but I've been busy preparing to move, also I picked up my rebuilt tranny with a ultimate crawler from Marlin. (he really is God!!!). Marlin also doesn't think the manual box would be any good with the high steer. I lack of a better reason I have to try it, if the box sucks then I'll bolt in power (the holes are the same) but if it's OK and decently tolerable then I'm going to pursue the Howe Industries steering reduction box, your choice of 30% or 50% reduction, it goes in between the steering box and the steering shaft. It might make mountain roads at 55 m.p.h. down right scary, but it could really be a plus in the two track arena. I'm trying really hard to keep the engine bay simple with one pulley only! Also there is the theory that manual steering even with a reduction box will not break things. If I can't steer (with all might) the truck then maybe I should not be there, remember this truck is a daily driver and two track hero! I really don't go looking for trouble, It definatley will not see Sledgehammer (call me a sissy).

cruzila · November 07, 2002, 03:39:35 AM

Sorry It has been so long. Hey BTW I will be at PVD with Marlin tommorrow night.

I had no PS in my cruiser for years wheeling on Rubicon. You need PS. yes road feel, not breaking are somewhat correct. but you will get stuck more and get more body damage because you will not be able to get out of the way fast enough. I also have a mini w/PS and it has good road feel. The cruiser ( this weekend) has a big Cadillac PS box and there is NO road feel.

drybone · November 08, 2002, 04:23:46 AM

Cool, am glad you guys will be out at Panamint. I'm in Lone Pine right now and it's raining hard.. Were having a barbecue tonight (Friday), and prime rib Saturday at Panamint Springs, were planning for alot of people so bring an appetite. I saw Marlin Tuesday at his shop and got my ultimate setup, I hope I'll see him out there?

Back to the question at hand, you said you had road feel? would a steering stabilizer take care of road crap?
I feel the reduction unit would help out in the rocks. With Marlin's high steer system, would a manual steer easier with crossover or push pull (the old set up)? I suppose there is only one way to find out? I know I could put Power in and fab a new bracket to run it off the second pulley, but I definately want to throw out the third pulley, any idea's would be a plus

Hope you guys bring some of them because it sure is dreary out there.

cruzila · November 13, 2002, 04:20:12 AM

Missed ya at the PVD $I\'m Down$

Definite crossover.

I am running PS on the mini with no stabilizer :up:

drybone · November 13, 2002, 04:59:46 AM

Yeah, sorry I didn't see you guys. Never saw marlin either, but he did get my ubolts for the crossmember.

He really is GOD!!

No stabilizer?

How does this sound, 36" buckshot's (narrow as hell)
Marlins High Steer. Manual box with 30% reduction box in between, Grant 17.5" steering wheel. Do you think I could do some decent trails with that set up at leat all the trail in Panamint (except Surprise, if it were open)

cruzila · November 13, 2002, 05:04:20 AM

WHEN it opens

drybone · November 13, 2002, 05:22:25 AM

Yeah, I heard the same thing out of Ridgecrest. Hope it is true? I'm not sure if My truck is currently capable of that run but I'd love to go up it anyway

cruzila · November 13, 2002, 05:39:31 AM

i am not sure why you are onthe manual box so heavy? Just do the PS it is hard enough to turn anyway. with a reduction?? you will need a brodie handle to drive the curvy roads

drybone · November 14, 2002, 03:42:14 AM

Not sure either at this point, just wanted feedback. Is it possible to run saginaw steering in the little beasts?
I have quite a few power setups available, are they stronger? would they run marlin's high steer, or just a wayste of time?

My whole idea for my truck was to keep it simple, mechanical and strong. I have had alot of things break out there and I go out for weeks at a time. I have two separate fuel systems, two Msd boxes and coils, a backup alternator and distributer. It seems to me that if I could ditch PS then that is one thing less to break. I had a pump go out and I can tell you wheeling hundreds of miles home with PS box that doesn't work sucks!! At least the MS box is geared for no power sure it isn't ideal but it can't get any worse.

News:

manual steering