Neal,

I "believe" it started with some '84 models ... maybe just the
Wolfsburgs.  Certainly most, if not all, US '85 models.

It would be easier if you had a donor van from which to extract the parts.

I have not done this, but here is what I think you'd need:

1. The power steering rack.
2. The power steering pump and bracket.
3. The power steering fluid (ATF) reservoir
4. Lines from the engine area to the rack (the hose kits sold by Frank
Condelli would be a good choice)
5. The connector from the pwr steering rack to the steering column (it's
different from the standard steering connector)
6. Steering knuckles from a pwr steering equipped van as the geometry is
different. If you use the knuckles from a std steering van ... it would
end up being even easier to steer than a "stock" power steering model as
you would have more turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock.
7. The idle booster which raises the idle speed when the steering is
turned to the maximum left or right.

If I've left anything out ... surely someone else on the list will chime in.

Mike
'84 GL 7 pass std steering (a van called Horse)
'85 GL Westy pwr steering (Willow)

Neal Powers wrote:
 > what year did vanagon start using power steering and can i adapt it
to a 81
 >