On 4/25/07, Jim Arnott <jr.arnott@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Ended up in the Vanagon List catch-all.
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> > From: "Mark Voelger" <mark@franell.co.za>
> > Date: April 25, 2007 8:26:06 AM PDT
> > To: <GERRY@vanagon.com>
> > Subject: TIPS
> >
> > I am a Syncronaut from South Africa looking for some tips, I have a
> > Syncro that has no power steering is it possible to retro fit it
> > with a power steering rack?
> >
> > Thank you and Kindest Regards Mark V�lger

Mark,

Yes, absolutely. The easiest way is to have a comeplte donor with all the
necessary parts. However, you can add on as you get them. This has been
addressed in the archives. I have even contributed to it when I converted my
2wd Doka to powersteering (PS).

Here's a quick overview. You need all the hardware for your specific engine
to mount the PS pump. We did not get as many engines options in the US so it
is simpler for us. Then you need the metal pipes that run from the PS rack
to the engine in the rear. You can substitute rubber hose of the proper
rating for this. One side is high pressure and the second is return line
only. Of course, you will also need a PS rack. The steering knuckles are
also drilled in a different spot to take advantage of the mechanical
advantage afforded by the PS system. You can retain the steering knuckles
from your manual to reduce the cost of the install with the only
disadvantage of having slightly slower steering (slightly more turns or the
wheel from lock-to-lock). You will need to weld or bolt on a holder for the
PS fluid reservoir as well. Don't forget to get the lower steering shaft as
well as the PS shaft has a different coupler and is shorter than the one in
the manual vans. That should just about do it. IIRC the ECU in the later
models such as the Syncro can compensate for the added load of the PS pump
when turning.

BTW, for anyone contemplating this swap who is in need of a PS rack, I have
two brand new ones available.

Cheers,

BenT