It is possible to go from the Subie or VW pump to the PS rack with AeroQuip lines and reusable ends.
You do not need the stock hoses hard or soft.
I have done this to many stock and converted vans.
Depending upon your choice of line is will run approx. $350-$550.00.
Talk to your local rep.
They have many different metric fittings available.

Gas line
Brake line
PS
oil cooling
remote oil filter
all possible with the AeroQuip products.

dylan

----- Original Message ----
From: BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 4:17:15 AM
Subject: Re: Adding Power Steering

On Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 8:35 AM, James Henry <jch@jchgis.com> wrote:

> The question came up today on the Subaru Conversion list about adding a
> Power Steering rack to an early (83.5, 84, 85) vanagon. I thought I would
> ask here as well. Anyone had experience in adding a ps rack. Can you
> outline
> what is involved?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jim Henry
> Durham, NC
> 84 Westy

Mike has already outlined what you need. I added PS to my 88 Doublecab with
a 2.1 WBX motor.
Adding it to an 84 with 2.2 EJT.

Let me add that you need the Subaru PS pump and pieces of the Subie pipes to
connect to the VW
pipes or hoses depending on which way you intend to add the lines. I have
access to complete parts
vans so it was much easier to add everything as they came from VW with the
exception of the Subie
bits which I got from Leon Korkin.

You did not mention what engine you have in your van. I assumed you were
talking about Subaru power
since you mentioned reading about it on the Subie List. On the later 2.1's
you do not need to worry
about the "goodies" to boost idle as mike mentions. The ECU seems to take
care of that. As for the early
1.9 vans, you can always boost the idle yourself with judicious application
of the gas pedal.=)

Regards,

BenT