Is the goal to just have a PS rack installed.. ( like that's what you have
around and your manual rack is worn out )
or to have a working PS system ?

You can put PS in an 83. I have done it.
beside the rack, you need the rod that goes to it from the what I call
'V -steering box."

and of course all lines, pump, res etc.
and..
here's a little gotcha ...the fuel tank will have to come out ( if using
stock parts ) to cut some notches on the inbaord side of the frame, right
below the fuel fillter neck area ..
for the stock pipes to pass through, to get around the fuel tank.

or you could use an aftermarket 'all hoses' set, sold by various vendors.

another consideration ..
the steering ratio of the spindles is slightly different between PS and
non-PS ..
( the non-PS is a 'slower' ratio ...) .
ideally, you would install front PS spindles too.

and smaller steering wheel of course.
lotta work, but the result was rewarding.

scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob" <becida@COMCAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 11:21 AM
Subject: Power steering rack install?

> I'm going on the assumption that a power steering rack just bolts
> into a Vanagon that did not come with one (an '83), am I missing
> something major here with this assumption?
>
> Does anyone know of a good TheSamba thread where they put a power
> steering rack into one for the first time?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Rob
> becida@comcast.net