I run a 1990 2WD with 14" wheels, Hankook RA08's and a non-power steering rack + larger steering wheel.  

It handles great.  I parallel park it with no more effort than before.

I actually converted it from PS when my pump started leaking and my lines were extremely rotted out..

I threw in polyurethane bushings while I was it.

-Derek
mobile

> On Dec 25, 2013, at 6:40 PM, Scott Daniel <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM> wrote:
> 
> How long did the Porsche 911 go in production before they finally put
> on  power steering ?
> 
> it's easy to search.
> 
> from Wikipedia .
> 
> The first 964s available in 1989  ..................
> Power steering and ABS
> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system> brakes were
> added to the 911 for the first time; both were standard.
> 
> The 911 did without PS uo to  89.
> The majority of Vanagons had power steering by 1985.
> 
> Vanagons "amongst the last breed' ...sure, as fair statement.
> 
> if you keep the original type tires on a non-PS vanagon ..
> which can be tallish 14 inchers...they'll do pretty wellout the PS.
> 
> 
> 
>> On 12/25/2013 11:46 AM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>> In general a low traction-rolling resistance tire will also require less
>> steering effort. The two attributes do work together. There are exceptions
>> especially with the change to higher performance low profile tires. Here
>> they can increase traction and handling and also reduce rolling resistance.
>> However wider tires can still increase steering effort.  The Vanagon is
>> probably amongst the last breed of vehicle available without power steering.
>> 
>> 
>> Dennis
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>> Don Hanson
>> Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 1:05 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Tire observation
>> 
>> I recently swapped my 14" tires.  I put my older Nokian Hakkapelitta C mud
>> and snow on the front, replacing Hankook RAO 8s that were even more worn
>> than the hakkas.  This greatly increased the effort to steer at parking
>> speeds.  I have no power steering.  I have decent arm strength, but I now
>> find it quite a chore to turn the wheels without any movement of the van,
>> where with the RAO 8s, it was much easier.  I have about 43psi (dunno how
>> many Barrs that is) in the tires.  Once rolling and at higher speeds, the
>> Hakkas steer and track just fine.
>>