I've done this a number of times. The hardest part is that you will have to
drop the fuel tank to install the factory lines up front.  The steering rack
will bolt right up.  You will also need to swap the shaft that connects to
the pinion gear.  Having the front end aligned will compensate for the
different spindles, (toe-in).  You may also have to drill the cylinder head
to mount the pump bracket.  Make sure it is lined up properly or you will
have a belt fly-off problem.  Be careful drilling and tapping.  You will
also have to mount the reservoir bottle and the power steering lines to the
body.  If they can move too much you will experience all sorts of buzzing
noises.  it is definitely worth the effort as the power steering changes the
character of the van in a very favorable way.  For a real treat, the 86 and
later brakes can also be installed.  The spindles will bolt right up and
you'll only need to change the hoses.

Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Garrick Chang <gchang1@PACBELL.NET>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Monday, April 13, 1998 9:23 PM
Subject: Retrofitting power steering-is it worth it?

>I recently bought a donor vangon(84 wolfsburg weekender with blown motor)
and
>was thinking of swapping the power steering into my 84 Westy.
>
>Couple questions.  Is the PS much nicer to drive? I now have nearly new MXT
>reinforced tires(from the wolfsburg) and steering effort is much easier now
>but still can't drive with one hand.
>
>How hard is the retrofit?  I see in Bentley that the steering knuckles are
>different for PS fitted vanagons so it looks as though I'd need to change
>these over too.  Looks like a full weekend project. Any thoughts, advice or
>experience would be much appreciated.
>
>Garrick Chang
>84 Westy
>Davis, CA
>