Electric power steering for M35A2 Deuce

[JSBIRD69]

I hit 70 years this past summer, and already having bad shoulder joints, my A2 Deuce is really testing my body this year.

I've read how others have adapted various power steering systems to their A2's, but wonder if modern electric power steering,
either in the form of an electric pump/conventional sector, or the shaft assist system, coul be a solution for me.

Anyone tried this method? If I can't get some steering assist, I'll probably have to rehome my truck.

Thanks,

Jay

 

[canadacountry]

I'm not sure about e-steer as its quite new as far as finding any secondhand heavyduty ones goes (save for wrecked highway tractors with relatively intact frontend) but hmm might or might not be your thing to recheck about certain old buses and tractors (kenworth in particular re latter) for air powersteer provided mainly by ross but also some others too

 

[JSBIRD69]

After watching about 487,591 videos on YT about electric power steering, consulting with my local mechanical wizard, and checking some prices, I've decided to proceed cautiously to adapt a steering assist module to my A2's steering shaft.

I don't need one finger steering when stopped, I just need some reasonable traveling assist for my ailing shoulder joints.

From first looks, I'm guesstimating around $250 in parts, and should never even have to climb under the truck to fit the power steering assist unit in place.
But I will be down and intimate with the engine bay and drivers floor area.

Will also need a 12 volt tap to power the unit, I think around 30 amps peak, as the unit doesn't have a draw except when under load in one direction or the other.

I'll keep this forum up to speed on my progress...if this works, this may be the answer to lot's of SS power steering desires.

Jay

 

[Cajunkr]

Hi Jay,
Any progress with using an electric power steering unit such as from a Kia Soul?

Kelly

After watching about 487,591 videos on YT about electric power steering, consulting with my local mechanical wizard, and checking some prices, I've decided to proceed cautiously to adapt a steering assist module to my A2's steering shaft.

I don't need one finger steering when stopped, I just need some reasonable traveling assist for my ailing shoulder joints.

From first looks, I'm guesstimating around $250 in parts, and should never even have to climb under the truck to fit the power steering assist unit in place.
But I will be down and intimate with the engine bay and drivers floor area.

Will also need a 12 volt tap to power the unit, I think around 30 amps peak, as the unit doesn't have a draw except when under load in one direction or the other.

I'll keep this forum up to speed on my progress...if this works, this may be the answer to lot's of

 

[JSBIRD69]

Hi Jay,
Any progress with using an electric power steering unit such as from a Kia Soul?

Kelly

Hey Kelly,

Thanks for checking in. I'm still in the study/planning stage of my project.

One of my nearby SS friends has consented to let me have a spare A2 steering column, and my local auto dismantler will supply a
steering assit module from a Toyota or KIa for $100.

I'm surrounded by talented fabricators, and that coupled with my own incredible mechanical genius and humility, gives me hope that
I can really pull this off.

I'm still moving forward...however slowly. I'll keep this post updated with any progress I make.

Jay

 

[Cajunkr]

Hey! For myself, it seems easy given the number of videos of people doing this to off-road dune buggies and such. What I like is that it’s a solid shaft with couplings maintaining control even if the assist fails. I wouldn’t try rock crawling with it but generally there’s not a lot of steering wheel wrenching while going off-road. The only other thing I ran across is the possibility of the EPS motor having an over heat sensor that could shut it down. I’m not really sure how the motor would get that hot unless the truck was put through an obstacle course of left to right oversteering. just my thoughts over the last year.
I’m planning to put hydraulic power steering but thought since I’m having to cut the shaft anyway, trying the EPS might be a cheaper start. Connecting the EPS in line with the steering gear and steering wheel is the critical part. With out power, it’s even harder to turn the steering wheel.
So I’m thinking the outer covering has to be cut away, in the area that the EPS is going to mount, exposing the inner shaft. Measuring and cutting the shaft, then installing the couplings, connecting the EPS, then fabricating a bracket to secure it to the frame.
Any other tidbits (areas of concern) that you have run across?

Kelly

 

[JSBIRD69]

Hey! For myself, it seems easy given the number of videos of people doing this to off-road dune buggies and such. What I like is that it’s a solid shaft with couplings maintaining control even if the assist fails. I wouldn’t try rock crawling with it but generally there’s not a lot of steering wheel wrenching while going off-road. The only other thing I ran across is the possibility of the EPS motor having an over heat sensor that could shut it down. I’m not really sure how the motor would get that hot unless the truck was put through an obstacle course of left to right oversteering. just my thoughts over the last year.
I’m planning to put hydraulic power steering but thought since I’m having to cut the shaft anyway, trying the EPS might be a cheaper start. Connecting the EPS in line with the steering gear and steering wheel is the critical part. With out power, it’s even harder to turn the steering wheel.
So I’m thinking the outer covering has to be cut away, in the area that the EPS is going to mount, exposing the inner shaft. Measuring and cutting the shaft, then installing the couplings, connecting the EPS, then fabricating a bracket to secure it to the frame.
Any other tidbits (areas of concern) that you have run across?

Kelly

Kelly,

I like the way you think.

Jay