CJ3B - Herm Steering Kit

[Ron]

Good evening everyone,

I have been planning on using Herm’s Ford Reverse Steering kit on my CJ3B for awhile.  I got to the point of installing it today and found out that with the stock cross member, it will not be far enough forward so that the drag link lines up correctly.

Has anyone else used Herm’s kit on a 3B? 

If I have to modify the cross member, I may just go with a manual Saginaw steering box.

Thoughts

RVSwisher

[Rus Curtis]

Good evening everyone,

I have been planning on using Herm’s Ford Reverse Steering kit on my CJ3B for awhile.  I got to the point of installing it today and found out that with the stock cross member, it will not be far enough forward so that the drag link lines up correctly.

Has anyone else used Herm’s kit on a 3B?

If I have to modify the cross member, I may just go with a manual Saginaw steering box.

Thoughts

RVSwisher

Ron,
With a quick search, I did find this post on Early CJ5 Forum talking specifically about this kit:
http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/herms-power-steering.127681/

I haven't checked the links embedded but it seems there may be issues with interference.  I also noted that this may be a Saginaw but in reverse. 

[farm1810]

I am responding to an older post on this subject, but chose to follow up on this one instead of creating a new one.  I purchased Herm's kit recognizing that there could be interference issues.  I actually cut out the cross member by the radiator and moved it.  Then realized the problem with the motor mount location as well (stock engine).  I believe this was designed for a CJ5 with V6 engine, not for a Jeep with a L or F head engine.  I finally abandoned the effort and move to an out front Saginaw arrangement. 

[duffer]

I'm another that just can't see any advantage of Herm's kit.  The Saginaw installation has no doubt been completed thousands of times on flatties, is both straight forward and well documented.

[Marla.the.V35]

I'm another that just can't see any advantage of Herm's kit.  The Saginaw installation has no doubt been completed thousands of times on flatties, is both straight forward and well documented.

Coming from someone who considered it for a hot second, it's mostly appearances. All the benefits of a better steering setup, without affecting the outward look of the flattie. Also, if I recall correctly, it's touted as a mostly bolt-on system, so the appeal is there for someone who doesn't weld. (We all know how that goes with these old flatties though, nothing is that easy haha)

When it came time to pick a direction for my own steering, I decided to rebuild my steering box and replaced a few worn components. With quality parts, correct lubricants, and proper adjustments, it feels way tighter than I could've ever imagined it would, and I didn't have to do any modifications. Guys have got some horror stories about the ol' stock steering system, but don't believe 'em. When it's correctly maintained and setup to spec, it feels good and tight.

[tow hook]

I am responding to an older post on this subject, but chose to follow up on this one instead of creating a new one.  I purchased Herm's kit recognizing that there could be interference issues.  I actually cut out the cross member by the radiator and moved it.  Then realized the problem with the motor mount location as well (stock engine).  I believe this was designed for a CJ5 with V6 engine, not for a Jeep with a L or F head engine.  I finally abandoned the effort and move to an out front Saginaw arrangement.

 i got the kit as well, i did not use it either. with out removing any parts like a cross member/ or the engine plate that goes to the motor mounts . it's not bolt in with out some cutting. i rebuilt my ross box, wish it was better. but it's better then before thank heavens