matrophy Posted March 2, 2021 Report Share Posted March 2, 2021 (edited) I have a 5/86 720 2WD standard cab with Z24 without power steering. In my local wrecking yard today, I found an 83 model (7/82) 4WD with non-tilt power steering. I got the column, pump and it's seemingly endless number of brackets, hoses, idler and steering box today. Questions: - I'm wondering if the fact that this was on a 4WD vehicle would prevent it from bolting up directly. - The idler is pretty close to being frozen so I'm wondering if those bearings can be replaced and/or if that part is still obtainable. - What is the purpose of the 2 "rivets" on the ignition switch? I assume it's an anti-theft thing and can be replaced with regular bolts? I like the fact that it is non-tilt so I should be able to swap over my ignition switch and combo switch. The way the pump brackets are installed makes me think that they were designed never to be removed. Looks like a ton of stuff needs to be moved around to install it on my truck but I love a challenge. I checked the VIN for the donor truck and it had a Z22 engine. Is that significant for my swap? Edited March 2, 2021 by matrophy Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 2, 2021 Report Share Posted March 2, 2021 Probably will be close, but not work. Those idlers are fairly universal on PS and AIR CON equipped '80s Nissans. Wrecking yard? The 'rivets' are actually bolts that are necked down under the head. When fully tightened down the head snaps off making removal by thieves much harder. 1 Quote Link to comment
matrophy Posted March 2, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2021 That's a slick suggestion for the ignition switch. Were you saying that the 4WD parts probably wouldn't swap into my truck? Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 2, 2021 Report Share Posted March 2, 2021 I would like them to, but probably not. There are just so many different combinations. I haven't seen two 720 columns the same. 1 Quote Link to comment
Charlie69 Posted March 2, 2021 Report Share Posted March 2, 2021 I have a few the same Mike do you want pictures? 84-85 tilt 2wd colomns the same and are power steering. The 1980 non tilt 2wd columns all look alike and are manual steering also. 1 Quote Link to comment
weldingrod Posted March 2, 2021 Report Share Posted March 2, 2021 What if you installed the steering column from the truck with power steering? 1 Quote Link to comment
NC85ST Posted March 2, 2021 Report Share Posted March 2, 2021 As far as the idler pulley, you can replace the bearing in it. The bearing number is: 6203-2RS. Remove the snap ring and tap the bearing out with a hammer. I did this about a year ago on my truck. I got the bearing from Amazon. I just repacked it with good grease. 1 Quote Link to comment
matrophy Posted March 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2021 4 hours ago, weldingrod said: What if you installed the steering column from the truck with power steering? That's my plan. I took everything off the donor truck - column, pump/reservoir, steering box and hoses. I took some measurements today and it looks like everything will line up except maybe the Pitman arm on the PS pump might be a little longer than the existing arm. I believe I can swap them if I have to. The PS column is shorter inside the engine compartment which makes sense since the steering box is bigger. I'm a little concerned that the PS steering box is taller and may just clear the inner fender. Looks like a big job and I want to make sure that everything will bolt up OK before I start. 1 Quote Link to comment
matrophy Posted March 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2021 1 hour ago, NC85ST said: As far as the idler pulley, you can replace the bearing in it. The bearing number is: 6203-2RS. Remove the snap ring and tap the bearing out with a hammer. I did this about a year ago on my truck. I got the bearing from Amazon. I just repacked it with good grease. That's great advice. Thanks. I didn't like the reviews of the choices on Amazon so I got a Nachi bearing off ebay just now. 1 Quote Link to comment
Charlie69 Posted March 3, 2021 Report Share Posted March 3, 2021 I am working on installing a 2009 Nissan Versus electric steering in my 86 720 king cab. My 84 king cab ST and my 66 520 will eventually get electric power steering also. Quote Link to comment
matrophy Posted March 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2021 11 hours ago, Charlie69 said: I am working on installing a 2009 Nissan Versus electric steering in my 86 720 king cab. My 84 king cab ST and my 66 520 will eventually get electric power steering also. I'd be interested in the details 1 Quote Link to comment
Charlie69 Posted March 3, 2021 Report Share Posted March 3, 2021 It will be tight but doable I believe. It will be later this year before I get to it. I will post a write up with pictures. Quote Link to comment
Madkaw Posted March 5, 2021 Report Share Posted March 5, 2021 On 3/3/2021 at 1:52 PM, Charlie69 said: It will be tight but doable I believe. It will be later this year before I get to it. I will post a write up with pictures. Charlie- I was thinking the same thing . I think it had the smallest motor . It works in safe mode so you just have to give it power , no controller. What I think will be the challenge is the combination switch mounting and the clam shells to make it look stock . You and I might be doing this at the same time . Just think of all the stuff that can go bye bye when going electric steering . When I get rid of all of that and the distributor I will have lots of room for a turbo 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment
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