Steering: EPAS Update

[345 DeSoto]

I just picked up my Sky Hawk, after having the Toyota EPAS and shortened steering bell crank installed. WOW, what a difference...! The reduced number of turns of the steering wheel was as noticeable as the reduced steering effort. $88 for the entire EPAS system, and $400 to have it installed was money WELL spent. A BIG shout out to Jerry Forrester...

[70Avanti2]

Any chance of getting some kits made up?

[RadioRoy]

Did you modify the stock steering column? What are you using for transmission gear selection?

[345 DeSoto]

RadioRoy - When I replaced the 3sp/OD transmission with a GM 200-4R, I had to replace the column shift with a Lokar floor shifter. The modification, basically, to the steering column involved cutting/shortening the column housing and the steering shaft the appropriate length, and inserting the EPAS. All in all, a pretty simple operation.

[345 DeSoto]

70Avanti2 - There's really nothing to put a "Kit" together with. You need to source the donor EPAS from the vehicle of your choice, from a Scrap Yard. The Unit and separate Controller I used was from a 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla. Then Cut and Paste...

[Kurt]

I used a Saturn Vue System in my Champ. I converted the 3 speed trans
to floor shift. I modified the column as well. So far I am very happy with the results.

I kept the original column and shaft so that I could switch it back to original if I wanted to

[sweetolbob]

I just picked up my Sky Hawk, after having the Toyota EPAS and shortened steering bell crank installed. WOW, what a difference...! The reduced number of turns of the steering wheel was as noticeable as the reduced steering effort. $88 for the entire EPAS system, and $400 to have it installed was money WELL spent. A BIG shout out to Jerry Forester...

At $400 to install I say that was an excellent price. Any possibility of a picture or two?

Well bought, Bob

[Colgate Studebaker]

I've basically gotten my '64 GT EPAS installed, but am doing several other mods and have not finished it totally. I used the unit from a 2012 Toyota Prius. The advantage is that it has a controller box that is separate from the column unit and will mount somewhere under the dash. I have powered it up and it will work very well. I also installed a tilt column from an '80's Camaro. I have lots of pic's but I need to learn how to put them in my posts, so be patient, they will get here. Bill

[JoeHall]

This is interesting. If I blow one more PS hose on either of the two GT Hawks, may just convert to EPAS.

How about electricity draw? Need a high output alternator, or any other mods to the Stude charging system?

[345 DeSoto]

JoeHall - No big electric current draw, however, Toyota recommends an inline 50 amp fuse/circuit breaker in the power to the motor line, in the event that you crank the steering all he way over to lock, and hold it there...so you won't burn out the motor. Stock electrical output is fine.

[345 DeSoto]

Colgate Studebaker - The 2012 Prius Unit/Controller is the same as he 2009-2010 Corolla Unit/controller...

[345 DeSoto]

sweetolbob - As soon as my Missus gets home, we'll work up some pictures. BTW...I also had the steering rod end of the steering bell crank cut and shortened 1 3/8" and rewelded...$50. It reduced the number of lock-to-lock turns, noticeably. I waited until I had the EPAS installed. If I didn't, I'd NEVER have been able turn the steering wheel.

[bensherb]

RadioRoy - When I replaced the 3sp/OD transmission with a GM 200-4R, I had to replace the column shift with a Lokar floor shifter.

Had to? When I swapped my 3sp/OD to a 4L60 it was no sweat to make the 3sp shifter work with it. I was going to convert it to a Stude auto trans shifter as I have the parts, but have since changed it for a '69 GM tilt, auto trans unit instead.

[5brown1]

Here is an article which is related. https://www.hotrod.com/articles/150-...rius-delivers/

[345 DeSoto]

POST #14 - Yup...that's just about all that's involved, and just about what I did...