STEERING: The steering system thus far has been very temporary. The
linkages have looked terrible and have worked even worse. The turning radius was
truly pathetic. It would be tough for regular street driving but hopeless on the
trail. The steering arms from the IH Scout Dana 44 are way too long. The
answer according to John Toumbs was to install front spindles from a 1978-1979
Ford 150 or Bronco. But where do you find those? John had told me that all the
scrap yards in his area had been purged years ago and the chances would be slim.
But, I lived near Chicago and there are a lot of scrap yards in and around
Chicago. I called a friend in the Two Rivers Jeep Club and asked for some
advice. How many do you want he asked without flinching. I can have at least two
complete axles this afternoon and another by tomorrow. I thought he was joking
and just enjoyed pulling my chain. But sure enough he had them lined up as
promised.
I loaded up the Willys and the Ford 150 axle and it was off again to John Toumbs
Repair. This guy works wonders. I now have fantastic steering, so good in fact
that I am going to have adjust the steering stops to avoid tearing up the
U-joints.
The steering set up and control arms look good and function equally as well.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
BRAKES: The brakes have been lousy ever since the project
started. New rotors and pads were installed. The drums turned and new pads
added. New brake lines were installed throughout. Still lousy brakes!! A new
master cylinder was added - still lousy brakes. The system was worked on by 3 separate
very competent people. Still lousy brakes!! There are a few things I will short
cut on but steering, brakes and anything that will risk life or limb I cannot
live with. If a solution could not be found then the Willys would be scrapped.
While it was in John's shop he installed the VANCO HydroBoost System.
When the decision to use swing pedals was made I did not realize just how much
pedal arm would have to be removed and what effect that would have. I had read
about so many Jeeps with this conversion I did not foresee a problem. I new
there were equations and theories about pedal stroke and throw, etc., but I
thought my problems were surmountable.
The answer I hope is the VANCO Power Brake
Supply HydroBoost System. The theory according to VANCO is that using a system
like this means you never have touchy brakes. It works a lot like a power
steering gearbox, easy stopping going slow and a little firmer as you speed up.
It never has the super touchy feel that makes you jerk and has great stopping
power when you you are going fast or have a heavy load. In addition to this
VANCO was able to incorporate a 1-1/8" bore master cylinder to it. VANCO
does not recommend putting such a big bore master cylinder onto a vacuum booster
as you'll loose quite a bit of the boosters power doing this. The bigger the
bore you use the more power you need to make it function, the hydraulic booster
was made for a 1-1/8" master cylinder from a four wheel disc system, so it
works perfectly. The bonus of a bigger master cylinder is of course more pressure,
now you also use a smaller pedal stroke to stop the vehicle. They have a
description of their installation and system at www.monsterslayer.com/jeep/hydroboost.htm
VANCO Power Brake Supply HydroBoost System Photos
The system includes new hoses, master cylinder and everything else you need to
install it on CJs and YJs except for power steering fluid and brake fluid. It
doesn't matter if you currently have power brakes; upgrading; or don't have
power brakes and want power, this system will work. The system has been a
complete success with every customer so far; they are reporting fantastic
stopping power and control.
Time will tell and I will update this page with the results. The only
problem now is that I need shoulder harnesses to avoid wacking my head on the
cage if I brake too hard. Thus far the brakes
are working fantastically although I have yet to test the brakes off-road or at
any decent speed. Just got back from the off-road
debut (September 3rd, 2001) - the brakes worked great as did everything else on
the Flattie. I have had the Flattie on the highway at speeds of up to around 50
mph in the rain and in the dry. The brakes are phenomenal.
John also installed the rear Rancho 9013 shocks and mounting bar and fabbed an
engine and transmission skid plate.
Back home it was time for some test drives. I wasn't sure how the Willys would
steer
and handle so it was caution and very short trips to start. So far everything is
performing well. It looked pretty darned tacky with those rusty chrome wheels so
it was of to Discount Tire and spend a hole $37.50 each for 5 new black
"D" hole wheels. I got a spare tire while I was there. It is tough to
beat there replacement policy even if you slash a tire while off-road. You have
to admit they do look better. I will now have to start work on the hundreds of small details
that will complete the Willys.
