SAFETY CRITICAL — steering is a system where component failure means loss of control. Use a complete, matched conversion kit, torque every linkage fastener to spec, and never reuse a worn pitman arm or tie rod end.
> Converting an early Bronco from manual to power steering — or upgrading a tired factory power box to a modern Saginaw or Borgeson unit — transforms how the truck drives, especially with larger tires that make the manual box brutally heavy at low speed. It's a real conversion costing $500–1,400, and it's the upgrade that makes a lifted EB pleasant to live with.
Manual steering on a stock-tire early Bronco is manageable. Put 33s or 35s on it and the manual box becomes a workout — parking and low-speed trail maneuvering take both arms. A power steering conversion (or a modern box upgrade on trucks that already have power) restores light, precise steering and reduces the kickback that bigger tires transmit through the wheel. On a lifted, larger-tired EB this is one of the biggest day-to-day quality improvements available.
The honest verdict: if your Bronco is near-stock with original-size tires and you don't mind the workout, manual steering is reliable and uncomplicated, and you probably don't need this. The moment you go up in tire size or do a lot of slow technical driving, power steering stops being a luxury.
A complete EB power steering conversion kit (Wild Horses, PSC, Borgeson) includes the steering box, pump, mounting brackets, pulley, pitman arm, and hoses matched to the engine. Buying a kit rather than assembling pieces avoids bracket and pulley-alignment headaches, which are the hard part of the job. A modern Borgeson or Saginaw box gives a better ratio and feel than the original Ford power box. Add a vibration-isolated steering shaft and fresh tie rod ends if the originals are worn.
Remove the manual box (or old power box), the pitman arm (use a puller — never hammer it), and the steering column shaft. Mount the new box to the frame with the kit's brackets, torquing to spec. Install the pump bracket and pump on the engine, align the pulley to the crank and accessory pulleys (misalignment throws belts and whines), and route the high-pressure and return hoses away from the headers. Connect the steering shaft with the supplied U-joints, install the pitman arm and connect the drag link with a new tie rod end, and fill and bleed the system by turning lock to lock with the front wheels off the ground until the air works out.
Bleed with the front end raised, turning slowly lock to lock several times and topping off — air in the system causes a foamy, groaning pump and inconsistent assist.
Pulley alignment is the most common conversion mistake. A pump pulley that doesn't line up with the crank pulley throws the belt and screams. Use a straightedge across the pulleys and shim the bracket as needed.
Route the high-pressure hose clear of the exhaust manifold. A hose resting on a header burns through and dumps fluid — and a sudden loss of assist mid-corner is dangerous.
Don't reuse a worn pitman arm or tie rod end. Steering linkage is safety-critical; replace anything with play. Torque the pitman nut and all linkage fasteners to spec and use cotter pins or new lock nuts.
A vibration-isolated steering shaft (rag joint or Borgeson U-joint with a damper) keeps engine and road vibration out of the wheel. Skipping it leaves the steering buzzy.
A complete EB power steering conversion kit runs $700–1,400 depending on box quality and whether it's engine-matched. A box-only upgrade for trucks that already have power steering is $300–500 (Borgeson). Add hoses ($75) and fresh tie rod ends if needed ($40–80). Realistic total: $500–1,400. Wild Horses, PSC Motorsports, and James Duff sell complete EB kits with matched brackets and pulleys — the kit route is worth it here because pulley alignment and bracket fitment are where DIY conversions go wrong.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| EB power steering conversion kit (box, pump, brackets) | Wild Horses / PSC | ~$850 |
| Saginaw or Borgeson steering box | Borgeson / Saginaw | ~$350 |
| Steering shaft / U-joint (vibration-isolated) | Borgeson | ~$140 |
| High-pressure and return hoses | Various | ~$75 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.