Electric steering for 710/712s

[JimmyC]

Looks like the adapter has been changed to one with much larger OD that should help lower the stress at the weld. Maybe they used something milder too.

Would love to see a load test of an installed unit.

[Hotzenplotz]

We actually had the engineers from the OEM at our warehouse in Belgium this morning installing the systems into 2 of our Pinzgauers. Installs completed, results are incredible. It made a statement with us as we placed a purchase order on the spot for 10 units. When I have some time I will do a proper write up and give you our observations. It will go to market FOR OFF ROAD USE just under 2K. It has been approved for road use in Europe, however my company is not willing to handle that process in the United States, so at this point it will be sold for OFF ROAD USE ONLY. Installs were so simple, 2 trucks completed in 4 hours with 2 engineers. They actually cut and tig welded the columns in the truck. Install at our shop will run in the $500 range if your truck is near Vallejo, CA.

Cheers,
Scott

Scott

do you do these conversion in Belgium for European customers ?
I am interested in the power steering WITHOUT the paperwork.

Cheers

Albert

[ExpeditionImports]

A video in static operation........ from the passenger seat.

https://youtu.be/EIBgKVeB55c


Cheers,

Scott

[Hotzenplotz]

I have seen the S-TEC prototype at the Tulln oldtimer fair this spring.

It made my mouth water, if there was not that price tag......

[Haf-e]

looks about the same amount of effort as mine has - when my pinz is up on jack stands!

[ExpeditionImports]

Just unloaded the 712M with power steering so if you are in the Bay Area and want to give it a try give us a call. Should have the parts unloaded by the end of the week.

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[Haf-e]

Found a post on a french pinzgauer forum which shows that someone there has sourced a true "24vdc" steering assist system - so no 24vdc to 12vdc converter required and the size of the electric motor is smaller. It suggests the cost of the core unit is about 400 Euros (not including other bits required).

Would be good to follow this thread to see where it goes:
http://forum.bernard.debucquoi.com/view ... 40&t=11341

[Haf-e]

Did some more research on electric power assist steering systems. Seems like one popular option for retrofitting is on used on the following cars:

- Chevrolet Equinox - from 2005 to 2007
- Saturn Vue - from 2002 to 2007
- Pontiac Torrent 2005 to 2007

There is a guy on ebay who offers a control box which allows use of these systems without it having to be connected to the original car's ECU - his box provides the signal and allows for adjustment of the assist strength via a dash mounted knob. Here is a link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saturn-Vue-Ion- ... Cy&vxp=mtr



One reason for this particular units popularity is that the connection of the flex jointed shaft from the EPS unit to the original steering box is via a "double D" type (parallel flats) connection - something which can be easily done by just cutting off the original shaft and then carefully grinding. The GM shaft itself is 3/4" diameter. Here is an image of the modification done to a 62 Ford Comet steering column shaft:



The Saturn View / Chevy Equinox is an AWD vehicle with a 250 HP V6 engine that has a GVWR of about 5000 lbs - so its a reasonable EPAS unit to consider for a 710 or even a 712... unfortunately it is still 12 volts. The GM column also allows for tilt & telescoping also if that was desired - or at least could allow for a different driving position with a smaller steering wheel.



So its all a very interesting option to contemplate.

[ExpeditionImports]

Hi Guys,

Just an update on the EZ units. We have installed 5 units here in Vallejo with some substantial documentation and filming. We have a good bit of time behind the wheels and it is a great upgrade.

Realistically self install for someone with mechanical abilities is 4-5 hours if they have not done it. Only technical part of the install is the welding of the shaft. We weld here, but in our case it was easier to take it down the street to the certified welder and have him tig it up. Cost $20 per column.

We've learned a number of installation lessons and tips and are currently putting those into the video and written instructions that will come with the kits.

Currently shipping complete kits from Vallejo. Feedback from the masses should start to be coming out as the kits make their way into installations. Currently 3 PS equipped trucks running around the Portland, OR area, 1-2 running around the Prescott, AZ area, and we just shipped out 1 installed truck and 1 kit to Andre @ Fat Fabrications in Texas. If you are in any of these areas and want a chance to drive a truck, drop us a line and we will see what we can coordinate. Obviously, if you are in the SF Bay Area drop us a line for a test drive.

Kits are running $2200 without Converter, or $2400 with Converter. This is for kits that we have air freighted in. If you would like to save $200 and are willing to wait 10-12 weeks, we can ship them with our containers via ocean freight. If you are interested drop me a line to discuss.

Cheers,

Scott

[pinzgauerpete]

Found a post on a french pinzgauer forum which shows that someone there has sourced a true "24vdc" steering assist system - so no 24vdc to 12vdc converter required and the size of the electric motor is smaller. It suggests the cost of the core unit is about 400 Euros (not including other bits required).

Would be good to follow this thread to see where it goes:
http://forum.bernard.debucquoi.com/view ... 40&t=11341

Now here is a solution that makes sense...having to tap off a single battery or installing a 12 to 24v converter seems like a adaptation and not a designed solution. I mean really? all it takes is a 24 volt motor this isn't rocket science. You would think that the European Pinz and Mog owners would be insisting on this for their vehicles.

[undysworld]

Found a post on a french pinzgauer forum which shows that someone there has sourced a true "24vdc" steering assist system - so no 24vdc to 12vdc converter required and the size of the electric motor is smaller. It suggests the cost of the core unit is about 400 Euros (not including other bits required).

Would be good to follow this thread to see where it goes:
http://forum.bernard.debucquoi.com/view ... 40&t=11341

Now here is a solution that makes sense...having to tap off a single battery or installing a 12 to 24v converter seems like a adaptation and not a designed solution. I mean really? all it takes is a 24 volt motor this isn't rocket science. You would think that the European Pinz and Mog owners would be insisting on this for their vehicles.

Huh? 400 Euros???

Unless your translator is different than mine, the link in that thread was for the same system that Vince originally posted about. And it's still 3,700 Euros. Might not be rocket science, but it's still a grand more than Scott's, isn't it?

To me, $2400 is not in the budget. $3900 is over 50% more. But if I was looking to add power steering, I'd probably put up with a converter.

IMHO - Nice job, Scott.

[Haf-e]

That link for the 24vdc electric steering system at $400 was just the core part from an unknown Chinese supplier with no warranty or support - not a complete kit like Scott is providing from a European supplier - and EI has also done all of the testing, importing etc. I think the price of $2400 is a fair price when you consider what is involved and that EI will be standing behind what they sell during the installation and afterwards.

A 24vdc unit would be nice but 12vdc isn't that big of a deal since most trucks which have been built up already have a converter.

[NEWFISHER]

Has anyone installed an EI kit or any feedback from customers who had them installed?

Ive been driving mine daily and have had it off road the last 2 weekends. With the front locker engaged and air pressure at 10 on the beadlocks, its a struggle in the rough stuff.

[GadgetPhreak]

I'm planning to place an order for one in the next few days. If you don't get a response before I get mine installed I'll let you know how it goes.


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[ExpeditionImports]

It's a small group at this point. 8 units have been delivered and or installed in North America. 2 to Portland Oregon, 2 In Prescott AZ, (1 already installed and Thilo is installing the other), 2 to Fat Fabrications (1 already installed and Andre is installing the other) and a couple of individuals. Hoping to see the owners chime in about their experiences/installations. 6 Additional units in Europe with our partner. So far I have yet to find someone that was not happy.

It will take a little time. I have had a good bit of experience with them on road and very light off-road. I have not had a chance to hit the heavy off-road as of yet.

Draft Install instructions is about 38 pages....HUGE number of detailed pictures. Install should take about 5 hours on the first one. 3-4 once the learning curve is mastered.

Cheers,

Scott