Range Rover classic to p38 power steering

[RamblerRob]

Can anyone please tell me what would be involved in swapping from range Rover classic to p38 power steering?
The power steering box is crowding the space I need to fit my engine. Trying to figure the least hassle compromise.

[swamijake]

I hadn't heard of this as a thing. I used a p38 on a series one frame and the box was very nice for that. It sits up on top of the frame so will get it out of the way for you. Also it has a better seal setup so less likely to be a dripper.

I fabricated a mounting plate out of heavy channel and welded it to the frame, modified the series one steering unit , modified the the steering shaft and made a new drag link. Not sure what you need for hoses, but you can have any hose made at Greenline hose.

You are going to be changing the geometry a bit as the pivot point of the steering box will be moved 2-4 inches outboard of where it was. On leaf springs that isn't a problem, but on coils you are going to want to look at the panhard rod. They are supposed to be the same length and parallel with the drag link. I'm not sure how far out you can get before you start getting wonkiness.

[swamijake]

Here is a link that has some info on panhard/drag link geometry.

http://bulletproofsteering.com/geometry.html

[RamblerRob]

Sounds like shifting the engine rearward s by the few inches I'm looking for will be less hassle.
Either that or see about getting an alternate mounting bracket for the power steering pump/pulley to mount higher on the engine and hopefully clear the box.
Not sure how big a can of worms that would be.

[swamijake]

I don't know, shifting the engine involves new driveshafts, new mounts for engine and transfer case, shifter linkages etc.

What engine are you swapping? Fabbing accessory mounts for the engine may be your easiest route.

[RamblerRob]

I'm putting a GM 4.3 v6 into my series 2a that's sitting on a range Rover chassis. Going to need new mounts anyway but if I can maintain the transfer case mounts it will save my hassle with the drive shafts and transfer case shifter linkage.
If I'm doing new accessory brackets I could then use the Rover power steering pump as well. It's possible that the gm pump puts out too much pressure anyway

[swamijake]

Then you will have no problem getting an accessory bracket that works. There are dozens of options.