Ford Transit Forum

by **ChequeredRoof** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:46 am

To upgrade your 1991 Mk3 County 4x4 manual steering box to power steering, you need 5 key components:

1. PAS box (I have a spare one which I might be persuaded to sell)

2. Steering column lower coupling (you can't use the manual one - it's too long)

3. Drop Arm (manual one won't fit on PAS splines, and you'll probably have cut it off anyway)

4. PAS pump, mounting bracket and idler pulley

5. PAS fluid reservoir

Plus the pipe work, fittings, longer drive belt and some PAS fluid.

I posted a step-by-step guide how to do it on this thread: http://fordtransit.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=67407&p=576603#p576603 . Whatever it takes, believe me, it is definitely worth the hassle and expense.

by **cantcomplain** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:22 pm

Thanks for your reply chequredroof.

I was going to buy a county but wasnt the best one really.

So im now going to convert a mk3/4/5 transit when i find one to 4x4.

What would be the best base transit to buy.

Im looking to get
lwb med roof
powersteering
diesel
less than 80k miles

Would it be better to get rwd to convet to 4x4 and what age should i get it so i can get the county parts to fit on it.?

What parts do i need to convert to 4x4?

by **Eugene Speed** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:22 pm

cantcomplain wrote:Thanks for your reply chequredroof.

I was going to buy a county but wasnt the best one really.

So im now going to convert a mk3/4/5 transit when i find one to 4x4.

What would be the best base transit to buy.

Im looking to get
lwb med roof
powersteering
diesel
less than 80k miles

Would it be better to get rwd to convet to 4x4 and what age should i get it so i can get the county parts to fit on it.?

What parts do i need to convert to 4x4?

Off the top of my head, for a beam axle version (Mk3 86-91) van you need the front axle including springs and linkages, the transfer box including the chassis mounts, shift lever and all three propshafts, and the rear lift cradles. You will also need a rear axle with the same diff ratio as the front axle, and all the bits that ChequeredRoof listed if you want PAS. Optional bits are the correct speedo cable (runs from the transfer case, not the gearbox), and an indicator lamp to show when 4x4 is engaged. Some 16" rims will be handy too. If you get a chassis cab, then the rear lift cradles are different as is the transfer box mount. Have a good look at the County parts list in the 4x4 forum to get an idea of all the parts and where they fit.

For an IFS version I have no idea! They are a somewhat more complex beast but still suitable for a conversion if you can find a donor van. I'm sure some of the other forum members will be happy to advise. :wink:

I'm sure I will be corrected here, but I think that Mk4 and onwards IFS models only came with a single rear wheel axle, apart from the chassis cab. The rear axle is set back further than the Mk3, and I'm not sure if a twin rear wheel axle will fit under the back of a later model van. I'm sure anything is possible with the correct amount of grinding/hammering/welding. :lol: