[jdham]

I've got a 1998 Nissan Frontier and I'd like to convert it to manual steering. Has anybody done this and if so how? I called the dealer but they say the Frontier only came with power steering. Is there a drop-in manual steering box that will fit my truck? Thanks for any help.

 

[WylerFronty]

Pull off your power steering belt. I had a 91 hardbody with manual and it sucked, any particular reason you want to ditch the power steering?

 

[jdham]

Sorry so long for the answer. I am trying to make my truck as efficient as possible to get my miles per gallon as high as possible, see my site at www.maxmpg.org. I want to take as many parasitic loads off of the engine and power steering is one that's gotta go. Now that I've removed the clutch driven cooling fan and installed a 12v radiator fan, I'm up to an average of 28 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Just highway is above 30 mpg.

 

[WylerFronty]

Wow brother, 40 mpg is a big goal!! Have you thought about buying a car thats a little easier on the gas? I have a buddy who took off his power steering belt to try and free up horsepower when he autocrosses and his car is a big pain in the *&$ to drive. I'm all for better gas mileage and sticking it to the suadi's but you want to be able to enjoy driving your truck. Good luck with the goal and keep us up to date on your progress!

 

[jdham]

I'm not going to pull the power steering belt off. I know it would make it worse than manual steering which is why I want to make it a proper manual steering setup. With just taking off the clutch driven fan and installing a 12v cooling fan I average 28 mpg in both city and highway. I won't be buying a hybrid because nobody make a hybrid truck. Thanks.