? Complete front crossmember from an S Type into a Mk2.

[Mk2600FGJ]

I have an opportunity to buy a complete rebuilt cross member with suspension, brakes and the S.Type power steering ( i have no PAS ) system.
I have often seen, on this forum , advice to use the 420 as donor for above.
As i have been unable to locate a 420 or required parts i was hoping the S.Type will also suit my (1963 3.8 ) Mk2. At present not sure what year the S.Type units are.
Your guidance will be greatly appreciated.
Regards Eugene

p/s still looking any early info re my Maroon 1963 Mk2 regd 600 FGJ.
known to have spent a long period in the Manchester area.
One family owned from new up to 2003.

Thanks

[Martec]

Hi,

I have a 1961 3.6 MkII and have fitted a 420 front axle fitted with the Marples steering box. Comparing the two axles on the floor there was no difference apart from the welded in mountings for the steering box.

My axle came as a 'Kit' of parts ie bare axle, steering box and steering links but no suspension 'A' frames so I fitted those from my MkII, very little adjustment required. So the axles are identical apart from the steering box mountings.

Ken Jenkins said that the steering box to go for is the Marples (cast iron) box as it can be repaired with a recon kit (which I did). apparently the earlier alloy boxes are not so good.

I would suggest that the important question to ask the seller is 'what steering box is fitted' as the earlier boxes may have different mountings. Maybe someone with an 'S' type can say what type of steering box is fitted and how good it is.

Brian

[smiffy]

Hi Eugene
Power steering is worth having, in my view, as it has transformed the drive of my car at low speeds and for parking. As Brian says, the Marles Varamatic box from the 420 is the ideal one to go for, but the S-type was probably fitted with the earlier Burman type (see Ian Travis' article in the Mk2 forum of the JE mag Feb 2010 to see what this looks like). The Burman box is easier to overhaul, and I believe that it will fit on your standard crossmember (the Varamatic box is larger and needs a cut-out in the top of the crossmember to accommodate it).
You will also need the PAS pump (it is mounted on the back of the dynamo, so you will need the combined unit) and a fluid reservoir. The reservoir mounts on the nearside inner wing, and should come with two tapered aluminium fillets to enable it to sit vertically off the slanting inner wing panel. The lower steering column will probably be shorter than your existing as well, so make sure that you get the whole kit and caboodle - steering box, idler, track rods, lower column, dynamo/pump, and reservoir. Use all new hoses when you put it together!
Good luck, and please get back in touch if you have any further questions.
Best wishes, David

[Mk2600FGJ]

Hello Brian AND David, thank you both for you prompt replies to my ?.

The 420 appears to be the donor everyone uses for this desirable Mk2 upgrade but i just cant locate one hence looking at other options ie S.Type.

It appears due to a loyal following it is only in extreme circumstances the S.Type will be broken for spares.
Now that i have an opportunity to buy all completely overhauled units which i need, i stand to be corrected here, should be the same as my 3.8 subject to being pre 1965 due to PAS make.
While these units are available to me they are not cheap hence the need to confirm i can use the complete front ie, as one would drop from vehicle prior to complete removal.
I do appreciate responses given and am hoping someone who has, or has tried to go the route i intend going will share there experience with me ,and the forum for others. Thanks Eugene.

[smiffy]

Hi Eugene
These S-type parts will fit your car, but make sure that you obtain all the ancilliaries as listed in my previous post to be able to complete the job.
Best wishes, David