converting to rack+pinion steering

[Novajoe]

Just got my 97 nissan pickup (2.4 2wd 5spd) and it seems like most of the steering components are in need of replacement. So instead of simply replacing just about everything, I was thinking of doing a rack and pinion conversion.

I'm thinking of rigging up an electronic power steering "pump" in place of the stock p/s pump to drive a flipped electronic R+P off of a wrecked colorado I came across. It has a standalone p/s control module that could be wired in. I'm pretty sure I would need to custom fabricate a steering column out of the colorado one.

Overall it seems like a pretty simple setup. The lack of a mechanically driven p/s pump would reduce strain on the motor and increase gas mileage, and R+P steering is loads more responsive and tighter than our current setup. i'm mostly just brainstorming right now. Looking into the cost and workload that would be involved in getting this up and running.

has anyone else tried this? Anyone have anything to add?

[PhillyHardbody]

Get ready for some serious headaches...
The amount of custom fab you'll have to do to make this a reality is going to be NUTS.
And I'd like to add, if you're going to weld anything related to the steering column make 150% sure you weld it good and tight because if your steering shaft breaks on the highway your dead.

[Rev_D21]

Do you have oil pan clearance? I would think copying what Toyota did with the first gen Tacoma would be a good place to start.

[Novajoe]

Do you have oil pan clearance? I would think copying what Toyota did with the first gen Tacoma would be a good place to start.

No I was going to mount it on the front side of the engine compartment. I will more than likely have to add a crossmember or some sort of chassis brace.