I heard a horrible noise when I depressed the brake pedal and then realized the steering and brake power assist were basically nonexistent. After reviewing the situation and knowing the power steering has been getting worse over time I ordered the Gould Vac pump kit and all new lines for p/s pump. I did not pull the trigger on a p/s pump yet because I was hoping to find something more robust or with higher assist compared to my current stock 170k unit. I thought about ordering a Borgeson but then heard some negative reviews regarding installation? Do you guys have any suggestions ? My truck is a daily street /play minimal tow use currently vehicle. I have never been pleased with slow speed steering effort using 31" off road ish rubber. Also if possible I would like to leave my air intake horn on the truck and remove the black intercooler pipe below it only for clearance. In the event the intake horn is coming off (what seems like the 1000th time in 6 months) it would be a good opportunity to look at a banks or ats etc similar intake upgrade. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

I do all the P/S pump replacement from under the truck. I don't even mess with any air plumbing not required to remove any.

 

I'm using Blue Top Steering quick ratio box and a NAPA power steering pump. There is a requirement for quick ratio. You must use 31 inch tire or smaller. Larger tire place too much stress on a quick ratio box. If you going larger on tires use a standard ratio steering box.

Edited October 30, 20213 yr by Mopar1973Man

Good to know. I noticed my truck has a red lid on the steering gear. I will buy a Napa or O Reilly's p/s pump Today. What fluid works well. They discontinued the original spec and some like the ATF+4 and others don't ? Might be like engine oil though where lots of opinions lol Thanks

 

1989 to 2002 is power steering fluid. This is the old school sagnaw steering box.

 

2003 and up is ATF+4 fluid being its a Ford steering box and hydrobooster.

 

I've been using NAPA power steering fluid. (Non-synthetic). Change fluid every 30k.

 

Nothing against Blue Top or Ryan but yeah I've had a few leaks that he's handled. Once on the output seal and once on the input seal. As for box performance it's nice and tight and steers better than stock OEM.

 

Again I've got no leveling kits, undersized tires (245/75 R16). So front end steering and suspension has been stellar. Being I'm setup this way I can run a quick ratio.

 

https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dcartstores.com/2869-4-94-02-Dodge-Ram-1500-2500-3500-2X4-4X4-181-_p_39.html

Edited October 30, 20213 yr by Mopar1973Man

I have large tyres and wasn't impressed with power steering effort at all, pump started to leak so took it off and stripped it, It was done, seal paths grooved, drive tang really worn, I'd already ordered a replacement being in the Uk..... no parts stores here, A few months after I did a serious U turn with my truck and trailer on a small road and the relief stuck open, THAT was one drive home, no steering or brakes.

I pulled the relief out and polished it, this bearing in mind was a replacement pump from RA, while it was out I found a website that listed some mods to the pump relief valve, I can't remember if was here or where it was, I have had no bother with it since and steering is light enough without being scary, there was a noticeable difference once drilled

Good to know on power steering fluid type. I will run down some fluid. 

 

Thanks!

 

Looks like Napa PSF 9832 is the old school correct spec from what I can tell. When I looked at the dealership they only offer +4 now in the Mopar.

 

Thanks again

 

23 hours ago, wil440 said:

I found a website that listed some mods to the pump relief valve, I can't remember if was here or where it was,

Here it is in the 12 valve articles.

https://mopar1973man.com/cummins/articles.html/12-valve-2nd-generation/axles-suspension-brakes/diy-hotrod-power-steering-pump-r381/

20 minutes ago, IBMobile said:

Here it is in the 12 valve articles.

https://mopar1973man.com/cummins/articles.html/12-valve-2nd-generation/axles-suspension-brakes/diy-hotrod-power-steering-pump-r381/

I must say I have one bad memory

PSC also makes a high volume pump. It uses a physically larger pump to begin with along with some mods to the relief valve. Originally they were pump only, needing to reuse the original reservoir, but I believe they now come with a new reservoir.

 

Just checked their site and they only show the remote mount ones. Possibly supply issues?  

Thank you for the update! I want to get it put together this weekend hopefully

 I put everything back together using a Gould Gear & Electric vacuum pump and Master Pro pump and line replace kit from Geno's . Also flushed system with suggested Napa fluid. I will probably flush again soon. I cannot say enough good things about Gould's product support/ service. I called Mr. Gould with some questions on a Saturday and he picked up the phone and answered all questions and could not have been more helpful. Hopefully done with steering repairs for a few miles.