I need to find the fitting that threads into the steering box for the power steering pump return line. Anyone know the part number or where to find a new one ? It's hard to recall since I tore everything down two years ago, but does it also bolt to the frame and act as a return hose clamp and positioned to keep the hose away from the steering shaft? Maybe that was from my Chevy I used to have, otherwise a regular hose adapter insert should work fine?

Ford didn't know, their picture only showed the pressure hose and return hose, no fittings.

I seemed to have 'misplaced' mine during dismantle. I'd prefer a new one, but I'll check the jy next week since he is closed for holidays this weekend.

 

The fitting is a flare fitting just like a brake line, only larger. Look and see if there is a cone in the middle of the threaded hole on the box. A regular hose barb type fitting with a tapered pipe thread will not work.

What originally was on there was a hard metal line. It came out of the box and made a sharp u-bend down to the frame. It ran along the front of the large frame crossmember, and makes several long loops. It has a coupe of clamps that hold the assembly to the front of the crossmember. They factory uses this as a oil cooler for the steering pump system. After it makes the loops, it goes to a hose which then goes to the suction side of the pump.

 

Thanks. It is the typical coned bore. And I haven't come across anything you you've described - I've completely drawn blank about remembering that small part of the connections.

 

If it's not metric(I am not sure about that), a large universal piece of hard fuel line should fit. I am guessing 5/16 or 3/8 inch. If you are ambitious, you could get a bender and make your own cooler, or buy a very small tranny cooler and mount it somewhere with rubber lines.

 

I just looked at site LMC truck site, and this picture will give you a idea of what it looks like. Even though this is for a later model truck, the older trucks look pretty much the same.
LMC Truck Parts - Page 120

 

Advance carries this part for $20... #91846

Advance Auto Parts: Power Steering Return Hose by Powercraft - Part 91846

What I did on mine when the looped "cooler" (and I use the term loosely) section rusted and started leaking I cut the metal line up where it was solid and ran a rubber line to a mondo sized trans coooler in front of the radiator. Works great. With the factory setup my power steering felt like manual and the pump would whine loudly when backing my trailer into tight spaces. Now with the big trans cooler, I have good power steering all the time.

 

Franklin, thanks for the link to LMC, it relapsed my memory and I found my line hidden between a parts cabinet and roof so it wouldn't get damaged. I had the fitting I first described in my mind from working on my K20 last year..., no wonder I couldn't find it.

Cadunkle, my 1/2ton won't see a trailer, but you post has me thinking about a more effective cooler.

 

He's right about the cooler rusting. I have had two of these trucks and both sprung a leak on that thing. I patched one, and I had to rob a good one from my zf donor to fix my 89. Before I installed it, I cleaned it up really good and painted it. I thought the paint might not transfer heat as well to the air, but it's the lesser of two evils trying to keep it from rusting out.