I'm swapping out the PS box and I noticed that the bolts that attach to the unit at the frame does not fit the new unit.

The unit is a reman oem part. Not sure If I should just keep turning the bolt to squeeze it in there. I don't want to snap the bolt. Should I get a new part or is this pretty normal? I swapped out a PS in an older ford van and I don't remember feeling this much resistance.

Also, do you guys recommend flushing the PS? The fluid that dripped out seems clean. Can anyone share tips on replacing the PS fluid? What do you guys use? PS fluid or ATF?

Thanks.

 

i changed the box on my 1990 Lincoln TC and had no problems. If you got it local and they have another in stock there or at another store, Make sure it is the correct one and not boxed wrong. Perhaps you should take the bolts and see how they fit in a different box. How tight are you talking about? could it be paint in the threads of the rebuilt box?

as to fluid, I would flush it out since you are in there already. It is part of maintenance anyway.

As to Type F fluid. That is what ford has recommended for years but,, here is a note from Ford chemicals:
Motorcraft® ATF Type F is recommended by Ford Motor Company. It is a high-static friction fluid developed for Ford automatic transmissions manufactured during the 1970’s and earlier. The special frictional properties of Motorcraft® ATF Type F ensure proper shifting in Ford transmissions that require a fluid meeting ESW-M2C33-F. It is also recommended for power steering systems in a wide variety of Ford Vehicles calling for a Type F fluid, built prior to Model Years 1996-1998. Check Owner Guide for proper application.
https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubrican...smission+Fluid
I don't know what the difference is in 96-98.. Maybe Ford was changing over to something diferent in those years and it doesn't apply to all models

 

Thank you for the reply.

It feels like the bolts will snap if I kept turning it. Might be in my head.

How much resistance would paint give?

 

Paint in the bolt holes would make it difficult to install the bolts by hand but certainly would not cause them to be so tight that they might beak off.

in addition to my 90 TC, I also unbolted the steering box in my 88 e150 last year to change a seal and the bolts were not hard at all to thread in..
I would take it back and try another gear box. Take the bolts and make sure they fit the second box.

Looking at Rock Auto's site, the gear box changes between 1886 and 1997. There is also a difference in the gear box depending on what size van and engine. Perhaps they gave you the wrong one...

MOTORCRAFT STG41RM {#F8TC3504ABRM, F8TZ3504ACRM}

FORD 4.9, 5.0, 5.4, engine

E-100 = 1982-1983
E-150 = 1982-1996
E-250 = 1982-1993
E-350 = 1982-1993

 

I got a new part and the bolts fit in very nicely.

To anyone who stumbles upon this thread, make sure the bolts go all the way on the new box before you install it.

Thanks Annaleigh