Power steering - help please
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
That sloppy stock system is why I am converting to a GMC 3/4T front end, but that is a LOT of work.
The 6 Inch rubber section in the RETURN line is where you install the filter. You may want to use a couple of double ended hose barb couplers and remote mount the filter up on the fender. It will also give your hoses more vibration resistance.
The 6 Inch rubber section in the RETURN line is where you install the filter. You may want to use a couple of double ended hose barb couplers and remote mount the filter up on the fender. It will also give your hoses more vibration resistance.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: MT
Always a good idea to bleed the system with the engine OFF.
Less chance of harming the pump that way.
On a dry system add some fluid and turn the wheels slowly full lock, go back and forth a few times till the pump is appears full.
Start it up then shut it off, check level, if fine start it up then turn the wheel SLOWLY to the stops.
U do not want to aerate the fluid !!! (make air in the ATF)
This parctice came from the mustang world of NOISY pumps !
Eirc gave U a great tip, install the filter in the soft return line.
If line is too short, it would be a great time to replace with a new one as they are generaly longer (cut to fit).
I clean and flush my PWR system yearly, cheep insurance !
Less chance of harming the pump that way.
On a dry system add some fluid and turn the wheels slowly full lock, go back and forth a few times till the pump is appears full.
Start it up then shut it off, check level, if fine start it up then turn the wheel SLOWLY to the stops.
U do not want to aerate the fluid !!! (make air in the ATF)
This parctice came from the mustang world of NOISY pumps !
Eirc gave U a great tip, install the filter in the soft return line.
If line is too short, it would be a great time to replace with a new one as they are generaly longer (cut to fit).
I clean and flush my PWR system yearly, cheep insurance !
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Thanks gents, as always, greatly appreciate your experience.
Eric, I've tried a couple of searches but with little luck...I'm curious about your front end upgrade, but also curious if there are less involved ways - kits, systems, etc. - that the streering can be significantly improved. I will be doing a lot of highway driving with my truck, and this will be a priority for me - after I make sure my brakes are 100% of course!
It's important to me that you know I'm really investing the time on my end to gain knowledge, trying to minimize the answers I can find through books or previous threads, etc. And for the record guys, I've ordered and am reading so many old Ford books that my girlfriend is already saying to me: "Are you still reading that old truck book...?"
So here it goes with her...oh boy!
Also would be curious if the gentlemen who started this thread has any thoughts on how effective his future front end will drive on the highway, as oppossed to building something more exclusively for offroading?
Eric, I've tried a couple of searches but with little luck...I'm curious about your front end upgrade, but also curious if there are less involved ways - kits, systems, etc. - that the streering can be significantly improved. I will be doing a lot of highway driving with my truck, and this will be a priority for me - after I make sure my brakes are 100% of course!
It's important to me that you know I'm really investing the time on my end to gain knowledge, trying to minimize the answers I can find through books or previous threads, etc. And for the record guys, I've ordered and am reading so many old Ford books that my girlfriend is already saying to me: "Are you still reading that old truck book...?"
So here it goes with her...oh boy!
Also would be curious if the gentlemen who started this thread has any thoughts on how effective his future front end will drive on the highway, as oppossed to building something more exclusively for offroading?
Last edited by EagleWalk; Jan 4, 2004 at 11:09 AM.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
Eagle, I'm on my way out the door so I don't have time to pull up links right now but I'll post them when I get home tonight. Then we'll see who out there thinks full hydro is the devil! 
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: kentucky
sorry eagle,
i was using laymens term. I meant that I had no power stearing at all. I should have worded it different. Been a couple days and the pump seems to have cleared the air out of the fluid. Its working fine now. Weird that the return line has metal. Mine was all rubber. Mines probable the cheapy. Sorry Eaglewalk.
i was using laymens term. I meant that I had no power stearing at all. I should have worded it different. Been a couple days and the pump seems to have cleared the air out of the fluid. Its working fine now. Weird that the return line has metal. Mine was all rubber. Mines probable the cheapy. Sorry Eaglewalk.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
Eagle, Below is a link regarding the full hydro conversion. Cost varies but, from what I have put together, will probably run $500-$600. The article is about installing the steering on an offroad buggy but it will really be no different than putting it on a truck. Some minor fab work will be required to install a mounting bracket to the axle, install the steering valve, pump, etc.
The reason I'm going to try this route is I am going to be lifting my truck about 10" and running 40" tires. To do this I would have to modify my steering. Most lifted trucks go with crossover steering which seems to work fine but is also fairly expensive. This hydro system will turn any size tire on the street, in the mud, rocks, etc. and won't cause my steering wheel to bounce around when I go offroad.
A lot of people don't like the idea of having no solid link to their steering but this set up seems to be very reliable and heavy duty. Check it out . . . if nothing else it makes interesting reading.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ng/index3.html
The reason I'm going to try this route is I am going to be lifting my truck about 10" and running 40" tires. To do this I would have to modify my steering. Most lifted trucks go with crossover steering which seems to work fine but is also fairly expensive. This hydro system will turn any size tire on the street, in the mud, rocks, etc. and won't cause my steering wheel to bounce around when I go offroad.
A lot of people don't like the idea of having no solid link to their steering but this set up seems to be very reliable and heavy duty. Check it out . . . if nothing else it makes interesting reading.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ng/index3.html
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