Power steering upgrade!
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,441
Likes: 5
From: Muskegon, MI (home)
Power steering upgrade!
I am sure all of you know how Ford power steering pumps tend to be noisy, leaky, and weak; especially if you have a lift and big tires. Some of you guys may have already done this conversion but I am going to bring it to everyone's attention anyway. I installed a Saginaw steering pump on my 84 F150 4wd, it is by far one of the smartest mods I ever installed. 1975 through 88 Econoline vans used these pumps, you will need the brackets from one of these vehicles. I got mine from an 85 model with a 351w, I ordered a new pump ($65 with reservior) for a van. and the van high pressure hose ($18). I needed to make a spacer because the Saginaw bracket was an inch narrower than the Ford bracket. You must use the van pressure hose, or the system will not maintain power assist. Other than that it was a direct bolt on with no modification. I just had 33s put on my truck and it steers so easily, you only need one finger to turn the tires at a stand still! Something to think about.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Interesting - my '82 hasn't had a problem so far, but I replaced the original units with rebuilt ones about two years ago. I figured twenty plus years was pretty good life expectancy...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
The van pump is slightly higher GPM(1.8 VS the C-II's 1.7) but, is rated at 620 psi, where the C-II is rated at 740 PSI, and maximum relief pressure is 1530 PSI on the Ford uint, VS 1450 on the Siagnaw. There shouldn't be any real difference in the stregnth of the hydraulic system with either pump, but, the Siagnaw is a better, quieter pump.
