power steering fluid cooler question

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Feb 23, 2006 | 10:23 AM

califasbob

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From: Benbrook, Texas

power steering fluid cooler question

Hello. For over a year now I've been running a slightly jury-rigged M-block power steering pump and brackets with a 351C in my '78 F-150. I finally got my hands on a decent original pump core and all the brackets for that motor which I plan to install this weekend. My question is: since the current pump (from '72) didn't have a fluid cooler and the current one (from '78) does, albeit in pretty rough shape, how necessary is that cooler? The truck is 2wd with small 15" wheels and original tires, so it won't get much of a workout. As well, its duties are pretty much limited to a 50 mile radius of home nowadays and it only gets driven a couple of times a week. Did that C-equipped pump really depend heavily on the cooler? FYI, the original application for the pump was a Gran Torino.

Thanks in advance!

Bob

Feb 23, 2006 | 02:09 PM

53fatfndr

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From: Earth

Funny thing is I've seen coolers on some and nothing on others. The only PS cooler I have seen, was on a 390 in an early 70's 2-wheel drive F-350. In my '79 F-350 4x4, it doesn't have a cooler. You would think for off road and 4-wheel drive wheeling, it would be more of a necessity than in a 2-wheel drive.

Feb 23, 2006 | 02:29 PM

califasbob

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From: Benbrook, Texas

Thanks for the reply. It is interesting, maybe it has something to do with design materials between early and late 70's? I'm leaning towards leaving it off on this application...this old truck won't be doing any cross country trips or autocrossing any time soon.

Bob