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1990 Blazer power steering

T

TPCLARK

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Location
Boulder CO
Hi! I have recently finished a 1 ton swap on my blazer, and we are trying to figure out power steering that can turn the new 37" tires. The old system with the stock pump, steering shaft, and steering gear used to turn 35s. I've installed a redhead steering gear, and a Borgeson steering shaft, but the stock pump wont push enough to get solid steering. It drives like there is none at all. I am curious if anyone out there knows of a good pump that pushes more fluid than stock, or if I should just get a new stock pump.
 
If you're talking a 37x12.5 tire, that shouldn't be much harder to steer than a 35x12.5. It's possible there is something going on with the new axle. Does it seek center while you're driving? What did you change with the steering to accommodate the axle swap? Did you make any other changes like adding hydroboost?

The easiest way to get more fluid flow is to slightly increase (drill) the diameter of the pump pressure fitting. You'll find details if you search here. Taking that valve apart would also confirm there isn't some debris lodged in it. An easy way to test the assist is to turn the tires with the engine running and not running.

I remember some stories of not getting assist. You should be able to find some information if you search.
 
My bet is the system isn't bled completely. Does it whine? Did it all work good before you replaced the gear box?

I'm running a stock type reman pump and gear box, I have no issues turning 40's.
 
TPCLARK said:
Hi! I have recently finished a 1 ton swap on my blazer, and we are trying to figure out power steering that can turn the new 37" tires. The old system with the stock pump, steering shaft, and steering gear used to turn 35s. I've installed a redhead steering gear, and a Borgeson steering shaft, but the stock pump wont push enough to get solid steering. It drives like there is none at all. I am curious if anyone out there knows of a good pump that pushes more fluid than stock, or if I should just get a new stock pump.
Click to expand...
To expand on what Blue85 said:

Unhook the steering box from the axle and see how the axle part of the steering is working first

The power steering modifications were once listed through “red neck ram” on west Texas Offroads website. I didn’t check if it still exists. If not let me know and I can either dig up or detail how to do that
 
Blue85 said:
If you're talking a 37x12.5 tire, that shouldn't be much harder to steer than a 35x12.5. It's possible there is something going on with the new axle. Does it seek center while you're driving? What did you change with the steering to accommodate the axle swap? Did you make any other changes like adding hydroboost?

The easiest way to get more fluid flow is to slightly increase (drill) the diameter of the pump pressure fitting. You'll find details if you search here. Taking that valve apart would also confirm there isn't some debris lodged in it. An easy way to test the assist is to turn the tires with the engine running and not running.

I remember some stories of not getting assist. You should be able to find some information if you search.
Click to expand...
I have installed a Offroad design crossover kit, but no hydro boost or anything. I will definitely be pulling that pump apart, and if it looks fine maybe I’ll try the drill method. Thanks for the input I’ll definitely keep searching!
 
nvrenuf said:
My bet is the system isn't bled completely. Does it whine? Did it all work good before you replaced the gear box?

I'm running a stock type reman pump and gear box, I have no issues turning 40's.
Click to expand...
I believe the pump is bled well, no whining. And the old gear and pump turned 35s just fine
 
I have run 37's on multiple trucks with both stock push pull and crossover steering. Never had any trouble with stock steering parts having enough power. Vacuum or hydroboost, both ok with a 37.

Currently on my 3rd leaking power steering pump new from the parts store on my '90 Blazer. Don't trust that new parts are actually working properly, quality is down on everything these days.
 
HankScorpio said:
Never had any trouble with stock steering parts having enough power.
Click to expand...

This ^^

I’ve had 2 trucks, one with 44’s (push/pull) and one with 40’s (crossover), both had stock pumps and gear boxes and neither struggled to turn the big tires.
 
I’ve had three squares with bigger tires and all had stock pumps with no issues - all were push/pull.
77 K-10 35’s
83 K-30 crew cab ( heavy ) 38’s
85 K-5 36’s

Also had numerous buddies with 40” plus tires with stock pumps and all worked just fine.
 
Don't even get me started. 18 years, 15 of them with a front locker. 8 different boxes. All rebuilds by NAPA A1 Cardone. All quit in a different way. 5 new power steering pumps. All failed including one breaking the pump shaft off in the middle of Potato Salad Hill in Moab. I now have a stock pump, that seems to be surviving, with a shimmed pressure valve. I have a NEW Napa box, that has more power assist, than any of the reman boxes. All of this trouble has been caused by the MASSIVE 33x12.50-15 tires! NOT!!
 
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