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Whats everybody running for steering?

ChefBear

ChefBear

1/2 ton status
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Sep 3, 2006
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Location
Walla Walla
My power steering pump is less than happy with the boggers. Admittedly it is in less than stellar shape, I think the system would benefit from some new hoses and the pump bracket from March doesn't stay put.

If I get everything squared away... Is a stock system in good shape gonna be able to do it? If not is there something in between stock and crossover steering with hydraulic assist?
 
Mine does fine with the stock setup, but then I'm not running anything extreme. Just some 33x12.5 Intercos on a 85 k2500 suburban. Did have a little trouble when the system wasn't quite up to par. Since I bought the truck I have replaced the pump, steering gear and cleaned up the lines. Works great now.
 
If the pump is on it's way out, I don't think crossover will help. My pump is still squeaky as ever. Don't they make higher pressure pumps to help or maybe thats a waste?
 
http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/powersteering.html

I would start by replacing your old pump and getting an inch smaller belt so you are in the middle of your belt adjustment on your brackets instead of maxed out like you have now.

I am running the stock pump on mine and I can steer with one hand no problem. If you are wanting more after the new stock pump, try modding it like in the link.
 
A properly working stock pump should be adequate.

When I did crossover, I did the WTO mod to the stock pump to increase low RPM flow, then added a factory-style remote reservoir to increase fluid capacity and added a power steering cooler too....and a hydro ram.

Crossover really allows the steering to move a lot of fluid so you will get residual heat. You could start anticipating the swap to crossover (if that's your plan) and add a remote reservoir and PS cooler now, and there would be less to deal with later on.

Use good quality lines and avoid el-cheapo hose clamps....leaks in a high pressure system are messy.


:usaflag:
 
Mine steers fine also with 42"s push pull steering and know with cross over a couple of my friends are running 44 boggers with stock steering and some cross over with no ram and no problems.

That said another friend of mine has gone through 3 pumps and 2 box's and even broke the input shaft on one box and steering is harder than mine has ever been and he is on 38"s.

Make sure the fluid is p/s fluid all clean and new and start with a good pump and box, i hear the hydro-boost pump's put out a Little more than a normal pump.Just use the can off the no hydro-boost pump or put a cap on the extra port.

I am thinking about going to the new style pumps any input on those.
 
3 months later...

I had a chance to get out to the shop this morning and swapped out the power steering pump mount. When I did the motor swap I went with March Billet accesories mounts. The bracket would self-adjust and loosen up and was always kinda in need of adjusting.

So today I put in the Summit adjustable mount that has a jack screw on it.
sum-340100_m.jpg


Much more stout and better design. So far everything works like a champ again.

Now, I gotta search how to re-center the steering. I can turn left like no other, but right is a bit of a challenge...
 
That's good to know, I was just looking at Summit's serpentine stuff today. Its funny, I always figured summit brand was the lower quality chinese stuff and name brand would be the better stuff.
 
Chef (aka Valve-O-Leen) :wink1:


Are you running crossover steering now?

The symptom of asymetrical steering (much sharper turning in one direction over the other) from my experience is from a draglink that is too long. Even with a crossover "kit" there are times when you need to trim some length off the draglink to get the ends positioned correctly.

The simple test is to point the wheels straight ahead, pop the end of the draglink off the steering arm and then get your pitman arm centered exactly half-way between full-left and full-right turns.

Once all that is done, you'll have the correct distance established for your draglink and odds are good that the setting you had was too long to go back into those holes. If you can't screw the ends in far enough to get to the measurement you need, then you'll need to shorten the draglink a bit. Just be sure to check that you'll still have enough thread tapped into the draglink once you make your cut....otherwise the heim won't thread in all the way.

Maybe cut 1/2" off each side instead of taking 1" off a single side if you're nervous about how deep the tapped holes are. :deal:


:usaflag:
 
I (Valve-O-Leen) spent about an hour staring at everything till I was pretty sure I understood what adjusting what would do and then f'd around with the Draglink and got everything centered with equal number of turns lock to lock. Tightened it all back up and took it for a spin. Man what a difference.

So changing the Power steering pump mount and getting the draglink adjusted seems to have done it. Once again Duck Fat Sally turns like a champ and is a joy to drive. I was sooooo close to doing hydro-assist. I still wanna at some point when the money tree fills in a little bit more.
 
Good for you! :waytogo:

I love it when a plan comes together....


:usaflag:
 
I replaced my sqeaky stocker with a NAPA pump and hoses. I have a six inch lift and 35 in BFG MT's. My steering was jerky sometimes at low speeds until I added a 2 in drop drag link. Everything is great now.
 
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