Off Roading Power Steering Cooling

[Moab4x4]

Last year I had PSC rebuild by steering box and prep it for ram assist as well. They sent me the ram too, but I never go around to installing it as the box worked so well. Well, my pump died and I just had them rebuild it as well to high flow specs.



My question is that of cooling. This is my 1st gen truck that is my daily driver and occasional trail truck. Should the factory transmission cooler work sufficiently as a ps cooler for this setup? I converted the truck to a 5 speed and still have the cooler up there in front of the intercooler and the transmission doesn't need it any more.



Opinions?

Thanks,

Ken

 

[steved]

The third en trucks come equipped with a PS cooler... might check that out too...

As long as the inlet size is correct, and you place it on the return side of the PS pump, an auto trans cooler will work fine. I did this on a 74 PW I was building at one point.

My only suggestion is place it either where you can cover it in the winter or use a thermostat because the fluid can run too cold and make it more difficult to steer. Just a thought...

steved

 

[Moab4x4]

Thanks guys, I should be fine. Good comment on the cover for winter. I need that anyway to get my heater to work better.

 

[BWJensen]

Performance Off-Road Systems Buy one of his reservoirs. Cooling fins, filter, added fluid capacity - done! No need to worry about winter.

MADDOG

 

[BDaugherty]

I've never done hydro on a Dodge, but my old Chevy had crossover steering with hydro assist to help steer the Detroit locked 44" Boggers. I found that a good power steering cooler was an absolute must. I used a 5x11 inch trans cooler mounted in the grill area next to the radiator. Remember that you have to route the return line through the cooler, never the pressure line. Also, make sure to use power steering fluid and NOT trans fluid. I promise you'll have better results. I did.

 

[Moab4x4]

Trail Test

Well, the transmission cooler worked great! The reservoir never got more than a little warm and that could have been from the engine compartment. But then I am still running open diff with small 33 tires.

I agree about that PS fluid thing. My dad just ran ATF in the old days and it always ate the seals eventually. I just use PS fluid now.

I had no issues this winter and it doesn't get colder here than it did this winter.

Thanks guys, happy wheeling!

Ken