2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power steering needs more power!

[Turboman]

This has been a problem for a while, but is worsened now with the added weight of the Bayer conversion. On dry pavement I can't turn the front wheels unless I'm moving a little. Real PITA trying to spot a trailer. I have changed the fluid, no help. What's the next step, high perf pump? I know there must be others with this problem. I don't know if it has to do with the larger tires, more weight, all of the above? Thanks

 

[PullinRam]

Check in with PSC steering (i'll try and find the link). They have great powersteering boxes and high flow pumps. You can also add hydro assist which would greatly improve your steering power.

 

[Tardog]

From what I've read there is also the possibility of putting a shim in the pressure regulater in our PS pump to up the pump pressure. Maybe someone that has done this mod will chime in.

 

[B KIRK]

HERE'S a thread that might help you.

Found THIS one and saved it. Don't know if it will work on ours as I haven't tried it yet.



Brad

 

[jandtjil]

Thanks B KIRK

The 2nd link you listed was just what I was looking for!

Am going out to try this right now.



JJ

 

[Andy Redmond]

Turboman:



I don't think you have sufficent fluid flow and psi at idle. 265 and wider tires don't help our plight either.



Have Tom at PSC change the spool valve up for you with the "North East Plow" modification (his digits are in my article in Issue 47). Provided that your ps pump is ok, this will make it turn like a mid 70-'s thru 80's Chevy Sedan (steering input pressure).



Still have'in Bayer Bros. envy!



Andy

 

[B KIRK]

JJ. I have done this to my truck since earlier post. The valve on mine was already 5/32". Drilled it out about . 030 thousands bigger. Removing the end cap, with screen, was tough. Wasn't going to put the valve in a vice. Figured it would mark it up. It seems to have a Locktight type product on it. Got it apart though. No shims in mine. Put a shim in the small spring area. Streched the larger spring as described. Put it all back together. Can now turn my wheels (37" x 13. 50) while stopped, in gear (auto), at an idle. So far, so good.



Brad

 

[jandtjil]

I hear ya Brad, the vice method was not my 1st choice. Ditto the locktite. I used a pair of vice grips and cinched down on the area between the two machined (piston) surfaces, worked well.

My fiilter WAS considerably clogged, so I reassembled without a shim. No more groaning power steering. Another $35 (TDR Membership cost) well spent, I love this site.

JJ

 

[B KIRK]

Something you may want to consider is a filter. HERE'S a link to a site that sell inline power steering filters with a magnet. It's the second item down on the page. You can read about it more on that site. I installed one on mine. Can't give any long term benefits yet, but sure can't hurt. Just cut the low pressure line from steering box to pump and clamp in on. The 3/8" is the one that fits.



Brad