Power Steering Pump replacement issue

[Solar1]

OK guys, here's a another new issue....

I finally got around to replacing the power steering pump which was leaking.
I purchased a CARDONE unit. I also did the vac pump seals (from Gould Gear) at the same time. Install went great.

Here's the issue;
After the install, I went to unscrew the fill/dipstick cap on the pump for the first fluid fill....

Not enough clearance between the cap and the throttle linkage rod to remove the cap!

The "tower" portion of the pump is slightly higher then the oem pump, as the pump body design is slightly different. Another 1/4" would do it.
While the linkage does not rub the pump cap, there just isn't enough room to remove the cap at any angle.

Am I missing something here?
I feel quite stupid if it is something simple I'm missing.
Has anyone run into this?
i did swap the caps just in case to no avail...

While I certainly could unsnap the throttle rod linkage at the ball pivots to gain clearance, I have learned that the pivot ends lose their

"snap" holding grip after so many removal/install cycles.

 

[GrantP]

Can you swap the new pump into the old can?

 

[Iron Duke II]

When I replaced the power steering pump in 2018, Mr. Gould recommended the MasterPro unit from O'Reilly Auto Parts. It fit like the OEM one and cleared the throttle linkage rod well enough to allow removal of the reservoir cap. It appears they are only offering that brand of pump without the reservoir.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...96-dodge-ram-2500?q=power+steering+pump&pos=1

 

[Solar1]

hi guys, those are good ideas. probable what i should have done to begin with. i never noticed the cardone unit being taller a year ago when i bought it.
the only thing wrong with my oem pump was the large round seal between the pump body itself and the reservoir.
im going to take a look to see if the pump itseft is a match.
duh

 

[Iron Duke II]

hi guys, those are good ideas. probable what i should have done to begin with. i never noticed the cardone unit being taller a year ago when i bought it.
the only thing wrong with my oem pump was the large round seal between the pump body itself and the reservoir.
im going to take a look to see if the pump itseft is a match.
duh

This is a Note to myself. Hang on to the old reservoir if the steering pump should need to be replaced again.

 

[Solar1]

Duke, glad I could help for a note to yourself

seriously though, yes that is a good note. seems like we can never be finished learning new issues and solutions

at 430K miles, I'm guessing my truck would need a new pump soon, but I only had a seal leak and figured time for a new one.

 

[Matt42]

Note to myself: When the time comes, install a high-output pump with a remote reservoir.

 

[gcorron]

Note to myself: Aren't you glad you bought the Borgeson from Geno's!

George