power steering

[lbridges]

help!!

Is their a way to increase the power on my power steering. Steering by armstrong was not what I had in mind.





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1997 2500 4 x 4 ex cab long box 5 speed man.

slt. driftwood reading space cap.

 

[Bill Lins]

Might check front tire inflation and wheel alignment- either being off will increase steering effort. Also don't try to turn the wheel while stopped. HTH

 

[illflem]

The output pressure of the PS pump is not adjustable, you will have to do as Bill says.

 

[dan_gilson]

If the alignment and tire pressure do not correct it may be that you pump is going south...



One other thing that I can think of but would not advise it, is to change the detent on the steering box. I did this on an old truck that I had. It made the steering real easy but overly sensitive. What it needed and finally got was a new steering box and pump.

 

[pcorssmit]

If you are running stock size tires and rims (including backspacing), you should be OK with stock stuff. Sometimes with wide tires and less backspacing though, the assist isn't enough when not moving. I've never really looked at the pumps on these trucks, but I think they are a Saginaw style pump like on a GM. If so, then these mods should work for it.



members. tripod.com/surfmac/html66 (doesn't work if I link it, just cut and paste)



http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/powersteering.html



I haven't done any of this myself, but have been looking into it as I plan to add a hydraulic ram assist to my Blazer in the near future (turning 15" wide Super Swampers with 7 psi and a front Detroit locker is a bit tough at times).



Pete

 

[lbridges]

Thanks for the reply. now more info.

I have stock tires at 70 psi. a new track arm bar and fresh alignment. The steering has been a problem since the truck was new. I have a 91 chev. that had the same problem, chevrolet has part to reduce the pressure from the pump to give the driver more feel of the road. They also sell a kit that replaces these parts to up the pressure and get the power back in power steering. My dodge dealer dose not know if this is possible which does not suprise me.

If I can't fix the steering I will drive my chev. more often.



One thing I forgot to tell you. A 1000# BOSS Plow on the front of the truck does not help the steering.



Thanks for the help!!