Stiff steering?

[AKimmel]

The steering on my truck seems stiffer than I think it should be. Especially compared to the half ton 4x4 that it was before the conversion. I think the pump is not putting out enough pressure. I've tried revving the motor to see if it helps and it makes no difference. All the joints in the steering are new and greased, so its either an internal leak in the box or a weak pump. Or the steering just sucks on a diesel. It has probably a third of the power my gas truck had. I plan on buying a power steering tester, basically a hose and guage to test the pressure, before ripping everthing apart, but want to know if ya'll have an advice and how the rest of your trucks act before I do anything. Thanks, Alex

 

[JLEONARD]

Mine seems to have plenty of power but I have never driven a Dodge gasser to compare it to.

When the weather is really cold, say in the single digits, sometimes the steering won't move for about 5 seconds after starting the engine... but that's the only issue... if that even counts.

 

[91W350]

Both of mine turn really easily, almost too easy, very little steering feel to them. Of course, my previous 4x4 was a Kaiser M715, as crude as they come. :-laf

 

[DieselBuzz]

Try changing the power steeing fuild that might help.

 

[AKimmel]

It has new fluid in it, only about 800 miles on the truck since I finished it. If I had to bet I would say its the pump. I never really drove the truck before I tore it apart, and the little I did was just around the yard. It probably got burnt up by being ran low on fluid before I got it, the steering box input shaft leaked. Its hard to hear it whine over the sound of the engine so I can see how it could happen. I justed wanted to make sure this wasn't normal to a first gen diesel. Thanks

 

[CLiberty]

First off... NICE truck! As far as the steering goes, my 86 gasser would do that when it was cold out, below say 40F but after a few minutes it would be ok. It could be something as simple as the pressure bypass spool valve in the pump is stuck open, perhaps a bit of dirt etc got in there and it`s stuck open?

 

[LOtero]

I agree with the spool valve possible problem. It is easy to inspect once you have the pump out, just remove the presssure outlet nut on the back of the pump and take a look. you can even pull apart the valve and stretch the spring to get better pump pressure. I know there are posts that go more in depth on how to do it. Ive done the spring stretch on my scout and its like steering a cadillac even with 33's and a locker up front.