What other power steering fluid can we use

[Superdawg]

Steering seems to need a little more effort than I think it should.

Has ATF+4 now, relatively new fluid. Would changing to a different fluid such as Royal Purple, Amsoil, etc. make the steering easier?



I searched this site for power steering fluid alternatives but I can't find them. I know I have seen them somewhere. If someone could post the link that would be great. 2004. 5 4wd

thanks

 

[AEdelheit]

I used Royal purple ATF in my last truck and this one will get it as soon as I get around to changing it, did help and doesnt foam up and cavitate the pump off road like the factory fluid does. I believe Checkers/Kragen/O'Rilley/Shucks now has Royal Purple at decent price

 

[Bob4x4]

When the steering effort gets high in the 3rd gens it is usually the gear box that is failing. A good synthetic fluid can extend system life as well as flushing the system at regular intervals when used hard

 

[Superdawg]

Thanks for the replies.

Tires-stock Michelins, good condition, wearing pretty flat.

Has Carli ball joints x4-not sticking.

Redhead steering box-Just adjusted. No play, not tight.

Has 08 upgrade but is 2 yrs old. Just replaced the drag link due to two bad ends.

Tie rod ends are tight, tighter than I would like. Seems to have a bit of memory steer. On a flat/rough road, it seems to head off right or left. When driving on a crowned road, it will drift in that direction. Smooth flat road-drives straight.

Alignment- Left 4. 8 castor

Right 4. 9 castor

toe in 1/8"

Track bar-many problems. To make that story short, I replaced it with the Carli track bar. Heim joint at axle and Delrin bushing at frame. Frame connection drilled out to 5/8 bolt. FINALLY, no more track bar movement.



The best I could describe it, tight tie rod ends would be a perfect suspect. Most people tell me the steering box should more than compensate for those.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have seen Redhead boxes with problems Too