power steering box - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mondo · 12-06-2007, 05:25 PM

I'm changing it out (leaks like crazy). I've only put in power steering sealing fluid. What type power steering fluid do our trucks take? Should I go with royal purple or some syntec type?

chris71 · 12-07-2007, 08:05 AM

i dont think synthetic or fancy ps fluid is worth it, unless you have expensive road course racing inspired gear box and ps pump. guys out there are still running the factory original ps boxes and pumps with normal fluid that probably hasnt been changed all that often over the years. in my opinion if you are using the truck for normal useage, as long as your pump and box are in good working order, new hoses clean fluid, no leaks, you will be completely fine with performance (dont forget tie rod ends, pitman arms and stearcolumn stuff as well). i'd probably spend the extra money on getting new tie rods, or more grease to grease everything up. i just use the normal ps fluid for gm vehicles that i get at the parts store. if you do decide to get the synthetic, just make sure that it will be compatible with the new box and old pump. i know with brakes, if you convert from oem to synthetic fluid, you have to change the brake hoses, and all seals in the mc/cylinders/calipers. good luck man, oh and dont forget to bleed the box/pump once you put it on.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 12-07-2007, 08:17 AM

I use Pyroil, it's made by Valvoline and is about 50 cents cheaper than Prestone. Both have the same Mil-Spec number on the back, so the rest is marketing. I agree with Chris71, the fancy stuff is for dudes with more money than brains.

**passthebuck** · 12-07-2007, 11:17 AM

i use synthetic when i install a new ps box and pump. The way I see it, you change ps fluid so rarely, you might as well give it a bit of a better chance to live a long life. It is 75% more $ wise, but as long as it doesnt leak, it's going to be in there for a while... If either of the two parts is used, go regular fluid.

wibilly · 12-08-2007, 02:24 AM

up until the last couple years i used tranny fluid now that i buy ps fluid for some of my newer junk i been using it in everything but see no differance other than it costs more

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 12-08-2007, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wibilly

up until the last couple years i used tranny fluid now that i buy ps fluid for some of my newer junk i been using it in everything but see no differance other than it costs more

Ever wonder what would happen if you put PSF in a TH350?

Mondo · 12-08-2007, 05:33 PM

Thanks guys, I've pretty much replaced all the front end components and this is the last (no more oil leaks

). Just wasn't sure if it was the same fluid that's in the automatic transmission... I'll check out the Pyroil.

Any idea how much it'll take? If it's not that much than it really wouldn't matter as it's likely not to be messed with for quite some time

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 12-09-2007, 04:11 AM

Two or 3 quarts should fill the pump. lines and gearbox. Get 4 so you can use some to flush out the system.

12-06-2007, 05:25 PM	#1
Mondo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 538	power steering box I'm changing it out (leaks like crazy). I've only put in power steering sealing fluid. What type power steering fluid do our trucks take? Should I go with royal purple or some syntec type? Last edited by Mondo; 12-06-2007 at 05:26 PM.

12-07-2007, 08:05 AM	#2
chris71 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sykesville MD Posts: 357	Re: power steering box i dont think synthetic or fancy ps fluid is worth it, unless you have expensive road course racing inspired gear box and ps pump. guys out there are still running the factory original ps boxes and pumps with normal fluid that probably hasnt been changed all that often over the years. in my opinion if you are using the truck for normal useage, as long as your pump and box are in good working order, new hoses clean fluid, no leaks, you will be completely fine with performance (dont forget tie rod ends, pitman arms and stearcolumn stuff as well). i'd probably spend the extra money on getting new tie rods, or more grease to grease everything up. i just use the normal ps fluid for gm vehicles that i get at the parts store. if you do decide to get the synthetic, just make sure that it will be compatible with the new box and old pump. i know with brakes, if you convert from oem to synthetic fluid, you have to change the brake hoses, and all seals in the mc/cylinders/calipers. good luck man, oh and dont forget to bleed the box/pump once you put it on. __________________ '55 3100 2nd series short-bed stepside '70 Corvette coupe stingray '71 Chevelle 2-dr coupe SS clone '71 C10 long-bed fleetside '83 long-haired brunette wife

12-07-2007, 08:17 AM	#3
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,441	Re: power steering box I use Pyroil, it's made by Valvoline and is about 50 cents cheaper than Prestone. Both have the same Mil-Spec number on the back, so the rest is marketing. I agree with Chris71, the fancy stuff is for dudes with more money than brains. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

12-07-2007, 11:17 AM	#4
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	Re: power steering box i use synthetic when i install a new ps box and pump. The way I see it, you change ps fluid so rarely, you might as well give it a bit of a better chance to live a long life. It is 75% more $ wise, but as long as it doesnt leak, it's going to be in there for a while... If either of the two parts is used, go regular fluid. __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

12-08-2007, 02:24 AM	#5
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: power steering box up until the last couple years i used tranny fluid now that i buy ps fluid for some of my newer junk i been using it in everything but see no differance other than it costs more __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

12-08-2007, 05:33 PM	#7
Mondo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 538	Re: power steering box Thanks guys, I've pretty much replaced all the front end components and this is the last (no more oil leaks). Just wasn't sure if it was the same fluid that's in the automatic transmission... I'll check out the Pyroil. Any idea how much it'll take? If it's not that much than it really wouldn't matter as it's likely not to be messed with for quite some time

12-09-2007, 04:11 AM	#8
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,441	Re: power steering box Two or 3 quarts should fill the pump. lines and gearbox. Get 4 so you can use some to flush out the system. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.



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