Power Steering. I'm at a loss.

[83swb]

Recently re-assembled my truck (84 C10, SBC). When I first ran the truck with the accessory drive assembled the power steering pump was making an intermittent screech/whine that was only really noticeable at low rpm.

So I bought a new pump to fit an 84' C10 with a 350, it didn't work with my current bracket, the pump itself was clocked differently in the reservoir. This is how the 84 pump was clocked:



So after some research at the local (reliable) parts house I found a pump that was clocked to match the pump out of the truck. Here's the catch, it was listed to fit a 78' C10. The pump worked perfectly with the bracket and mounted up correctly BUT the pressure line has the wrong fitting for the pump, the line on the truck has some wild flare with an o-ring and the new pump looks as if it takes just a plain old flare. The 78' pump:



From the research I've done it seems that two different style hoses were used between 73'-87', basic flared and this **** I'm stuck with. I'm having a hard time finding what I need. Help?

[nonstop]

Rockauto has LARS #2532, which looks to fit (under your application) or what about just buying a pump and reusing your reservoir?

[83swb]

That looks spot on, I think I'll order one up. I just don't understand why exactly that pump is clocked different than the other options. I turned my pump in as a core and the reservoir was pretty banged up.

[mrolds88]

Pretty sure the outlet fitting on the back of the pump will swap between the two pumps.

[Bigstevex4]

You can always use old hose new hose have them crimped together middle.

[83swb]

Originally Posted by Bigstevex4

You can always use old hose new hose have them crimped together middle.

That's my Plan B. I ordered a new pump and hose, if the pump still has the wrong pattern offset I'm just going to buy a universal mounting bracket and call it a day.

[greg64]

Ya, this fitting problem caught me at one time too. I believe the previous poster is correct that the fitting on the back of the reservoir will interchange. Another option is to get a local hydraulics shop to make up a new custom pressure hose with the right fittings.

[nonstop]

Or you can try something like thin:

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/O-Ring...ter,24682.html

Wait - that won't work

But this might

http://www.classicindustries.com/pro...s/gb50091.html

[83swb]

Originally Posted by nonstop

Or you can try something like thin:

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/O-Ring...ter,24682.html

Wait - that won't work

But this might

http://www.classicindustries.com/pro...s/gb50091.html

That's really interesting, doesn't give you fitting dimensions though.

[v30crewcab]

the piece on the back of the pump that the hose screws into will unscrew, and go in the other pump. quick way to get the correct type fitting. they changed around 1980 to the o-ring style. theres a spring behind it, so don't let that surprise you when it jumps out when unthreading it.

[83swb]

Originally Posted by v30crewcab

the piece on the back of the pump that the hose screws into will unscrew, and go in the other pump. quick way to get the correct type fitting. they changed around 1980 to the o-ring style. theres a spring behind it, so don't let that surprise you when it jumps out when unthreading it.

Wish I had known that before I handed in my core.

[v30crewcab]

they may still have your core there. they only send them in once a week when a truck comes usually.

[83swb]

I bought the LARES #2532 Pump from rock auto, pump was spot on and I was impressed with the finish and quality.

Unfortunately after installing the pump and purging the air out of the system I still have a squeal, along with a dead spot about 3/4 of the way to full lock turning left. It also seems that the pump is putting some more load on the motor than it should be. I think my real problem to begin with was my steering box itself, it was exposed to some rain while the truck was disassembled and I think there may be some blockage.

Really debating just looping my lines around and running the box manual for the time being, I have a truck with manual steering and it doesn't bother me. Would there be any downfall to installing a reman'd box? I think I'd stick with an AcDelco if I did.

[rich weyand]

Try putting full synthetic P/S fluid in it. Really reduced steering effort at idle and took a load off the engine.

[greg64]

A bit of a caution. I ran my power steering box with the tubes looped for years, and didn't really think anything of it. I finally had a local shop rebuild a manual box, like my truck would have originally had (much better by the way). The guy at the steering shop showed me the guts of the power box, compared to the manual box. On the power box, the steering input shaft really necks down, inside the box. He said that the power box wasn't designed to be used with full manual input all the time, implying that the steering shaft might eventually shear off. The manual input shaft is way brawnier.