Power steering pump bracket id and questions

[Rust-O-Matic]

Good deal, I was hoping the threads on the pumps are most all the same. I didn't know if they switched to metric at some point, and/or if some weren't removable. It sounds like I may be in luck though.

[Captainfab]

Even the pumps with the Metric with O-ring hose fittings, that pressure valve is interchangeable with the earlier pumps.

[61K10]

Glad they didn't get lost lol! Have fun----

[Rust-O-Matic]

Hey guys, I'm back. I've finally got all my parts painted and ready to reinstall (no pics at the moment, I'm at work), but I've got a question. I found the pic below on google and scribbled some captions on it. When I go to install this "cradle" piece of the bracket there is a gap about 1/4" or so wide between the steering pump and the hole with the red arrow pointing toward it. I thought at first maybe it's supposed to have a stud or something other than a bolt in it, but that doesn't look right either.

Does anybody know what is supposed to fill the gap between the bracket and pump? Is there some kind of spacer or something that belongs between them? Should I put a few washers in there? Am I completely overthinking this?

Also, on a sorta unrelated note, do you guys use washers on the bolts attaching these accessory brackets (including alternator, etc.)? Or lock washers?

[61K10]

the other bracket fits in there i believe

[andyh1956]

Looks like you do need a spacer huh?
I ALWAYS use washers on fasteners, but be advised use either a lock washer OR a flat washer. It is a proven fact that a lock washer against a flat washer is USELESS in retaining fasteners. And YES, I know some manufacturers still use this combo but why I don't know. Also, always use a GRADE 8 flat washer, it should be gold in color. Looks like your pulleys are gonna line up good also!

[Rust-O-Matic]

I don't think we are talking about the same thing. Well, that or I don't understand what you mean. Check out the pics attached. The bolt I'm pointing to is the one with the gap between the pump face and the bracket. I tried to get a good shot of the gap as well from above. It looks like maybe there's supposed to be a spacer or something in there. Any ideas?

[Rust-O-Matic]

Looks like we were typing at the same time, Andy. I definitely agree on the grade 8 hardware. I have a whole cabinet full of it since Orscheln's sells it by the pound. I grab a bag of random fasteners every time I'm there haha.

I hadn't thought about negative effects of using both flat and lock washers, but now I'm curious. I'm gonna have to run that by one of the engineers in my office. Only reason I can think of for using the flat one underneath would be to protect the finish coating and base metal from scratches/gouges from the lock washer that could result in corrosion or stress fractures on important parts.

I think the pulley pics you were referring to belong to 61K10, not mine. He was kind enough to hook me up with a couple different pulleys though when he sent me the PS brackets though, so I think mine should line up just as well once I figure out this gap in the mounting bracket.

[61K10]

Just make a spacer or buy one. don't over engineer it.

[Rust-O-Matic]

don't over engineer it.

Haha those are wise words, for sure. I think I'll put a stack of washers in there to fill the gap. I just wanted to see if anybody knew what was supposed to be in there first. I can't seem to find any pics of how the factory did it, nor what everybody else on this forum uses. They probably put a stack of washers in, and never gave it another thought... lol

[Captainfab]

The factory used a one piece spacer in there.

[Rust-O-Matic]

Perfect! Thanks Captain, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

[65 C20]

Might be just me but if you put a bolt there will you still be able to swivel your pump in the cradle to tighten your belt ?

Cal.

[Rust-O-Matic]

Yeah the whole cradle swivels with the pump, as one piece. It pivots on the bolt that goes though the water pump. I'll take some pics once I get it mounted, maybe they will help somebody in the future. It's hard to find pics of the mounted assembly without the pulley hiding all the fasteners.

It looks like I'll have to cut a little piece of tubing or something to make a spacer for that gap I was asking about between the ps pump and the cradle. I couldn't find any washers that would fit in the little recess on the face of the pump, except for 1/4" ones I'd have to drill out to fit the 3/8" bolt through. Lol who knew such a simple thing could be such a pain in the rear.

[andyh1956]

I couldn't get to the barn last night, it was storming sideways. Don't forget to get one of those little tools to adjust the pump with, don't pry on that reservoir!

[Rust-O-Matic]

Just an update, I finally got everything mounted up a couple weekends ago. I meant to take closeup pics, but forgot to.

I modified the bracket that attaches to the corner of the head to work with my headers, buy chopping/bending the end of an old alternator bracket and welding it to the back. Seems to work ok. Pics attached.

For the spacer I asked about, I took the one off my old Frankenstien pump setup, and shortened it with a grinder until it fit. Seems to work ok, too.

Thanks again for the help everybody.