Alternator Bracket/PS Pump Question

[NCBowtie]

A previous owner of my truck has the alternator bracket and power steering pump installed so that you can barely access the reservoir to fill it up. In fact, he had to break the stick off the cap just to get the cap on and off.

Without looking at another truck, I'm not sure what I need to do to get more clearance there. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[budman k20]

Your alternator bracket should not have any spacers between it and the head. My guess would be the bracket was spaced out because the PO used a long water pump. Don't you just love it when a PO half a$$ed stuff like this then sells it!

[hugger6933]

Look into Alan grove components, he makes all kinds of brackets. The above is right the water pump on your truck is of the long type all of the chevy trucks through 1972 had short pumps on them. Your brackets all may very well right but the water pump is wrong it may be as simple as putting the right pump on your truck.

[NCBowtie]

Thanks a lot! Looks like I'll get a short pump.

[Mike C]

They probably did that because they used a long water pump power steering setup. If you replace the pump and remove the spacers, you need to also get the correct 69-72 power steering brackets and reservoir.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by NCBowtie

Thanks a lot! Looks like I'll get a short pump.

That might throw the other things out of alignment. The best thing to do is to ge the correct alternator/p.s. mount for that engine. You can either post on wtb or maybe ebay. If you have deep pockets, those mounts that Alan Grove makes are pretty good from what I've heard.

[NCBowtie]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

That might throw the other things out of alignment. The best thing to do is to ge the correct alternator/p.s. mount for that engine. You can either post on wtb or maybe ebay. If you have deep pockets, those mounts that Alan Grove makes are pretty good from what I've heard.

Hmm. I was thinking about replacing my leaking power steering pump anyway. I guess I'll have to figure out what is going to be the best value.

[Mickm69]

I have the same alternator bracket althought mine is bolted directly to the head.

I found the best length belt that would position my pump so,when under tension, the CL of the fill spout would would be as close to vertical as possible.
I then maked the center of the pump cap on the alternator bracket and then removed a minor amount of material. This bracket is a beefy casting so removing this small amount of material will not compromise it's strength.
I hope this helps.

Cheers!
Mickm

[PAWS 72]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

That might throw the other things out of alignment. The best thing to do is to ge the correct alternator/p.s. mount for that engine. You can either post on wtb or maybe ebay. If you have deep pockets, those mounts that Alan Grove makes are pretty good from what I've heard.

how is ALAN GROVE LISTED.Link? please. JASON

[blazer1972]

i moved mine to the left side, got brackets, serpentine pulleys from an 80 chevy truck. is better v belt dont came off any more and brackets are firmer and dont move

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by PAWS 72

how is ALAN GROVE LISTED.Link? please. JASON

I've read some posts where some used these and they mentioned they were good fit. I've haven't used them yet but may in next engine build.
http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/S..._Long_Pump.htm

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by NCBowtie

Hmm. I was thinking about replacing my leaking power steering pump anyway. I guess I'll have to figure out what is going to be the best value.

The pump for that truck was originally a short pump. It may be that going back to short pump would work if everything else is orignal. Could be the the reason previous owner fabricated that mounting.