Filling Power Steering Gearbox Without the Pump

Hi Guys, Just replaced my manual steering gear box with an AGR power steering model. The manual gave up the ghost and I had to do the swap minus the power steering pump and bracket. (Planned to do it when I changed the I-6 engine with a Chevy V-8). How can I fill it with power steering fluid without the pump? It uses the steering fluid as lube throughout, correct? It's difficult to turn but it's got no slop either:) I really appreciate any tips, experience or advice any of you can give for this swap. ('76 Jeep CJ-7, 258 => Chevy V-8) Best Regards, Jim

Reply to
Drink
Loading thread data ...

You should be able to cycle it side to side fairly easily if it's in a vise. If it is a saganaw unit, it's rotation torque should be in inch pounds so if it's tight, you might have issues. Or maybe it just tight because it's dry....

There will be two threaded hose fittings on the top of it. One is in and one is out. You can set it level and put a funnel in the in (front) hole and fill it up. Then slowly cycle it side to side topping as needed. I guess then you are going to have to put plugs in the holes or put the two hoses in and just connect the hose ends together with a chunk of flex tube and hose clamps.

I don't know if you can even use it without a reservoir. I think a fair amount of fluid has to move when you turn it, could be wrong though.

Why don't you just put the pump on now and swap it over later? The pump is the same and brackets aren't much.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Dr>

Reply to
Mike Romain

Reply to
Drink

You have something wrong according to what I just did and saw.

I helped a friend put new seals in his TJ's saganaw box and the shop gave him some 'improved' parts that I couldn't get in right so we took it to them and the pro let us watch them finish. It turned out to be a bent box and his proper 'tool' went flying across the shop 3 times so I was going right, I just didn't turn hard enough, whatever. They did it for free. :-) These guys re-do CJ steering shafts with a new greasable u-joint for $75.00 too....

He had it in a vise and adjusted the pitman shaft drag. (that is the 'adjusting screw' you are thinking about, but it isn't really, the side to side slack adjuster is the column side end plug called the adjustment plug ) It is only 4 inch lb! It is 'not' stiff at all. He was using a wrench on the steering shaft spline to get it right for his feel, but I could turn the steering shaft spline with my fingers with difficulty and easily with any pliers to center it for installation.

Here is a link to the box and how it should work:

formatting link
I would hold the hose up with a funnel in it and let it fill. So it takes a day....

I will have to look at my Cherokee later tonight or tomorrow morning to see if the pump and bracket look the same, doubt it somehow.

Power brakes are a pile of work and actually do not help the stopping power at all on the CJ's that I have seen. My old tenant had an 85 with manual brakes and I have power. His actually stopped faster than mine with 'less' push on the pedal.... We both had new sets in the test. Go figure...

A 350 will fit in, but you need all the electronic crap to run it unless you get a carb setup. I would prefer a carb myself.... Way less to screw up. There is nothing like a set of 4 bbl's opening up for a sweet sound and punch! Plus tuned right they get better mileage on a trip if you watch the pedal.

Although I do like the 350's, I stayed with a tight low mileage 258 when I did my frame up 'glass build. I get nice off road power with it and decent highway performance. It will bury the speedo easy and I get a nice 23 US mpg or 11 L/100km. Mine is a daily driver though....

Mike

Dr>

Reply to
Mike Romain

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.