Power steering pump
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Teching In
Joined: Dec 2008
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Power steering pump Guys.
I have read through many threads on this subject without any real definitive answers. I have fitted a LS1 to a 68 El Camino and have tried to use the Saginaw box with the LS1 pump. Questions are:
Does this pump make too much pressure for this original 68 steering box?
If it doesnt cause the seals to leak will the steering be excessively light?
Does anybody make a pump that will mate with the LS1 serpentine belt system?
Have I any alternatives?
Thanks for your help KEV
I have read through many threads on this subject without any real definitive answers. I have fitted a LS1 to a 68 El Camino and have tried to use the Saginaw box with the LS1 pump. Questions are:
Does this pump make too much pressure for this original 68 steering box?
If it doesnt cause the seals to leak will the steering be excessively light?
Does anybody make a pump that will mate with the LS1 serpentine belt system?
Have I any alternatives?
Thanks for your help KEV
I just used the ls1 pump, it's worked for years with no problem. Dosen't seem to be too light feeling, if any thing it's not got as much assist as it had originally. It is starting to seep these days, but I think that's due to mileage, because it just started.
TECH Resident
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 800
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From: Simi VAlley,CA
I have a couple friends with LS conversions using LS1 and LS2 pumps with early Saginaw steering boxes, they report no problems with pressure or volume and the drivability is just fine. These are a 1967 half ton truck and a 1977 full size Blazer....about the same as your El Camino.
Launching!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 241
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From: Mead, WA
It should be fine. The Saginaw P and TC pumps put out right around the same amount of pressure and flow. The P style will last longer with hot oil than the TC will. The P pump is more forgiving than the TC style when it comes to heat...
Seeing how I work with Jeeps with ~40" tires and hydro assist/full hydro steering, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve to increase flow/pressure, but I don't think you would need any... If you do, let me know! They're also on the net if you do a search...
Seeing how I work with Jeeps with ~40" tires and hydro assist/full hydro steering, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve to increase flow/pressure, but I don't think you would need any... If you do, let me know! They're also on the net if you do a search...
Go to the junk yard and get you a mid 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box and the steering box side of the rag-joint from a 81-87 Chevy pickup. This will bring you down to 12.7:1 ratio and has metric fittings so you use your stock LS lines/fittings or search for usable oe replacement lines from auto zone or similar. I have this on my Olds and its a great upgrade over spending $300+ for an aftermarket box to net the same results. I gave $75 for my box and rag-joint
Launching!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 241
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From: Mead, WA
Go to the junk yard and get you a mid 90's Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box and the steering box side of the rag-joint from a 81-87 Chevy pickup. This will bring you down to 12.7:1 ratio and has metric fittings so you use your stock LS lines/fittings or search for usable oe replacement lines from auto zone or similar. I have this on my Olds and its a great upgrade over spending $300+ for an aftermarket box to net the same results. I gave $75 for my box and rag-joint
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Mead, WA
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 12
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Thanks for your info guys, if you have experienced no real problems I,ll go with what I,ve got and see how it goes. The Jeep or Durango swap is not so easy as I forgot to mention I live in England and these are not so common in yards here.( the LS1 motor was enough of a headache).
