Need advise on steering parts, 87 Ranger 4x4

[Gunfighter97]

I've got the rig appart, engine out, etc. Overhauling the steering and ordered everything through napa. Already gave up my core this afternoon for the box, the PS pump prooved more stubborn. They sold me a puller to remove the single v-belt style pulley that immediately stripped its own threads like they were cut through cheese. So I have my original pump core still in the bracket and a reman pump along with the reman box. In my quest to find a decent (useable) puller, I ran across a lot of info saying that the remanned pumps aren't all that great and I should rebuild mine (have yet to look for a rebuild kit). My remanned box is unpainted and I hate to put it under there for it to just turn rusty inside a year. They won't warranty it if I do paint it.

So now I'm still hunting for a puller that works, hoping someone here can recomend one. Any input on remanned steering boxes? I couldn't find any threads that suggested they weren't any good like the pumps. Currently thinking I will just go ahead and paint it if people have good success with them and am also leaning towards returning the remanned pump/rebuilding my original pump. Any input is welcome, thanks in advance.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

So, when I got mad at my first gen power steering pump, I put a Volvo EPAS system in and just ran it in limp mode. It's a super easy install, and three wires and two hoses to run in limp. The are aftermarket controllers out there now to allow you to adjust the amount of assist on the fly.

10/10, way better than stock pumps.

Just a thought since first gen power steering pumps are garbage and run on v belt.

 

[Gunfighter97]

I read about that, I don't really have cause to replace it or upgrade it other than incessant leaks. My truck is bone stock with a couple upsizes in tires. Its never given me problems before, I just don't want it flinging oil all over my new engine.

 

[Gunfighter97]

10/10, way better than stock pumps.

Just a thought since first gen power steering pumps are garbage and run on v belt.

How exactly are the stock pumps lacking? Other than my obviously tierd seals?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Of the many Ford's I've had I've only had one that squealed... the only pump I've had that was lacking was the one that was in my '97 Ranger but I think the fluid was just shot but the front seal went out recently so I changed the pump... need to flush the fluid again...

I've always wanted a little more on my '90 but with the long pitman arm I don't think it can take much more... My F350 seems to work fine with the same basic pump, both on 35" tires...

On that note I just changed the pump on my '97 Ranger last weekend and the $8 Harbor Freight puller (was apparently clearance for some reason, sticker was on it...) just worked, the ring around the clamshell is too big and fell off one side. Going back on I had to put a vise grip around the pulley to keep it from unthreading the puller... Going back on you could heat the pulley up some in the oven to say 250 and it "might" just slide on

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

How exactly are the stock pumps lacking? Other than my obviously tierd seals?

They always felt sloppy and "overpowering" to me.

I noticed that my tired box felt a lot better with the EPAS system hooked up in limp. Guessing pressure output was lower. With the new control boards, you would be able to set your pump for the amount of assist you'd want.

 

[Gunfighter97]

They always felt sloppy and "overpowering" to me.

I noticed that my tired box felt a lot better with the EPAS system hooked up in limp. Guessing pressure output was lower. With the new control boards, you would be able to set your pump for the amount of assist you'd want.

I'll definitely read more into this, but I was really hoping to just fix whats there or bolt something on. I'm already building my first engine, and also doing an interior gut job, and rear end replacement. Lot of irons in the fire if you know what I mean. As much as I sincerely love research rabbit holes, right now I need to focus my time better lol
I see saginaw pump swaps are popular on the 3L, no love for the 2.9 as far as I can find. I did find this, expensive but perhaps more reliable than a refurb pump?

https://leepowersteering.com/collections/power-steering-pumps/products/cii-power-steering-pump-replacement-gb-metric

I just watched a rebuild tutorial for the C-II and it seems like they'd be easy enough to get in and out of in a timely manner.
Edit: as a side note, my box was shot. The adjustment screws were all the way tight, still with slop. No idea if my pump is still the original or not.

 

[Gunfighter97]

Decided since my pump still works to do a thourough clean and reseal. Will likely spring for the upgraded rotary vane style pump in the future (see above link). Edelmann 8526 is what I ordered for my OE pump.