Hydro Assist steering

[Northidahotrailblazer]

Can the stock 4.0 power steering pump put out enough flow to run Hydro assist? I searched here and came up with a lot of unknowns. Some say should be fine if you drill out the relief? some say no? I bought the Saginaw TC swap kit that was posted here...Its the same bolt pattern as any TC series pump so there several high performance ones on summit I can buy. But my stock pump on my 92 4.0 is the only RBV I have owned that does not whine. Makes me think its pretty healthy still, but idk if it would be better just to upgrade now? or try it out. I do have a couple spare boxes and pumps of spare rigs to play with. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[4x4junkie]

I researched this myself years ago for my '94 Ranger. The general consensus I remember was that it should be fine if you drill out the pump output orifice larger for a larger fluid volume. I never actually followed through with it though after I got my BII, which for whatever reason it doesn't seem to struggle with turning the wheels as much as my Ranger did (maybe because it's lighter on the front axle).

Sorry I don't have more solid info for you. I would say go ahead and try it since you have found upgrade pumps available... If it doesn't work out, then swap the pump for something better.

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

I researched this myself years ago for my '94 Ranger. The general consensus I remember was that it should be fine if you drill out the pump output orifice larger for a larger fluid volume. I never actually followed through with it though after I got my BII, which for whatever reason it doesn't seem to struggle with turning the wheels as much as my Ranger did (maybe because it's lighter on the front axle).

Sorry I don't have more solid info for you. I would say go ahead and try it since you have found upgrade pumps available... If it doesn't work out, then swap the pump for something better.

My reseal kit just came in, so on my next days off I'm going to drill and tap the steering box, and plug it for now. until I have some extra cash for a ram. I bought the kit to upgrade to a Gm TC pump if needed but I have like 3 spare pumps already so like why not? If it doesn't work all I have to do is remove the ram, plug the lines, and then get a the upgraded pump. If it does work it will save me some money! well see what happens!