Eagerly awaiting some nice weather to cruise in, I was getting the car ready for spring. I started up the beast and heard some grinding noise coming from the power steering pump. I took it around the block and it was getting worse. By the time I could put it back in the driveway the p/s pump was smoking and smelly. I opened the lid and to my surprise the fluid had gotten so hot that it actually melted the plastic dipstick! It was also leaking from the compression fitting on the p/s line. So I am thinking that something in the pump is blocking the lines, because I also had no power steering on my short test run. Plan is to replace the pump and both lines while I am there. Anything else I need to look out for???


Thanks in advance for the advise!

 

You are doing exactly what I would do if it were mine. After that there is only one part left.

 

... Which you may want to upgrade to a '92-'97 (if I recall) Jeep Grand Cherokee box anyway, while you're there...

- Eric

 

These guys make the conversion kit. Also rebuild pumps

http://lee-powersteering.com/

 

X2 I just did this on my 70. It was cheaper and easier then rebuilding my original box. And a really sweet upgrade.

http://realoldspower.prophpbb.com/topic1558.html

 

Does it have to be a grand cherokee or will an XJ work as well(92-97) I'm at the point of a new box as well.

 

XJ (regular Cherokee) will NOT work. It's a "tall" box, like on a Bronco.
Same is true for '99-up Grand Cherokees: Completely different box.

But the pre-'99 Grand Cherokee box is a Saginaw box, identical to the near-universal GM box.

- Eric

 

I bought a remanufactured one at Pep Boys ("97) for $150, worked great. I had Lee Power steering put the stock Olds shaft in it so it would take a stock rag joint. The rag joint that came with the kit was too large in diameter.

Craig