P/S went bad. I want to rebuild pump and rack, but want to avoid the down time and just drive without p/s. The problem is the p/s drive belt also drives the fan/wp. I was thinking an adjustable idler pulley. Is there such a thing and where does it mount?

 

Keep in mind, when vehicles didn't have power steering they were designed with that in mind, so the steering was designed with enough mechanical advantage to not be impossible to steer.

Vehicles with power steering weren't designed with that in mind, so your steering is going to be incredibly difficult, more so than a vehicle designed without power steering in the first case.

 

You CAN buy a manual steering rack which has a different ratio to the rack and pinion; but let's be honest. It'd be better to buy a new or freshly rebuilt pump and replace the rack with a PS rack, than buy a manual rack and design an idler to replace the PS pump.

RwP

 

I agree! Although I didn't realize these trucks were offered without power steering.

 

I'll bet it's a 4cyl only option; but yes, there are manual racks out there.

RwP