good reason

 

sometimes with our trucks you have to put it in reverse and goose the throttle, then put it back in neutral, shift it back into 2wd, shift it back to drive and goose the throttle to get it out of 4wd.

That's happened a couple of times with my Ram and a couple of Jeeps that I've had in the past.

Hope that helps you.

 

gimme a ring GC im off today for once

 

Is there any sort of power that goes to the power steering? I was looking on my fuse diagram to maybe see if a fuse was blown but i dont think there is just checking. I really dont think its in 4wd because it isnt even this hard to steer in four wheel drive.

 

Nope power steering is all hydrolic, the belt drives the pump which builds pressure which makes it easier to turn the wheels.

Check the power steering fluid, if it's low add some also it wouldnt hurt to change it.

Alot of us use turkey basters to suck the old oil out and refill it with fresh oil.

It's a pretty simple item on the truck but it does a big job.

 

Power steering is purely mechanical. Might have a pressure switch inline to kill the a/c compressor at full lock though, but, I don't remember seeing one.

Have you checked your P/S fluid? Does it make any odd noises? If you have to wrestle the steering wheel in order to turn, chances are the pump took a dump. Not something I expect to 'just happen' though, usually they will howl at you before they fail completely.

 

no nothing my belt squeeks like crazy tho and it did quiet down a bit before then. i am pretty sure its the ac compressor though because i went to a shop and the dude asked why i thought it was that and i said i just do so he went and got some spray and sprayed the clutch and said yup thats it.


how hard is it to install the power steering pump? any guides on here or anything someone posted before?

 

Its a pretty straight forward job, if you're buying a new pump i wouldnt buy one with a new tank or wheel i would just buy the pump and put the old tank and wheel from the old pump on the new pump because to get the whole assembly it's almost double the price.

Take pictures before you start that way when you goto put it back togeather you will have something to reference to and also i would consider getting a haynes manual.

Plus this might also help you, it's our service manual for the 2nd gen rams. It's the same one the dealer uses so it's pretty detailed.

http://www.rm-indy.com/wavefiles/2001ramsrvcmanual.zip

 

I found a pretty informative rebuild thread on here....this site is awesome btw haha.

how do you feel on a used pump? Im just trying to spend the least amount of money possible. I get a call on saturday from a guy telling me i got a job i applied for and i am supposed to start tomorrow later that day i break my truck......talk about Murphys law-what can go wrong will go wrong.

 

I wouldnt have a problem putting a used one on, just make sure you clean it out really good.

And i know exactly what you mean about murphys law... my last name is murphy iv been living it all my life lol