atf+4 is synthetic.

 

how to completely flush ps fluid-

disconnect the PS return hose from the pump (the one with the clamp) and re-route it straight down and into a bucket.

jack up the front end. unlock the steering wheel. do NOT start the truck. make SURE the hose is still in the bucket (LOL). remove PS pump cap. turn wheel lock to lock about 3 times. presto. pump and steering box is empty.

refill and repeat several times until the dump is clean fluid instead of nasty crap.

 

Here's the recommded fluids by Dodge.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/19-005-03.htm

 

Good info.

Fwiw I will be sticking to the atf+4, it came with it so that what it gets. When the cooler blew a hole all I had was power steering fluid to refill with, within two days I had leaks, drained/flushed it out refilled it with atf+4 and about a week later all leaks have stopped to this day.

 

I use Valvoline's PS fluid because it met the MS5931 fluid spec so I was comfortable mixing it with the old stuff. Said it right on the bottle.

When I 'flush' my PS fluid, I jack up the truck so the front wheels are just off the ground, use a vacuum pump to suck out the PS reservoir, refill it with new fluid, start the truck and steer lock to lock ~20 times, shut off truck, suck out the now dirty reservoir fluid, refill, over and over until the fluid is clean. Usually takes 3-5 cycles depending on age of the old fluid, but there isn't any mess, no crawling on the ground, and can be done in about 15-20 minutes start to finish! I don't care about the tiny bit of old fluid left over.

Thinking about just swapping out the contents of the reservoir every oil change with new fluid... Shouldn't ever need a full flush then and it's simple preventative maintenance.

I use my LiquiVac for this and almost all other fluid changes, and I have to admit that I love that little thing!

JT

 

I do the same thing except I use a turkey baster

 

Well I have never tried ATF+4 as that stuff is expensive.
I stopped using ATF after seeing a few rigs that had underhood fires because of then using ATF in the power steering.

I use STP fluid only in my Jeep. I have a PSC system on my Jeep and they say to use power steering only. I have the hydro ram assist cylinder too plus a hydroboost brake system. I blew a line one time up on the trail and ran out of power steering fluid so used ATF. Well the repair we did to the line broke and the left side of my Jeep was on fire from ATF. So now I carry a few extra bottles with me. Plus I have rerouted all my lines so hopefully I'll never have another line blow out or cut like I did.

 

My gearbox has had a weep for awhile. That weep has increased in the past 2 weeks. The initial weeping I'm fairly certain has been helped along with the wheeling.

In addition, the PS fluid has most likely gotten hot enough to really work the original rubber seals. We've had a hot summer, still in the mid-90s. The seals are probably past due for replacement.




After lots of reading all over the place....you can never be sure the seal replacement kit is enough. I would most likely find something else and really a new box or reman one would equate to the potential time in troubleshooting/remove/reinstall/fluid change/bleeding/etc. This is my original box and it's never been touched other than replacing the pitman arm and replacing the PS pump last summer.

With other plans down the line, I decided to get a Redhead, which many here have said good things about.




I will use an appropriate PS fluid and I will add a cooler to replace the stock one. I'm fairly certain this will alleviate the overheating of fluid (is my thought of what has happened) plus more volume.


I request some opinions out there on some coolers. I'm inclined to get one that fastened to the front of the radiator. This will take advantage of the forced air convection that my efan is doing at rock crawling speeds.

Something like this?




http://www.summitracing.com/parts/der-13212/overview/


I just don't have a good idea on size yet, plus if there is a need to worry about fittings. I believe I read that the hose size is 5/8"?? My searching of others experience on PS Cooler came up weak.

Thanks for looking.

(Yes, hydro assist is down the line...just not sure how close)

 

My '96 Ram 2500 4x4 came with a factory P/S cooler. I just blew it out real good and installed new lines when I installed the new Borgeson steering box on my truck.

 

^Yeah that's fine for a pavement pounder. If mine still were a pavement pounder, then I'd never have had this issue. 2-3x a month on the rock trails here leaves a mark.

I got one of the cooler's today.

Out with the old... (puny **** cooler)




...in with the new.






I did strip the return fitting. Picked another up at Napa. Just went with Napa PS fluid and will see how this works out.

I used push-lok fitting to join the hoses together with an additional hose clamp for security. Took out for one drive....and indeed this thing is noticeably smoother. So I concur with the OP in this previous thread and others that like the Redhead box.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...s-redhead.html