Ok, re-read thru the thread.

Just out of idle curiosity, how are you swapping the pulley over? Do you have the correct tools for removing/installing it?

 

Yeah I rented the puller/pusher kit. Nifty kit

 

I'm wondering if a hose is restricted . Maybe internal seal failure inside the gear from the bad pump ? Did you ever clean it out like Hey You described to see if flow was good ? Sounds like a small restriction of flow to me given 2 pumps and no go .

That's about all I can add

 

Yes fluid seemed fine that came out I replaced all it. All lines I've made sure aren't pinched or what not. Im thinking internal gear box leak. When I have it up there's no binding, I can turn it on a dime piece of cake. I'm on 35in tires but when I had the 30s on a few days ago (I just upgraded to 35s) there was no difference.

 

Funny, my 2500 does the same thing. It has a brand new pump and lines. Sometimes at idle its ok, then sometimes it goes rock hard. Just a little roll makes it bearable. Sometimes it goes out while I'm in the middle of turning the wheels.

 

Do you have any steering play at all?

 

There is a special tool used to check flow and pressure of the pump. You may have to go to a dealer and have them check out if the pump is working to spec. Tool # 6815
Just curious but you aren't using atf in it are you?

 

Using atf as in atf+4 for our trannys? I got just your standard steering fluid in it.

 

Nope, pretty tight to me, if there's any play its very little.

 

Something else just occurred to me , if the "over the top" adjustment on the steering gear is set too tight , you would have the same issue at idle . I bet it's the issue . It's quite common to see people attempt this prematurely (especially in the jeep world) . Not saying you did it , but , odds are , someone did along the way . Guess what ? It also causes pump failure if too tight . That would cause the restriction issue I mentioned previously . My advice is to back the adjustment off 1/4" to start . Doesn't take much