Not too long ago i replaced my entire power steering system. pump and pulley, lines, gear box. i have a after market power steering cooler that i did not replace, just blew it out with parts cleaner and compressed air.

Below is a slideshow of pictures from the overhaul, ill include part numbers as well.

part numbers from rock auto:
power steering pump CARDONE SELECT 967953
high pressure line GATES 352310
return hose(gear to cooler) GATES 352710
cooler to pump ACDELCO 36362870
redhead steering gear 2869-15

full screen the pictures.
<div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://pic2.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf" flashvars="rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed1344.photobuck et.com%2Falbums%2Fp649%2FNvMe1991%2Fpower%2520stee ring%2520overhaul%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" /><a href="javascript:void(0);" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s1344.photobucket.com/user/NvMe1991/library/power%20steering%20overhaul" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" alt="NvMe1991's power steering overhaul album on Photobucket" /></a></div>

 

If you have the tow package, or heavy duty package, the P/S cooler is stock. Looks a lot like mine.

How's the steering now?

 

i do have both the heavy duty package and a class 3 tow package. maybe not after market after all.

it steers nice, im able to control what little wonder i have left. i still have some input shaft play, maybe a quarter inch if that. i have dual steering stabilizers so that combined with the tight box makes for a almost new truck wheel feel.

 

Yeah, I would love to get there... As it is, it is challenging keeping my truck going straight down the road. I think 99% of my slop is the steering box though, the rest seems pretty tight. (last time I checked.....) I would love to dial in a bit more caster though.

 

next up is headers and getting the old girl some new paint. then ill look into regearing the axels

 

Hi I have a question I have a 2001dodge ram 1500 4x4 auto when I turn my steeringwheel it's easy to turn but as I turn the wheel it feels like no power steering and then it turns easy again it feels like a flat spot old it be the power steering or the rack and pinion

 

well if your truck is 4x4 you have a y link steering set up. no rack and pinion, im not familiar but im sure the 4x2 trucks arent rack and pinion either.
with that said, i would say check the fluid, make sure you dont over fill. if its topped off, it almost sounds like something may be binding up under there. have some one turn the wheel lock to lock while you watch it.

 

Has your vehicle been towed?... it is not uncommon for tow trucks to bend the steering damper... with a bent steering damper, there will be a tight spot as it passes over the bend in the rod.

 

Looks great Brandon. This is next on my list unless something else decides to go. Yes, that is a stock cooler, as I have the same one. Is that pump polished or just glaring from the light? Also, that is a huge sway bar drop bracket! Seems a bit much for just a 5in kit. You may benefit from one of those box stabilizers that are so popular. I put one on several years ago and it helped a teeny bit. I also just put on the HD tie rods two days ago and so next is a Redhead w/pump.

Mr. HeyYou has steering play too? I think we need to put our heads together here and get the steering figured out once and for all. I remember when my truck was new it steered perfectly. I mean perfect. I couldn't figure out what everyone was whining about. Then I had a track bar replaced at 85k and it all went to hell. Ever since I've been chasing my tail. Nobody can figure out the alignment. I recall the stock settings were not even side to side (cam bolts). But I have no idea what the settings were. Only info I can find is put the cam bolts straight up which I've done for 5 years and it's just okay. Not great. Also, I recall the box had play when sitting but not driving. It was like a car with zero wander. I want to figure out the best measurements now that I have brand new TREs before I throw on a new box. Any thoughts? I don't want to be disappointed like Brandon with a new box and still play. And no, there's no play at the stupid spring in the column. That is an old wives tail if you ask me. No way to replace it anyway unless you take the truck apart. Rant over!

 

With the rock solid ram steering fix and adjustments to my stock steering box, it drives like new. It is not a fallacy, however, about TENSION on the spring on the steering shaft.