Is a PS fluid cooler advisable on these trucks? I am installing a '89 Cummins engine that did not have one into my '79 Ford that did have. I would just use the Ford cooler (about 10' of tube zig zag'd along the front cross member) but with the trimming you have to do to the cros member it will no longer fit. I was thinking of a little transmission oil cooler if you think I need one.

 

I think a PS cooler along with a Magnefine filter is a very good low-cost mod to do on these trucks for several reasons. 1) the fluid capacity is relatively small for a vehicle this size. 2) The steering system works hard, especially with big tires off-road. and 3) repairing/replacing the steering pump is a costly, difficult project. I put the cooler from a Ford Expedition behind the bumper on mine. It uses the licesce plate bolts. I run ATF+4 in it for better heat stability and longer life. Added about a half quart capacity and a large measure of piece of mind:

http://72.19.150.167/PhotoAlbum/Cars/Pics/CTD_107.jpg

 

If your 79 has the same simple tube looped across the cross-member as my 85, usually covered with mud and grime, it actually does little to cool anything, and is a great source of vibration holes/leaks.

I did away with mine.

A genuine finned cooler, located in front of the radiator is an entirely different story, and a good idea, though probably un-necessary at the immediate time.

Why are you having to cut on your cross-member??

I haven't payed that much attention to the difference between a 79 and 85.

I didn't cut anything.

 

Ace what kind of intercooler do you have in the picture?

 

I totally agree with the puny reservoir.

The wife's steering has had a drip from day one.

When it gets so low that I can't see the fluid, a measured ounce in my nifty turkey-baster will put it up to FULL.

I accidentally traded for a pristine 1972 F-250/Cummins candidate and the power-steering reservoir on it is HUGE, with a seperate dip-stick in a tube, not made on the cap.

If someone has come up with a way to make a larger reservoir for these pumps, I would like to see it.

 

BK - not sure what yuo meant by cutting the crossmember. As far as cooling, leaks or reliability goes, the extra fluid alone goes a long ways towards the health of the system. It certainly isn't in the "best" location for cooling purposes, but any additional heat radiated from the cooler, even if it was in a vacuum, is a plus. Hasn't leaked a drop in a year, so the jury is still out on that, I guess.

Joseph, it's a Powerstroke 7.3 TTI model.

 

The oil pan would not clear the cross member without cutting it. I had to cut about two inches out of it, then boxed it back in. I have a bunch of pictures if I ever have time and figure how to post them.

 

79 f350 front crossmember isnt straight across, it kicks back on the driverside, isnt the best for putting crossover steering on a stock height truck either, we are presently doing this on my buddies gas pulling truck. had to heat up and massage the front crossmember.

 

I believe we're getting a little confused, here.

I was referring to the original poster's 79 Ford, when I was asking about the notched cross-member and the useless Ford steering cooler that is merely a tube snaked across the cross-member.

 

There are something like three bejillion different oil-pans that fit these engines.

Also, the oil-pan will fit either direction.

You can un-screw it, swap ends, and bolt it back on.

Some re-arranging of the pump pick-up is sometimes required.

Handy stuff to know, when putting engines in strange places.

 

Duh.

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