Capping the power steering system temporarily?

[craigjohnston3]

Hello, new to the forum so not sure if this belongs here or not...

Trying to replace a borgeson self contained power steering pump on my 78 C10 with a 383 stroker. Got a new pump in but the high pressure fitting on the back of the pump is in the wrong place and hits the block rendering it useless.

My question is this: While waiting on the return to ship and the correct part to come in, can I cap my power steering lines and tie them back and drive the truck with no power steering? Or is there a possibility of damaging the steering box by doing so?

Any info will help,
Thanks.

[zieg85]

Many years ago we would keep the box full and looped the 2 lines together as a temporary fix when money was tight.  I went over a year that way and when I had the scratch I fixed it right.  Didn't seem to hurt the box any after the fact.  Sure was tough steering it, way worse than a manual box for sure.

[Engineer]

Loop a hose from one fitting to the other on the box. This is mostly to keep water out. Then drive it.

I don't however, recommend doing this to the pump. If the pump can't pump to the box then you need to remove the belt.