Can I convert to manual steering like this?

[team39763]

I have a 86 1/2 ton truck and the hoses on the power steering system are either not connected right or busted somewhere and the threads are possibly stripped.  The truck has been run for atleast a year without any fluid in the power steering tank (by previous owner).  I was thinking of just removing the pulley and everything from the block and just cap of the hoses going to the box.  Will this work or will I have problems?  The way I see it, the pump should have already burned up, and I don't seem to have any problems turning the steering wheel at this point, so the P.S. system is just garbage I don't need.  Will I need to keep the belt/pulley connected or not? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[liljon285]

Thats what I was thinking of doing with my truck, but I was afraid to mess anything up, plus i have a small steering wheel and just turned 16 I need to go to a gym for about a few months before i get used to steering without it lol.

[cruppert77]

Just cut the belt and empty the fluid. But it's pretty cheap to fix. I drove one that way for a year when I was 18....it will give you some strong forearms.

[team39763]

LOL.  I've never driven a car without power steering, but I imagine it would be about as hard as steering a vehicle with the motor off.  I think I will cut the belt and see how it drives in the morning.  Thanks ya'll.

[roundedline]

I would remove the belt not cut it.  you will probably want to put it back on.  Does the pump have any fluid in it at all?  You are going to end up putting the power back on because it is a BEAR to turn a PS pump with no power.

You can fill the box and run a hose from one side to another, but I wouldn't block it off, it will really be hard to turn.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[The Devils SWB]

I think that it would be easier to Turn with an ACTUAL Manual Steering than with a Disconnected Power Steering Pump. You could probably get a nice Pump from a Junkyard somewhere and replace that setup for a very modest cost. I had some Power Steering problems in my Truck and Spent the Whole weekend on it, but i was Glad i had done it in the end. Besides, i think a Rebuilt PS Pump is Pretty cheap too. Check you all your options first is my Advice.

[team39763]

I finally got it working right.  The fittings needed to be connected properly and after filling it, it stayed full.  Now I just need to adjust the slack in the steering wheel.  I'm plannin' a Gen III swap soon, so I think I'll be replacing some part of the system(I think).  Thanks ya'll.