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Explorer PS pump not enough with 351W serp setup and hydroboost

guidoverduci

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2012
Messages
731
Loc.
NorCal
My current setup is 351W with hydroboost and explorer front dress. I have the stock explorer power steering pump. It works decent when RPMs are 1500+, but not so much when idle. I’m thinking it’s just not enough to move the 35s. I’ve read about saginaw pumps being the answer. Is there a recommended kit or pump / bracket setup that works with my setup? No A/C.
 
OP
OP
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guidoverduci

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2012
Messages
731
Loc.
NorCal
Anyone have input on single or dual return Saginaw pump? I currently have hydroboost w/ it teed into box and pump.
 

toddz69

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Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 28, 2001
Messages
10,394
Lee power steering can hop up the explorer pump to flow better, or you can switch to TC pump as well.
Unfortunately as of a few years ago, Lee stopped modding the stock Explorer pumps. Their kit now uses the CBR pump (very similar to the TC pump).

Todd Z.
 

lars

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Been here awhile
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Jun 29, 2001
Messages
3,141
Loc.
NorCal flatlands
I count myself lucky.

The Explorer pump that runs my steering and hydroboost, 35" tires etc, came from an unknown junkyard source in the Seattle area around 2005, after which I installed it as part of an Explorer front dress swap. Lord knows how many miles were on it at the time. I've added around 150k. It refuses to die and unfailingly continues to run the steering and brakes even at low idle in all the terrain (arguably fairly mild these days) that I throw at it.

Those Explorer pumps, they don't get no respect.
 

ksagis

Contributor
Aspiring Bronco Guru
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Jun 15, 2020
Messages
293
I count myself lucky.

The Explorer pump that runs my steering and hydroboost, 35" tires etc, came from an unknown junkyard source in the Seattle area around 2005, after which I installed it as part of an Explorer front dress swap. Lord knows how many miles were on it at the time. I've added around 150k. It refuses to die and unfailingly continues to run the steering and brakes even at low idle in all the terrain (arguably fairly mild these days) that I throw at it.

Those Explorer pumps, they don't get no respect.
For sure, like Rodney Dangerfield! :)

Can also get overdrive pulley to spin it a bit fastet.
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
35,316
I wonder if this might be one of the cases where the adaptor that screws into the pump is a hair too long and slightly opening the bypass? Just enough that idle sucks, but at RPM it's fine.
 

lars

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Jun 29, 2001
Messages
3,141
Loc.
NorCal flatlands
I wonder if this might be one of the cases where the adaptor that screws into the pump is a hair too long and slightly opening the bypass? Just enough that idle sucks, but at RPM it's fine.
^^^ Had forgotten about that little issue. The bypass is located by the adapter that screws into the output port. There is an inexpensive aftermarket AN6 adapter fitting that fits the port but messes the depth position up- people use it, pump doesn't work, they reject the pump when the real problem was the fitting.

Lee Power Steering used to sell an adapter fitting that sets the depth correctly. That's what I've had on mine since I installed it. Found out the hard way helping others how critical that is.
 

DirtDonk

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Nov 3, 2003
Messages
48,570
We should still have our adapter in stock as well. It’s never caused a problem that I’m aware of.
 

Got4wd

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Jan 22, 2009
Messages
34
Loc.
Texas
^^^ Had forgotten about that little issue. The bypass is located by the adapter that screws into the output port. There is an inexpensive aftermarket AN6 adapter fitting that fits the port but messes the depth position up- people use it, pump doesn't work, they reject the pump when the real problem was the fitting.

Lee Power Steering used to sell an adapter fitting that sets the depth correctly. That's what I've had on mine since I installed it. Found out the hard way helping others how critical that is.
When you say “adapter” are you saying the aluminum washer they sell?
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
35,316
No. The fitting that screws into the pump and gives you an AN-6 male fitting that you attach your custom hoses to.
 
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