351W P/S Pump and Alt. Bracket options?

[casadejohnson]

I have been running the relocation brackets for my P/S pump and alternator on my 351w conversion for close to 15 years. I have never had a problem with it other than thinking it looks kinda half assed. Now with my 4x4x2 rock crawler power steering conversion, my clearance between the steering box and the pump pulley is a matter of a couple millimeters. My first thought was using a slightly shorter belt to gain a little clearance but now I'm thinking about getting some 351W accessory brackets instead. Any suggestions about a good donor? I'm not looking to go serp. I just want a better v belt setup. Also, I plan to get a vintage air setup in the not so distant future so I need to think about how the A/C compressor might fit into this setup as well. I think I'll do a little junkyard research this weekend but I would like to have some ideas/suggestions before I start a blind search. Also, I'm not opposed to a serp setup, I just figured v belt would be easier so if you have a good serp donor for a 351 I'm all ears.

 

[Viperwolf1]

If you go serp, go explorer.

 

[casadejohnson]

If you go serp, go explorer.

The local Nissan Dealer has 3 count em 3 V8 Explorers that were traded on the Cash For Clunkers program. I wish I could snag a few parts before they kill em! Or for serp parts, even after they kill em. Actually, thats why I'm thinking v belt, I have never found an explorer serp for a decent price up my way.

 

[broncnaz]

Your probably going to have to go to the junkyard with a tape measure and compare to what you have. I really dont think many of the 351W factory brackets are going to give you anymore clearance than the EB brackets. A lot of the 351 stuff is a lot bigger and usually the PS pump is mounted lower the the AC compressor mounted almost over it. Good luck with your search.
Did you put a reinforcing plate between the frame and steering box? If not that may help add some extra clearance.

 

[casadejohnson]

Did you put a reinforcing plate between the frame and steering box? If not that may help add some extra clearance.

Yea, I fixed the cracks in the frame then welded 1/4' Plate over the top on both sides. I tried to get in there with the camera to get a photo of how close it is but it's blurry as hell. I'll try to get one in the daylight. Its just really close and I think a major bump or a slight slip of the adjustor and I'll have contact.

 

[hmaspec]

Hi
I just did what you were thinking about except I did a serp conversion, I bought a multi steer pump bracket from BCB($99) and it also had a AC mount . Will work with the V belt too. Good fit!..oh I have a 351 too!

Howard

 

[ak68]

x2 on the multi-steer bracket. I bought one of those also for my 393 with
4x4x2 steering. It is kind of tight getting to the nut on the adjuster bolt though.

 

[screamin reel]

I did my serp. conversion from a 90's van.

I only have a 1" body lift and everything fit well. Did have to cut and trim a bit of the PS pump bracket but no biggie.

Not sure if the 4x2 is higher and longer though.

 

[broncnaz]

I was looking at a WH catolog and it appears that a saginaw pump with a serp pulley is 1/4" smaller than a V belt pulley. That might help you a bit.

 

[casadejohnson]

I did my serp. conversion from a 90's van.

I only have a 1" body lift and everything fit well. Did have to cut and trim a bit of the PS pump bracket but no biggie.

Not sure if the 4x2 is higher and longer though.

The 4x4x2 box has the lines coming into the sides so I'm betting this would work. Did the van setup you used have A/C? I assume a 90's van would. Is so where did it sit and how did you eliminate it on your setup?