Easy DIY Power Steering Hose for Explorer Pump

[dclack]

I just thought I'd share how I made my own power steering hose to work with the Explorer pump and metric fitting. It seems most people either have a custom hose made at a hydraulic shop or buy a metric to AN adapter and an AN hose adapted to the gear box. Both options are excellent and I'm sure they work fine; not trying to steer anyone away from them. But, since I'd like to be able to 'buy' a replacement at any parts store as opposed to carrying a spare and I kept everything I thought I might need when I parted out the Explorer, I got to looking at the stock hose and guess what? The metric fitting at the rack end of the hose is attached to standard 3/8" tube. So, here's the stock hose next to my hose that went from the Bronco pump to a 2wd F150 box.



The first thing I found is that the 90° bend coming off the pump is a little too close to the hood for a 351 (probably fine on a 302). A little work with the tube bender fixed that. Then I cut off the metric fitting, slid on a 3/8" tube nut, flared it, and added the correct inverted flare adapter to fit it in the gear box (IIRC my F150 box has a 5/16" port).



And there you have it. A 'custom' hose for the Explorer pump that I can easily replicate at any parts store. Just have to buy a hose for a '96 Explorer; borrow their tube cutter, bender, and flare tool; and in less than 10 minutes I'd have a brand new replacement hose. This cost me about $6 for the two fittings. ;D





I was able to move the stock support bracket up the hose and with minimal bending and twisting I bolted it to the upper right AC pump bolt to help hold the hose in place.

 

[rjrobin2002]

Nice worllk. I just did this the other day and got the hose for $30 from ABC, then got the explorer steering box end cut off, then got my hose shop to crimp a standard 5/8" bronco thread on.

 

[bmc69]

I simply converted the pressure port to male -6AN...

 

[agboy91]

Can y'all post up part numbers for the fittings you are using? Thanks.

 

[dclack]

If you're asking about the -6AN part numbers, they're listed in the tech article here... http://classicbroncos.com/tech/explorer-5-0-serpentine-accessory-drive-belt-conversion

If you're talking about my fittings, I don't have any numbers. Just go to your local hardware store and dig through their brass fittings for 1 - 3/8" tube nut and 1 adapter to go from 3/8" inverted flare to whatever male thread you need for your box.

 

[garberz]

That mod looks like it works fine, but I would still carry a spare, made up ready to go. I wouldn't count on any auto parts store having one in stock. Too many variables when modifying stock parts. It can be tough to replicate when your not in your garage. I went with the reusable AN fittings route. And I have the Lee's adapter on my Explorer pump.

Mark