Power steering replacement

[BrettKoenecke]

I have a 73 Ranger 302 and C4 running 31" KO2's. It has factory power steering and the original pump is pretty much done for. I need to replace it. I find the offerings by the various Bronco houses to be overwhelming.

My sense of this is to get a Saginaw pump with hoses etc and the pulley pressed on already. I don't mind bolting in and hooking up myself. I can't seem to ensure that what Im buying is the easiest for me to install or get installed if I have to go that route.

My other concern is that while I don't have power brakes or disc brakes at present, I do want to have them in the future. Is there a replacement power steering pump that I should consider with that in mind?

Thanks in advance.

 

[thegreatjustino]

This will be as bolt on as it gets:

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/73-77-ford-bronco-power-steering-pump-upgrade-kit


If you plan on using a vacuum booster for power brakes, that has nothing to do with the power steering pump.

If you plan on using hydroboost, that connects to the pump. You should be able to request a dual return pump in the above linked kit. You'd simply plug the second return with a short piece of hose, a bolt, and two hose clamps until you're ready to install the hydroboost.

 

[dmoses42]

Saginaw requires a different bracket than the original Thompson pump. Bronco vendors have them. If you are planning on installing hydroboost for your power brakes (when you get to it) I suggest you go ahead and get the dual return Saginaw and just cap off the second return until you need it. Then you don't have to worry about having to plumb in a second return when you need it. I'm sure some people more knowledgeable than me will respond soon.

 

[BrettKoenecke]

Super helpful thank you.

 

[Lawndart]

My 73 Thompson was done a year or so ago (or many years ago), but then it started leaking too badly in the summer. I researched quite a bit and would like a Saginaw, however I drive it so much in the good weather months that I hate down time. Now I know this is a little bit of a cheat - I decided to just go over to LMC and get their Thompson replacement (they are only 10 miles away) - not worries about brackets, new drive belts, blah blah - that is winter talk. 10000 miles later - still no leaks and no worries.

 

[Eoth]

If you original Thompson has lasted this long then the Saginaw kit that was recommended will probably last you the rest of your life.. The interesting thing is that once you have the bracket, you can get rebuilt Saginaw pumps with lifetime guarantees.