scberry

Hi all,

New to YT. Hello to all.

I had a '91 22RE 4x4 pickup. I had 31x10.5x15's on. No lift. The powers steering felt ample and I could easily handle intersection turns with one hand. -hard to quantify the feel - not a 70's caddy steering, but in the 2yrs I had it, it never entered my mind that if felt under powered.

R.I.P. 22RE. I smacked it up pretty good. long story but I moved on...

I just picked up a '94 3V 4x4 pickup with 32x11.5x15's, 3in sus lift. Holy crap, it's like turning a tank. I'm hesitant to not keep two hands on the wheel as the power steering just feels so underpowered. It had a leak when I got and they replaced the pump as that is where the leak was coming from so I figured that would be it, but it drives just the same. There's no way I would try some of the quicker uturns or fancy parking lot manuever. I could manage in the 22RE. the '94 just feels sluggish, heavy, underpowered in comparision.

Wondering if anyone has had the same experience, if there is something the shop missed (reputable place, good guys) or if that is just the way that truck rolls?? Are there economcial 'upgrade' possibilities to give it a boost?

I've done a little poking around on the web, but haven't come up with anything related yet... thoughts? Thanks.

Gamefreakgc

Not an expert on power steering, but I know there's a way to pressure test via the service manual. Also, if there's air in the system you'll need to bleed it, you can check by warming up the engine and cranking the steering back and forth for a bit. If there's any bubbles you've got significant air in the system. Once again, refer to the FSM on how to bleed.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

I would try bleeding the system. The way I do it is to raise the front tires off of the ground and go from stop to stop in both directions. I could take several turns back and forth to get it but with the tires off of the ground it will save you a sore arm. I would say 5 times both ways maybe more.

vanduzerwilliam

If it makes any difference I'm running 33x12.50 BFG a/t and exactly how you explained it.. Like turning a tank. I do have a power steering leak but it's minor and I'm trying to find a new pump and lines and see if that changes anything. Good luck ^^