1998 Ranger 2.5 Regular cab 72k miles (Edited to add details)

I consider I am still getting an introduction to Ford Rangers, coming from Toyotas. I got some 16's wheels and decided to swap out the 18's. Started by lifting passenger side only and lock to lock to check out clearance. About 30 minutes later while doing something else (passenger side is still lifted) I noticed a huge puddle of PS Fluid on the floor, below PS Pump location. Popped the hood and found a good sprayed mess mostly on the driver side. Reservoir shows sufficient fluid level, actually more I think.

Earlier I drove this truck say 30miles on errands, and no issue, nor have I ever had any issue with PSFluid leaking/overflowing. I have done lock/lock when installing the 18's a few months back and this never happened.

Wish I had the hood open to see this action. What caused this overflow? I don't have a manual - does it take MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or is the current version the XT-5-QM MERCON-V Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid? And if that's the correct is it ok to use the Wally Super Tech brand MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid?

 

Not sure what year you have but my 98 takes the Mercon V and I use the Supertech most of the time. I've go a 4.0 l but doubt that would matter. I'd have to try to replicate the spray so I could see what was going on.

 

Same 98 2.5, I have added details at the top of OP. I look forward to your finding.

 

I found it does this when the wheel is turned with out the engine running.
Never turn the wheel unless the engine is running and the power steering pump is turning.

Exact same thing too, oil all over the fuse box !

 

Well I will be damned - if that ain’t a fact, God’s a possum.
Thanx Jeff.

 

Good to know! I tried to replicate with the engine running and no go. I think I've turned lock to lock with the wheels off the ground to bleed the rack and it didn't spew. Are you talking about wheels on the ground or off?

 

I think the wheels have to be ON the ground for it to puke fluid (and not running) _ hard to turn the wheel.
It may not do it when the wheels are off the ground, I've never tried it.

I've blead my system when the engine is running turning from lock to lock.

I was replacing the front ball joints and turning the wheel when it was on the ground _ "engine not running" and that's when it happened to me.

 

Gotcha! For bleeding the pump and rack I usually do a few lock to lock turns without the engine running and then fire it up and do it running to finish it up. Always off the ground. Probably old fashioned but I had a vehicle that specified to do it that way. Not sure what Ford recommends but I guess it didn't hurt anything.