I currently own a 97 2.3L XL, It doesn't have power steering or air conditioning, I went out and got a donor truck from my uncle (96 2.3L XLT) That has both the options. I have been looking into how to put AC on my 97 ranger but I keep running into the problem that no matter how you look at it without the P/S pump the belt won't work. I was hoping that someone might know a way to either install a bypass pulley where the P/S pump is. Or maybe there's a way I could just join the lines so that the P/S pump is just free wheeling. Thank you in advance, This is my first post on one of these sites so please bear with me.

 

Welcome to the forum

Google: Ford Power steering pump rebuild
There are a few videos
Saw one for 1993 ranger

Goal would be to remove the "pump" parts/vanes and then block off both hose ports
Fill with fluid to keep bearings lubed
And you have an idler pulley

 

Thank you for your input, I'm going to look into it tonight and see what I can find, the quick search I just did just showed a bunch of gaskets/orings, does that sound right?

 

No, you were looking at rebuild KITS
Which you shouldn't need since there will not be any pressure inside the pump


Google: Ford Power Steering Pump Rebuild - YouTube
26min video

Looks like the shaft is held by a C-clip
And uses a vaned wheel with inserts to pump fluid, reassemble without the inserts, that should cause 0 pressure at the ports, no out and no suction