Hey Everyone, I'm a returning user to this forum but couldn't recall my old user name and the registered email is long gone. I didn't find much info on Saginaw conversion issue I'm seeing in the search, so here we are.
https://proquipped.com/shop/ols/products/p1-adapter-kit

I have a 1998 3.0 4x4 5spd with 320k miles I've owned since 2004 that still runs surprisingly well. I recently came across the Saginaw TC power steering kit and decided to pull the trigger as the old pump was getting extra noisy even tho the entire PS system was replaced about 3yrs (25k mi) ago. Fluid that came out of the system still looked good but I drained it all out anyway. Install was fairly straight forward and the silence in comparison to the stock PS was definitely worth the effort. The truck mainly gets used to run local errands and creep around the ranch now. .

The issue I have is that I lose power steering assistance randomly. I chalked it up to air in system initially even though I cycled the steering several times to get all the air out and reservoir is at the appropriate fill level. The pump is a new unit off RockAuto. Per the install directions, i swapped the orifice adapters on the pump to match up with the ranger hoses. Giving it throttle sometimes resolves the issue but not always. I did install a Underdog Crank under-pulley back in the day to unleash the 3.0's massive potential. Not sure if the lower RPM from the under pulley is somehow affecting the Saginaw PS pump.

Just looking for input before start to consider swapping the PS pump.

JM

New Braunfels, TX
1998 XLT 3.0L 4x4 5spd
2011 XL 2.3L 2wd 5spd