Power Steering line question

[Lou Boffa]

I've read several entries on this and how poorly the after market lines are bent and how they dont lay flat on the frame as they are supposed to. After buying 2 sets (one stainless) I'm just going to have a local shop make me some that fit---But my question is..why are the hoses so long? Why the big bend up and back down to attach to the pump..cant figure out why they arent shorter and more direct.

[RodnRudy]

I feel your pain. I'm going through the same thing having just bought a set that don't want to lay right. That big loop aggravates me and is rubbing on the alt. I'm going to find a shop that makes them up also.

[Lou Boffa]

I know. Its crazy. I bought a stainless set--bends are crimped and the angles are bizarre--not even close to what's needed...and way too much hose.

[webfoot]

I needed a replacement for my 71 K20. It didn't even fit between the frame and inner fender. I cut the flare off and reflared it myself, and the end result was a good fit.

[Mmorgan32]

I bought mine from Napa they fit pretty well I was even able to use the clamp that bolts it to the frame. I just figured they made the lines so long so you can take the engine out without unscrewing the lines and laying the pump over to the side. Well that what I did when I pulled my engine at least

[franken]

Looking at the pic in post 2, it seems the lines need rotated CCW a bit which will bring them closer to the frame and 90*, but it all sort of depends on the location of the clamp hole in the frame.
I think the bends in the hard line part are too wide. Never thought about the hose length.
I have a pressure line that has the wrong gender fitting on the pump side, so attention to detail is lacking...

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Lou Boffa

I've read several entries on this and how poorly the after market lines are bent and how they dont lay flat on the frame as they are supposed to. After buying 2 sets (one stainless) I'm just going to have a local shop make me some that fit---But my question is..why are the hoses so long? Why the big bend up and back down to attach to the pump..cant figure out why they arent shorter and more direct.

I had the same problem when I was building my truck. Aeroquip FBC hose is a stainless braid hose with a high pressure teflon liner rated for power steering and brakes. Fittings are pricey but when you cut and tuck these away, they DO look much better. I got mine at Godman Hi Performance in Memphis Tenn.

[Lou Boffa]

that is good looking and makes sense. I just got back from 2 hydraulic shops and neither said they could do it--said the flares never come out right. Nutz.
How long ago did you have yours made Fitz?

[RenoKeene]

Forum member PICKMUP has these made and they are correct, big blocks too.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=545846

[Lou Boffa]

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

Forum member PICKMUP has these made and they are correct, big blocks too.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=545846

Tried those, same thing. Bend is slightly pinched and they are off the frame rail by ~ 2". If I bend them down, they'll crimp.

[RenoKeene]

Lou, mine were big block and fit like a glove. I assumed the small blocks would be the same, sorry.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Lou Boffa

that is good looking and makes sense. I just got back from 2 hydraulic shops and neither said they could do it--said the flares never come out right. Nutz.
How long ago did you have yours made Fitz?

Lou:
I did not have them made. I made them myself. Ordered 2 feet of tube, two high pressure fittings and two low pressure hose clamps. If you were closer and got me the stuff, i would make them for you.

[davepl]

Someone had a batch produced (for the big block, perhaps specific to the 3/4 ton). I think its a board vendor, I'm not sure (you can ask in there). I have no idea what the repros are for, but the ones they sell for the 3/4 ton big block at LMC are NOT even close.

He only had 2 left when I got mine, and it was 100% perfect. PM me if you still need it and I'll connect you with the guy that makes them. The look pretty close to the PICKEMUP units so that's an easier place to start.

[9teen69]

Got mine from PICKMUP and they worked great. Maybe contact him to see if he can exchange for one that is bent correctly.

[Lou Boffa]

I'll do that. Those are perfect. Still cant figure out why they were made with all that hose!

[Thorkle Rod]

I was having the same trouble and took a set from O'Rielys and put them in my tube bender bent them parallel to the frame rail. Still not what I want but, I am settling for now as I have bigger fish to fry right now on the project.

[Thorkle Rod]

picture of my bent lines

[Lou Boffa]

Originally Posted by Thorkle Rod

picture of my bent lines

I think thats going to be my interim solution till I settle on a permanent fix. I need to bend the high pressure one down to the frame and then the bend up from the frsme toward the rear of the truck--that will lay it on the frame and move the hose away from the alternator. I've got some tools ordered from Eastwood to help.
Thanks much.

[centuryhousedw]

So it isn't just me!!!!

I had to replace my power steering hoses Saturday, and having done it on another car in the past I had NO IDEA how frickin' frustrating and tedious it would be on this truck!

I got mine at O'Reilly, and they were WAY off. I didn't have a tool the bend them with so just used a plumbers wrench and my hands and rebent them as best I could. I also had to pry the inner fender up about 5 inches to get a wrench on it. So frustrating.

[Thorkle Rod]

These are what I need but, I can't seem to remember how I got them on my 64,........ I am over 67. (sorry about the Orange glow... after all it is an orange truck)

[Lou Boffa]

Ha! one step forward-2 back. Order the tools to bend my lines from Eastman only to find out that they had a factory fire and the order was "affected" and they'll get back up and running as soon as they can. Little by little.