ARCHIVE Wits' End- so much free time to develop more stupid crap (AKA PS plug)

[Proven]

I like what @crtx said. As oddball as something like this seems, it was designed like this for some reason. I'll always be hesitant to permanently seal something that wasn't that way from the factory.

I really like that Joey's version keeps that in mine with a thoughtful tether to keep from losing the plug too.

 

[NLXTACY]

Based on a reply from instagram, one of the pumps that blew the OEM standard plug, was overheating on switchbacks, which supports the idea that the plug functions as a way to prevent catastrophic failure from high pressure build up.

I would be hesitant to "permanently" plug it with some of the other ideas mentioned such as threading or staking it.

Joey's design would give you a chance to possible identify the overheating issue, or give it time to cool down, re-plug, and refill with ATF fluid.

Yup, expansion plug

 

[retrofive]

Don't worry, I promise the next one will be less than a year away

Like 2 weeks so you dont have to move inventory?

 

[Atomic City]

So being new to the LC world - just how often does this issue with the PS pump happen? I purchased a reman unit from Toyota for my rig, and I plan on eventually running 37s. I am also in the crowd that doesn't really like permanently plugging things that weren't originally designed to be plugged.

 

[NLXTACY]

So being new to the LC world - just how often does this issue with the PS pump happen? I purchased a reman unit from Toyota for my rig, and I plan on eventually running 37s. I am also in the crowd that doesn't really like permanently plugging things that weren't originally designed to be plugged.

exactly. Toyota made it an expansion plug for a reason.

 

[retrofive]

So being new to the LC world - just how often does this issue with the PS pump happen? I purchased a reman unit from Toyota for my rig, and I plan on eventually running 37s. I am also in the crowd that doesn't really like permanently plugging things that weren't originally designed to be plugged.

I would say not often, but these trucks are getting up there in years and miles. In other words have read several stories here, but not like the PHH or checking your nutz.

 

[jjdeneen918]

If your worried about over heating the stock PS system, replace the PS “paper clip” cooler with Joey’s Derale PS cooler set up.

80 Series 1FZ Power Steering Cooler and Hose Upgrade Kit

80 Series 1FZ Power Steering Cooler and Hose Upgrade Kit (PSC-1KIT)

absolute-wits-end.com

Or you can’t get even more cooling with adding a finned power steering reservoir from Appleton too.

 

[retrofive]

If your worried about over heating the stock PS system, replace the PS “paper clip” cooler with Joey’s Derale PS cooler set up.

View attachment 2223395

80 Series 1FZ Power Steering Cooler and Hose Upgrade Kit

80 Series 1FZ Power Steering Cooler and Hose Upgrade Kit (PSC-1KIT)

absolute-wits-end.com

Or you can’t get even more cooling with adding a finned power steering reservoir from Appleton too.

View attachment 2223397

Pfft. What does that guy know about overheating!

 

[ppc]

So being new to the LC world - just how often does this issue with the PS pump happen? I purchased a reman unit from Toyota for my rig, and I plan on eventually running 37s. I am also in the crowd that doesn't really like permanently plugging things that weren't originally designed to be plugged.

Seems to be selective reasoning. Did Toyota ever design the 80 series to run 37" tires? I think not.

 

[Atomic City]

Seems to be selective reasoning. Did Toyota ever design the 80 series to run 37" tires? I think not.

Yep. However, the PS pump was never meant to be totally sealed - otherwise they would have done that. The 37s are only going to make it harder on the power steering pump. Permanently sealing that back port seems to be only removing a fail-safe that will prevent a complete catastrophic failure of the pump. As it stands, I don't see a way to "beef up" the power steering pump with a stronger aftermarket unit.

Now, for the 37s, I am going to be taking measures to try and upgrade other things to handle the more extreme environment they will impart with stronger components, geometry corrections, etc. So yeah, you are right - my reasoning is selective - mainly because I don't like the idea of welding a crude pressure relief valve shut.

Probably a moot point anyway. For now, I am going to do nothing and see if I eject the plug. Hopefully nothing will become of it.

 

[LC4LIFE]

YAs it stands, I don't see a way to "beef up" the power steering pump

Hydro assist is about the only way. It reduces the chance of twisting the sector shaft as well.

This solution to the OEM plug is very elegant. I like it a lot.

 

[LandLocked93]

had a local lose their plug in Death Valley. Made a fun trip into a not so fun trip. I had him whittle some wood to make a temp plug. Worked. Got me thinking.

Been thinking about it since we last discussed it. Nice

 

[Outsane]

Another fantastic product, nicely done.

 

[Flank]

Now I get to have extra anxiety on top of the pile. Shouldn't this be sold as a SHTF keychain fob? Goes on the same keychain as the console lockbox Medlock key? need to do one of those twist lock cables so you can undo it for your keys...

 

[Rusty Marlin]

I'm thinking when I get in there to reseal the pump I'll tether the stock plug; that way if it pops out, it will still be there.

 

[Haspin FJ]

One of my favorite thread titles ever. This one hits home for me though because my introduction into the world of 80's started with me rounding up a mechanic friend and his son and taking a 7 hour ride to GA to buy my truck. On the way home I thought I felt a strange feeling in the steering on the highway and when we got off an exit for a promised stop in Fudruckers as payment for my friend it was obvious of lost my PS. Needless to say it was this damn plug but on a new aftermarket unit the PO had just installed. Long story is I'd never had a timing gear driven pump and was worried it might lock up on another 5+ hours on the highway without fluid and we got super lucky rounding up the only ps pump we could find in the area at NAPA 10 minutes before they closed on a Saturday and wound up getting the gear zapped off the old pump and on the new one 5 minutes before the service area of a pep boys we had taken it to was closing and left their lot just before the store closed. Something I would of not found in stock anywhere in my area but they're more popular in the GA/TN area. Had it happen again on the way to a 4 wheeling trip which in hindsight seemed like an omen. Had a friend make a block off plate and have a spare from the "warranty" on the original pump that failed but I'm going to have to have one of these.

On a side note my head gasket failed on the next trip my truck took when I got home, lol. Was actually happy though as I did know they were an issue and would of always been worried about it since I bought it to wheel and go to remote places.

 

[JLH911]

"about 2" long and just pound it in the hole " Uhhhhhh huhuh huhuhuh

 

[NLXTACY]

First batch almost ready to ship out

 

[PeterTheBeater]

Or you can’t get even more cooling with adding a finned power steering reservoir from Appleton too.

View attachment 2223397

I need this

 

[NLXTACY]

Next batch ready. Orders will ship out in the next day or so.