PSC power steering pump/ram assist kit for 1st gen 3.4L

I'm looking for some help/pointer from actual owners/users of these parts who have installed them in their truck, specifically the 5vz engine. Truck is a 2002 DC.

I contact PSC and they advised me I can use the following parts:
-ram: #SC2206K (1.5x6 for toyota knuckles)
-pump kit: #PK1200X (need to source a bracket for mounting the pump)
-pressure line: #HK1230
-4 grooved pulley: #PP2465

TIA

 

Parts listed seem right, I bought PSCs kit back when they use to offer the 3.4l package.

Might have a few pics in my build thread.

Utilizes TGs bracket to mount the TC style pump onto the engine block. http://www.trail-gear.com/product/4844/ps-pump-bracket-kit-tacoma

Recommend 2 things:

Buy all rebuildable fittings

Buy plenty of hose because none of their kits come with enough length needed.

 

Thanks, didn't think tg would sell the bracket until now. Sweet!

 

I bought their power steering pump last year (3.4 kit has been discontinued) with a pulley, reservoir and whatever hose they provided with their fitting (already had a ram). Besides the fittings, the kit is junk. They don't drill out the mounting hole to fit a 3.4l anymore (fits other toyota motors but not the 3.4) so you have to do that yourself and they don't provide a quarter of the amount of hose needed. And drilling that hole out isn't easy. No easy way to keep it level and its only cast so good chance you can easily break the 2 long "tabs" off if the drill bit catches or twists the wrong way. Also have to grind the bolt head down to fit inside the pulley and to get it into the motor bracket. Maybe I got the wrong pump but everything checked out with them over the phone and was warned of this before I ordered and no chance for returns.

Thought I made the right choice going with psc (everyone I know runs their stuff) but had lots of problems and after seeing trail gears pump in person it is identical and everything is already made to fit. a true bolt on option.

For the money I would buy trail gears pump and bracket, get rebuildable fitting and the hose from a local hose shop and do it that way. The trail gear pumps have great reviews with long lasting and 2 different flow rates. Put it all together with either ram you choose as you will probably have to install a spacer to shorten the throw to save your knuckle studs.

 

Dang it, I'm getting mix review now. Users of TG setup say its horrible and to go with PSC. Maybe thats why PSC discontinued the 3.4 kit?

Who else recommend TG?

 

90% of people on here and most forums don't like tg so no one on here will recommend them but everyone ive talked to out on the trails like it a lot and ive had good success with a lot of their products. Have a buddy who just put one on his 83 after burning up a different brand and haven't had any problems. A lot of guys building buggies and mini ultra 4 cars are starting to run TG's 9 in axles and full hydro and pumps so they must work well. Their quality has come a long ways in the last year and their customer service is second to none especially when you order through someone like lowrange. ANd most their stuff can be had within the week if need be.

I wouldnt get TGs kit I would just get their pump, bracket, and ram. Then go to a local hose supply place and get the amount of hose you need with the rebuildable fittings or just have them crimp on fittings.

If you don't mind fussing with the pump and drilling the hole and grinding the pulley holes, go with that. PSC told me they use to machine the hole and pulley to work with the 3.4 but don't do it anymore and that may be why ive had so many issues. But besides that, they provided like a 3 foot section of hose and 1 90* fitting with the rest being straight. My setup isn't anything different than 99% of other Toyotas out there (steering box location, pump location, etc.) and I had to get a bunch of 90* fittings along with a ton more hose.

And like I said. could have been a different pump or something but it all works fine now just took a ton more work then it should have.

 

Never used TG hydro stuff but for what its worth...EVERY PSC kit that I've had (3 of them now) left me not so happy. They all have leaked (from the pumps, reservoirs, lines they supply), all of them have seemed to get too hot (even with running in line coolers) and always end up cavitating and getting all frothy and noisy on longer trails. I'm sure there are TONS of happy PSC customers out there, maybe I've just had bad luck with them but who knows.

From now on, I will pay the extra and run Howell equipment, have a few buddies who run their stuff and they never have issues, just seems like much better quality. Not sure if they list a "3.4 kit" or anything but if you call them I'm sure they can put one together for you. Will probably be a bit more expensive but I like doing things once and knowing its done right.

 

True to that, buy once and cry once

"howe" correct?

 

Yeah, Howe... autocorrect on the phone wins again!

 

PSC parts here (hydro assist) with TG power steering pump bracket.

TG bracket: seems to work well.

PSC parts: noisy pump is my complaint so far. 9 out of ten people I talk to tell me their pumps are noisy too. Go figure.

 

Seemed like everything aftermarket have issue? Spoke to some locals who run TG entire kit say the same thing: runs hot even with cooler, noisy, leaks, dry spot when turning etc

 

Not sure. Could be.

It’s probably just the nature of the game when you start modifying steering systems in general.

 

I don't care about the noise and don't actually hear the pump unless I go full lock and accidentaly push it some more (squeals). I don't have problems with cavitation or it getting hot or I don't notice it lol. But do have an inline cooler and the resivor above the pump. Main problem with psc is the part not fitting, lack of hose and wrong fittings.

I also chalk it up to nothing is "bolt on" anymore and just about everything will require work to fit.

And then I also think about what the part is doing. Turning 37 in tires at 10psi on sandstone/redrock crammed in a v notch, I expect the dang thing to make some noise lol. Tells me to back off a little. But I also always try to be moving when I steer to take the stress off of a lot of things. My truck makes all sorts of noises but I know what the noises are and don't let them bother me. or just turn up the radio lol.

 

Its understandable when actually on the trail but 2 TG user I spoke with and listen to their pump is very annoying. Both whine as if running dry on idle when engine is turned over without moving steering wheel, both are full of fluid and you can actually see fluid moving in the reservoir. One is 13 month old (just out of warranty) other is 18 month.

I'll contact Howe and see what they can do. If not, I still prefer PSC over TG

 

That’s exactly what frustrates people about the PSC pumps as well. They tend to whine even if you are iddling without any load. To be honest, it’s not a big deal just an annoyance

 

Wow, Howe is out of my budget for now. I'll just go with PSC.

Howe want 1k (I must provide gear box and pump) for them to rebuilt, tap, and drilled for hi flow/ram assist

 

Just get TGs box drilled and pretapped for like 300 bucks. No issues with mine and do whatever kit you want/.

 

That's the goal. TG tap/drilled ifs gear box and the rest be PSC

 

I know this is a random question but, can the PSC pump be bolted on to the TG bracket after the pulley is installed?
I'm guessing yes but I know it's a pain to get the OEM pump unbolted with the pulley in the way.

The reason I ask is I am on a time crunch and shipping during the holidays may screw me.
I have a new PSC pump kit sitting in the garage and a TG pump bracket coming.
I am thinking about installing the pump with pulley and running all the lines, mount the resi, etc so that I can start flushing the system. That way as soon as I get the bracket delivered I can bolt it on and be 95% ready to roll with maybe just a little bleeding of the system left to do.

Thanks for any advice.

 

I mounted mine with the pulley already on the pump. I have the 3.4 and the psc pump bolt hole had to be drilled out as well as the tg bracket clearenced.