Hi guys!
I've exhausted every possibility I can think of trying to get what is probably a "you idiot" answer, but just to be sure before I reassemble everything and have to pay someone to fix this silly thing I thought I'd ask...
Two weeks ago, I replaced the rad in the truck - got a double-core because it's run hot since I bought it, and thought that someone may have replaced the oem with a cheap single-core aftermarket. Truck has air, but is 5 speed so no trans cooler lines, but would overheat at idle on hot days.
After backflushing the system and replacing the rad, I found that the cooling was really no better. No big deal, fan clutches and water pumps are cheap and the double-core rad certainly won't hurt on 100 degree days. I'd previously tested and installed a new thermostat, one last year and one this.
I began to tear down the truck to replace the pump, following the directions in a paid-subscription service manual and refering to everything else I could find online. What I can't find is a really good diagram of the location of the bolts on the power steering pump bracket, and the one bolt I can't get off looks like it's crucial.
I got the air compressor off easily enough, but I am hung up at the power steering bracket, like everyone else.
I managed to get the two below the pump off (2, 3 in picture) and the two from behind the compressor (4, 5). 4 was a stud, 5 had a bracket with cables /wiring on it.
****NOW THE QUESTION IS****
The bolt numbered 1 that has the breaker bar and socket on it - I'm assuming that one HAS to come off? (I'm hoping it doesn't and I've missed something somewhere). I have freed this bolt from the front of the bracket with heat, but it seems like it is perma-rusted to the block and I'm scared of applying too much pressure.
I've P-Blasted it, rapped it, heated it...am I missing any tricks?
Has anyone had any luck using an impact wrench on this type of bolt, or will I end up giving my tap and die set a workout?? (or my friendly neighborhood mechanic $300+ dollars?)
( Did I mention that this truck seems like it was soaked in a central-PA salt lick for a couple of years? EVERYTHING is a mass of rust... )
Thanks so much guys for pointing me in the right direction. I know it will seem ridiculously simple for someone who's done one on this truck, I just hate making really expensive mistakes, almost as much as I hate to be beaten by a piece of scrap iron !
I love my truck, just wish it would play nice now and then...
Thanks for any help you can offer!
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Catwood, female, 52 of Marcus Hook, PA (formerly of Edmonton / Grande Cache, AB, CANADA), IT Manager and professional computer geek, "just handy enough to be dangerous"
1996 Ranger 4X4 3.0L, black on 31X10 50R15's, 3" lift, Westin step bars, bull bar, other toys