I know that no one asked for my opinion but hopefully someone will find this post useful.
I see two different ways to tackle this issue. The first, as many have tried, is to upgrade components to address the steering issues experienced. The problem, as @
bigred1097 points out, is that not all of the aftermarket components perform the same way the stock component being replaced. This means instead of replacing components, you end up replacing the entire system. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a complete aftermarket; engineered steering system solution for our trucks yet. What is even more challenging is understanding what your system capacity needs are (since each of our trucks are set-up differently) by calculating the additional load the aftermarket wheels, tires, upper & lower control arms, tie rods, weight from lights etc... place on the steering system of our trucks and being able to properly size a new aftermarket rack, reservoir, pump, hyd lines and cooler to be able to handle that additional load. Without the ability to properly determine the load and size the components accordingly, we are left with guessing and checking. In this case, our guess and check testing method has left many with failed components and inoperable trucks.
The other option, is to work on reducing the load the steering components are exposed to with the hopes of allowing the stock system to function efficiently. Unfortunately, for most (and you probably don't want to hear this) means removing many of the modifications you made on your truck which increased the load on our steering components.
I understand option 2 doesn't work for everyone, however; the silver lining is that our trucks are very capable and extremely fun in their stock err...semi-stock(lets not be unreasonable here) form (see @
Raptizzle cost-to-fun ratio thread
http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f9/cost-fun-ratio-worth-39202/#post790443 ).
I am not trying to bash any of the aftermarket components or companies. Ultimately it is our responsibility as the truck owner and component integrator to understand the system load and choose the correct component/system upgrades as necessary.
Keep in mind too, that the point of the failure is not always the location of the problem. What I mean is that an overflow of the PS reservoir might not mean your reservoir is bad. Everything is integrated into a system, all parts work together and there are trade-offs to changing components. For instance pressure caps on reservoirs reduce cavitation in the fluid but can cause heat build up etc...
All this said, the stock PS system does suck, however; I recommend not adding insult to injury with certain mods.
