Interesting post about power steering hoses. I had a badly leaking steering box in my Mach years back, and replaced it with a used standard box from a friend's convertible "parts car". Fast forward to today, that second used box has become a leaker, so I had my original variable-ratio Saginaw box completely overhauled to new specs. The original box was so worn out even the cast iron body of the box required "sleeving" to bring it into spec. The company who did the steering box overhaul, Lee Manufacturing, checked, replaced or corrected everything . Their rebuilt steering couplers are excellent too, and much nicer than anything NPD or the aftermarket seem to offer.
Anyway, I'm ready to have the new box installed next week by a nearby suspension shop. ( I installed the former 'box, but I can't give up garage space right now to do it myself. )
Back to the original posting about hoses. I bought new hoses from my neighborhood auto parts store, and they are the Edelmann brand, a known manufacturer and a good hose. However, just for comparison, I paid twice what Rock Auto is asking for the same . So, just a though regarding prices as Rock Auto has really good prices.
Lee Manufacturing also highly recommended that I flush all my old fluid from the system ( I've used ATF since I got the car ), and use the "clear" power steering specific fluid in the system. They said the clear fluid has more "lubricity", and the steering will operate more smoothly. O.K., I learn something new every day, so that's what I'll do from now on.
Lastly,...….I asked my boss years ago, when I worked at T&G Motors before I even owned my Mach 1, but I was tuning up a customer's Mach 1, why in hell was that pressure hose so darned long and looped up on top of the cowl-to-shock tower support. His answer was, that it was designed to quiet the pump, which would make a noticeable sound if the hose was short and direct. I've never tested this, but that's what he said, and I've never changed it from the way the factory did it to know anything otherwise . Anyone run a short pressure hose and hear any difference?