I actually haven't had to change a pump since I added the cooler, & the hydro assist pump. I don't drive fast on anything except snow. It's a trail only jeep, & carry a spare of almost everything just in case.
I'm an ex marine, so being self sufficient in the woods, is kind of my thing. It's more for me to be in the mountains, than tearing it up.
With the welded front end, I've definitely put the steering to the test. All the steps I've made, actually make it work.... As long as I have a hub monkey.:redneck:
That's just the way I've been rolliing for 20 years, & it's been working for me.
I don't put much value in the "hours" or "years" on a Jeep. Sitting dormant, in the moisture Seattle area offers, getting wedged against boulders crawling out, steering in the snow, mud holes etc. are all going to take their tolls.
I've never actually tested pressures or velocity on a power steering system.
When I talk about coefficients, & heat transfer, I'm talking from my education in being a certified balancer, of hydronic & air systems. Fluid dynamics apply to hydraulics as well. Metering is common in all heat transfer designs in water, refrigeration, or even air in cases.
My 5/16" cooler in in the grill, & has a filter between the cooler & the pump, so that restriction again, probably helps any minor bubbles. Plus, I cut the top off an old sump, & added 8" of radiator tube to the fill spout. So the tube has a bit extra resevoir, or burping.
I'm not saying my set up is the best! I'm saying my **** works! If it fails, I might reconsider, but I'm confident my set up is fine.
Better can be the enemy of good enough.
As far as my welded front end. I've run the same carrier for over 20 years. A few years ago, I actually cracked the welds, but we rewelded the piss out of it, & it's still holding up fine. I'm amazed at that, but I chalk that up to "putting around" using my gearing, not hammering it. IF it ever broke, I'd put in a JK54 kit, & an air locker. I just haven't broke my **** yet.:beatdeadhorse:
