I searched and came up with conflicting answers, so let's try a new thread.

The high-pressure power steering line on my '98 4.0 just started leaking where the rubber and metal parts meet, so I'm about to order a replacement from Rock Auto made by AC Delco.

I changed the power steering fluid about a year and a half ago and used Prestone power steering fluid. Leak aside, it seems to work fine, though perhaps the pump is a tad bit louder. Hard to say exactly. The manual recommends Mopar power steering fluid, so I figured I'd give it a try this time since I have to drain it to replace the line. Is this stuff any different than what I get off the shelf from Auto Zone, and is it worth using it? Some other people recommend ATF, but I'm not so sure I want to go in that direction, particularly because the clear PS fluid makes tracking down the source of the leak much easier.

It's part #68218064AA and is 10 bucks a quart on Amazon.

 

I've used off the shelf stuff forever.

 

Can never go wrong with oem stuff.

 

I have a '04 pump on my '88.

Pump cost me $20

I can afford another $20 pump.

 

Some things are critical. Some things are not.

This is one of those things that is not critical.

Some people use DexIII/Merc ATF with good results.

 

Not necessary. These things aren't European pieces of crap.

 

I know people might jump all over me on this but I've used Lucas Oil Power Steering Stop Leak and have had great results (quieter pump and no leaks). Used it for over two years on one vehicle (Suburban) and just put in my '84 Grand Wagoneer. If you have the money and time, I guess all new is best but depends on what you need. Just my $0.02.

 

Well, if that same Saginaw steering gear were in a GM product, they'd spec GM power steering fluid. ATF works just fine, or generic PS fluid, neither the pump nor the gear cares.

Agreed on the Lucas. It's the one Lucas product that actually does something useful. It's smoothed out old steering racks, stopped minor leaks, quieted noisy pumps.

 

LOL. I've had good luck with Valvoline MaxLife Dex /Merc. Yep, not fussy at all.

 

Right on Greg. No fussiness here either.

 

Good brand^^^^. As stated no issue with non OEM.

 

I ended up using this stuff. From what I can tell, it's basically ATF+4. Any concerns with it? The bottle mentions it's for post-1998 Chrysler products.