What is the difference (if any) between the '82-84 V-8 power steering pumps and the '85-87 (305) V-8 pumps? They look the same to me but are often times listed as different part numbers when buying replacements for them.

 

Erased my post. Misread question and my response was off topic.

 

Wait...
Was the question asked about Pumps or Steering-Gears?

In regard to Pumps...
Pressures and Flow-Rates differ between Models...
The Pressure Regulator Valve, Spring, Bypass Valve, Spring, and Flow Orifice Fitting are the Components that dictate the Pressure and Flow-Rates...
And thus are the Components that vary between Models.

Components shown below:



Saginaw does have other Designs/ Pumps that differ in Volume/ Pump size (the actual Vane-Pump, NOT the Pump Assembly) for different types and sizes of Steering-Gears
(Box vs Rack... Hydro-Boost vs NO Hydro-Boost... and Trucks vs Cars).

 

Oh, crap.

 

Yes, I was wondering about the pumps not the steering gears, and yes I know of the inner workings of the Saginaw pumps because I have rebuilt several of them. I was thinking there might be different flow rates between the older and later ones. Also, I've seen some pump assemblies with the pumps clocked slightly different in the reservoirs than others - apparently for different style brackets: for example for the triangular cradle style bracket that I have the mounting holes have to be at an angle, otherwise the bracket won't bolt on. I got a pump at Oreillys that was supposed to be for my car's set-up but the bracket holes were straight across, so there must have been another V-belt mounting bracket set-up that was used on the 3rd gens besides what I have.