88 YJ-CJ Steering Box, Hoses, Serpentine Support, etc

Lots of random stuff:

Power Steering Gear Box and Hoses 

After painting the brackets and bolts, I got the newly rebuilt power steering gearbox installed:

The bracket that goes between the frame and power steering gearbox got cleaned, primed and painted:

The mounting bolts for the Power Steering Gearbox also got cleaned, primed and painted:

Installed!

I quickly pivoted over to checking out power steering hoses, as I figured that it may be difficult.  (Spoiler alert: it has been difficult!)

Old Chevy Return Hose - not even close!

Another view of the old Chevy Return Hose

This is the old Chevy Pressure Hose - also not even close.  No picture, but I bent the hardline on the Chevy Pressure Hose - I was able to make it better, but still not workable.

Both Old Chevy Hoses

This is an old stock 1988 Jeep YJ Hose, I think - it's pretty good, but too long.  It's perfect at the steering box for grill clearance.

Old 1988 YJ Pressure Hose

Old 1988 YJ Pressure Hose at the Pump - it's tight at the block

Here are both of the old 1988 YJ Hoses.  I can shorten the return line to work, as it is just clamped on at the pump.

Both 1988 YJ Hoses

I'm considering the return line solved.  I've got another pressure hose on order that may work - from a 1987 Jeep XJ.  

Serpentine Rear Bracket

One step forward, two steps back. I had to remove the PS pump to install the Serpentine Rear Bracket, which meant removing the pulley...there are 3 mounting bolts under the pulley - great design GM engineer!

Original Rear Bracket

Here's the first mod - the 2nd mounting slot wasn't compatible with my Rams Horn manifolds.

Modified!

The first test fit showed some interference with the valve cover:

Another cut was made at the silver line for clearance to the valve cover:

I also had to remove the alternator in order to get the bracket over the exhaust stud - this thing was like a jig saw puzzle, but I got it all together. 

If I ever have to remove the alternator, I'll either have to grind some clearance on the rear bracket or remove the PS Pump Pulley and loosen the PS Pump mounting bolts. This is a really horrible design!

But it is done and all back together again:

Exhaust Manifold Coating

While I had the exhaust manifold off, I applied some Calyx manifold dressing. I hope it works well - a lot of people seem to like it, and it's very cost-effective. I just couldn't pay the $300 to have them ceramic coated, so this is my cheap alternative.

It applies very easily with a toothbrush.  I still need to coat the Passenger Side.

NP231J Transfer Case

I'm waiting on the rear driveshaft flange to arrive.  

Hopefully, you'll see installed pictures of the NP231J in the next update.  Then I can also check out the potential driveshafts that I have on hand: