PSC 392 XD Electric Power Steering Pump

[Socal_392]

The ideal set up for me would be an upgraded Electric power, steering pump, the Apex power, steering pressure, boost system, and hydraulic line cooler and that's it. Perhaps the PSC pump does a better job of cooling the electronics than the stock one, I have also heard that Apex is working on a solution for the overheating of the power steering pump electronic system. I am running 37 inch tires and air them down to about 12 psi and do mostly rock crawling when I take it off road. The current system doesn't perform very well and I think if I could boost the pressure and keep the pump cool I might be OK. If nobody comes out with a pump that runs better, I will probably add the cooling fan. I am hoping to not change out the power steering box or add ahydraulic cylinder for steering. I had that system on my last bronco and didn't like the street manners at all.

This is what I’m running Apex steering boost kit with the cooler. Zero overheating issues when I wheel (running heavy 37’s). I am Not running a fan either.

 

[bkilby]

Neither had not overheated and there would soon be a video released on YouTube. Never saw that video, but the one they did release was a hydrolic pump steering system.

The only video I know of is the install video.

 

[NMBoondocker]

For those that are running the Apex steering boost kit with cooler, did you have any issues mounting the cooler? I have a stock front bumper with the Metal Cloak winch plate. I'm wondering if there's plenty of room for the cooler to tuck somewhere.

I noticed on Apex's reviews a "Brady" with a 392 noted the following -
"Amazing improvement in steering power
I installed this kit on a 2021 JL 392 Xtreme Recon edition. The adjustable valve installation onto the steering pump is notably less involved than on the 3.6 V6 as shown in the instructions. With the 392 you can pull the pump from the inner fender well with nothing else requiring removal from the engine bay. No bracket grinding or removal of various other components is required.
The installation of the oil cooler was a pain. Removing the driver-side low-pressure line bracket from the 392 was very difficult, and the bolt jams into the side of the radiator before you can knock it out. After installation, my oil cooler rubbed ever so slightly on the sway bar disconnect and made a popping sound when the sway bar was connected. This was quickly alleviated by taking a straight-bladed screwdriver and bending the fins near the disconnect slightly.
The performance of the kit after installation is amazing. I can now steer the stock 35" tires with the front differential locked as effortlessly as with it unlocked. The steering feel is stock, as you would expect; there is just more power there. I have run into limited power steering power and dash lights multiple times from overheating the 392's steering system, so I'm hoping the new oil cooler assists in that regard as well. I'm upgrading to 37's soon, and I would consider this kit a borderline must-have if you plan on wheeling your 392 in the rocks with 35" or larger tires."

I found his thread on the JL forum but he never responded. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/apex-steering-boost-kit-install-on-392.110882/

Any feedback from those that installed it would be helpful before I pull the trigger on the kit. Thanks in advance!

 

[bkilby]

With the 392 you can pull the pump from the inner fender well with nothing else requiring removal from the engine bay. No bracket grinding or removal of various other components is required.

You still need to remove the inner fender but yes, it does come out fairly easily.

Removing the driver-side low-pressure line bracket from the 392 was very difficult, and the bolt jams into the side of the radiator before you can knock it out.

Yup. Those bolts are goofy long for whatever reason. I got the PS out but that DS was going to hit like he said. I used a sawsall and cut the bolt after I un-threaded it a bit. Way faster and easier.

 

[EBYCREEK]

I've done 2 392 wranglers and it kind of sucks. The steering is way easier but even with the cooler I still got the PS Hot light. I then added a fan to the front of the pump and have never had the Hot light again. I run 37x12.50 at 12 psi. The cooler helps but it is the pump and motor that overheat. I'm on my 3rd power steering pump at 10,000 miles. When they get really hot they start leaking fluid. Also you will still get power steering binding if pushed hard enough.

 

[Tank2112]

The only video I know of is the install video.

Makes you wonder if the PSC XD electric pump upgrade is strong enough for larger 37"/38" tires because in the video they also installed a ram assist.

 

[Tank2112]

I've done 2 392 wranglers and it kind of sucks. The steering is way easier but even with the cooler I still got the PS Hot light. I then added a fan to the front of the pump and have never had the Hot light again. I run 37x12.50 at 12 psi. The cooler helps but it is the pump and motor that overheat. I'm on my 3rd power steering pump at 10,000 miles. When they get really hot they start leaking fluid. Also you will still get power steering binding if pushed hard enough.

You stated you are on your 3rd factory electric pump due to overheating. Do you think installing an electric cooling fan will remedy future pump replacement?

 

[WHLN392]

Makes you wonder if the PSC XD electric pump upgrade is strong enough for larger 37"/38" tires because in the video they also installed a ram

Your comment is essentially why I'm going the tried and true method with the PSC XD box with the hydraulic pump kit.

It's going on my phase 2 build in a few months that will include 38 inch Nitto RGs so want to be able to turn them aired down on rocks plus have a better onroad feel vs the stock box.

 

[ameldorf]

For the long bolt hitting the bottom of the radiator on driver side, you can remove the two upper radiator bolts and move the radiator/fan enough to get the bolt out.

 

[EBYCREEK]

You stated you are on your 3rd factory electric pump due to overheating. Do you think installing an electric cooling fan will remedy future pump replacement?

Yes the fan is the fix. I've had my fan on for about 6 months and have never had a PS Hot light. My last trip was Hole in the Rock which I logged over 100 miles in 4 low at about 95 Degrees running 12 PSI on 37 inch tires and never got the light. My new problem is the transfer case clutches. I should receive my Atlas transfer case within the next 2 weeks.

 

[3TV]

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes!

I just got back from this year's running of the Rubicon Trail. This is the fifth time I've done the Rubicon, and in my opinion the most enjoyable yet. Last year I did the trail with my '22 392 with a MetalCloak 2 1/2" Game Changer lift, that only gave my 392 XR 1 1/2" of lift; 37" tires, and stock steering. This year I did the trail with the same Jeep, same suspension, same tires (at 12 psi), but with an Apex Steering Boost and Cooler Kit installed.

With stock steering there had to be at least 15 places where the steering was not strong enough to turn the tires, requiring multiple back and forth maneuvers to get the tires to turn. This year there were 2 places where the steering was not strong enough to turn the tires, each requiring only one back and forth maneuver to get the tires to turn. Last year I had the Power Steering Hot light come on once while climbing Cadillac Hill. It eventually went out after reaching the top of the hill. This year I had the Power Steering Hot light come on twice. The first time was after climbing "the wall" just after Buck Island Reservoir, which was much tougher this year. It took me about six attempts to finally make it, followed by a 5-point turn at the top with lockers engaged to climb a final ledge. I parked my Jeep at the top and shut it off to help spot the other 3 Jeeps in our group up the wall. When I restarted my Jeep, the hot light was gone. The second time was while climbing Cadillac Hill, which was also tougher this year. On that instance the hot steering light came on just as I caught up to a group of rock buggies, with the lead buggy doing a trailside repair, while it was still parked right in the middle of the trail. I shut my Jeep off and we waited 20 minutes for them to finish their repair, and by that time the hot steering light had gone away, and it never came back on.

So, in my opinion the Apex steering boost kit does help with ease of steering. It doesn't completely solve the problem, but it decreases it enough that it is very acceptable. The kit did not decrease overheating on this trail, with the caveat that trail conditions were more difficult this year.

A gratuitous picture from Monday

 

[Tank2112]

My

Your comment is essentially why I'm going the tried and true method with the PSC XD box with the hydraulic pump kit.

It's going on my phase 2 build in

I just got back from this year's running of the Rubicon Trail. This is the fifth time I've done the Rubicon, and in my opinion the most enjoyable yet. Last year I did the trail with my '22 392 with a MetalCloak 2 1/2" Game Changer lift, that only gave my 392 XR 1 1/2" of lift; 37" tires, and stock steering. This year I did the trail with the same Jeep, same suspension, same tires (at 12 psi), but with an Apex Steering Boost and Cooler Kit installed.

With stock steering there had to be at least 15 places where the steering was not strong enough to turn the tires, requiring multiple back and forth maneuvers to get the tires to turn. This year there were 2 places where the steering was not strong enough to turn the tires, each requiring only one back and forth maneuver to get the tires to turn. Last year I had the Power Steering Hot light come on once while climbing Cadillac Hill. It eventually went out after reaching the top of the hill. This year I had the Power Steering Hot light come on twice. The first time was after climbing "the wall" just after Buck Island Reservoir, which was much tougher this year. It took me about six attempts to finally make it, followed by a 5-point turn at the top with lockers engaged to climb a final ledge. I parked my Jeep at the top and shut it off to help spot the other 3 Jeeps in our group up the wall. When I restarted my Jeep, the hot light was gone. The second time was while climbing Cadillac Hill, which was also tougher this year. On that instance the hot steering light came on just as I caught up to a group of rock buggies, with the lead buggy doing an on trail repair, while it was still parked right in the middle of the trail. I shut my Jeep off and we waited 20 minutes for them to finish their repair, and by that time the hot steering light had gone away, and it never came back on.

So, in my opinion the Apex steering boost kit does help with ease of steering. It doesn't completely solve the problem, but it decreases it enough that it is very acceptable. The kit did not decrease overheating on this trail, with the caveat that trail conditions were more difficult this year.

A gratuitous picture from Monday
View attachment 38194

Have to wonder if the PSC XD electric pump along with PSC HD gear box, is any stronger than factory gear box and pump with Apex mod?
Sounds like you are almost there.

 

[WHLN392]

I just got back from this year's running of the Rubicon Trail. This is the fifth time I've done the Rubicon, and in my opinion the most enjoyable yet. Last year I did the trail with my '22 392 with a MetalCloak 2 1/2" Game Changer lift, that only gave my 392 XR 1 1/2" of lift; 37" tires, and stock steering. This year I did the trail with the same Jeep, same suspension, same tires (at 12 psi), but with an Apex Steering Boost and Cooler Kit installed.

With stock steering there had to be at least 15 places where the steering was not strong enough to turn the tires, requiring multiple back and forth maneuvers to get the tires to turn. This year there were 2 places where the steering was not strong enough to turn the tires, each requiring only one back and forth maneuver to get the tires to turn. Last year I had the Power Steering Hot light come on once while climbing Cadillac Hill. It eventually went out after reaching the top of the hill. This year I had the Power Steering Hot light come on twice. The first time was after climbing "the wall" just after Buck Island Reservoir, which was much tougher this year. It took me about six attempts to finally make it, followed by a 5-point turn at the top with lockers engaged to climb a final ledge. I parked my Jeep at the top and shut it off to help spot the other 3 Jeeps in our group up the wall. When I restarted my Jeep, the hot light was gone. The second time was while climbing Cadillac Hill, which was also tougher this year. On that instance the hot steering light came on just as I caught up to a group of rock buggies, with the lead buggy doing an on trail repair, while it was still parked right in the middle of the trail. I shut my Jeep off and we waited 20 minutes for them to finish their repair, and by that time the hot steering light had gone away, and it never came back on.

So, in my opinion the Apex steering boost kit does help with ease of steering. It doesn't completely solve the problem, but it decreases it enough that it is very acceptable. The kit did not decrease overheating on this trail, with the caveat that trail conditions were more difficult this year.

A gratuitous picture from Monday
View attachment 38194

What an amazing trip!!

100% on my bucket list, just need to find the time to get from NJ to California and then back lol.

Sounds like the Apex boost kit just managed to do what you needed.

Given it overheated twice, looks like even with the cooler included in the kit, the system is overloaded when subject to very strenuous conditions.

Are you concerned about the longevity of the electric pump and has this kit caused you to consider the PSC upgrade?

 

[Ted392]

I'm a believer in the fan install for overheat ps motor. Doesn't do crap for steering aired down 38s.

 

[Socal_392]

For those that are running the Apex steering boost kit with cooler, did you have any issues mounting the cooler? I have a stock front bumper with the Metal Cloak winch plate. I'm wondering if there's plenty of room for the cooler to tuck somewhere.

I noticed on Apex's reviews a "Brady" with a 392 noted the following -
"Amazing improvement in steering power
I installed this kit on a 2021 JL 392 Xtreme Recon edition. The adjustable valve installation onto the steering pump is notably less involved than on the 3.6 V6 as shown in the instructions. With the 392 you can pull the pump from the inner fender well with nothing else requiring removal from the engine bay. No bracket grinding or removal of various other components is required.
The installation of the oil cooler was a pain. Removing the driver-side low-pressure line bracket from the 392 was very difficult, and the bolt jams into the side of the radiator before you can knock it out. After installation, my oil cooler rubbed ever so slightly on the sway bar disconnect and made a popping sound when the sway bar was connected. This was quickly alleviated by taking a straight-bladed screwdriver and bending the fins near the disconnect slightly.
The performance of the kit after installation is amazing. I can now steer the stock 35" tires with the front differential locked as effortlessly as with it unlocked. The steering feel is stock, as you would expect; there is just more power there. I have run into limited power steering power and dash lights multiple times from overheating the 392's steering system, so I'm hoping the new oil cooler assists in that regard as well. I'm upgrading to 37's soon, and I would consider this kit a borderline must-have if you plan on wheeling your 392 in the rocks with 35" or larger tires."

I found his thread on the JL forum but he never responded. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/apex-steering-boost-kit-install-on-392.110882/

Any feedback from those that installed it would be helpful before I pull the trigger on the kit. Thanks in advance!

Yeah, all the reviews and install videos I watched made me not want to do it myself. So I had a shop do it. And I had experience DIY’ing the entire upgrade from stock to full PSC hydro assist on my JK. I may just be getting old and lazy but it was more than I felt like dealing with on the 392. Shop charged me 4 hours of labor to install.

 

[3TV]

What an amazing trip!!

100% on my bucket list, just need to find the time to get from NJ to California and then back lol.

Sounds like the Apex boost kit just managed to do what you needed.

Given it overheated twice, looks like even with the cooler included in the kit, the system is overloaded when subject to very strenuous conditions.

Are you concerned about the longevity of the electric pump and has this kit caused you to consider the PSC upgrade?

I am still interested in the PSC upgrade. I think it will be at least as strong as the Apex kit, and with a larger fluid reservoir it should run cooler. But the Apex kit did good enough that it moved the PSC kit way down my list of needed upgrades. I want to make the Rubicon Trail an annual tradition as I move into retirement. And the Rubicon Trail is suffering from the same "tire creep" as other heavily used trails. Over the years we have been using bigger and bigger tires. 40s are the new 37s, and many people on these trails are running 42s or 44s. With bigger tires the holes get deeper, which makes the rocks even bigger. I drug the bottom of my Jeep more times than I can count this year, it was literally all the time. The MetalCloak and Next Venture skids saved the day and the AWE Switchpath exhaust was high enough that the tips only hit a few rocks, and the tips on the AWE exhaust are strong enough that they were not damaged. My net 1 1/2" of lift from my current suspension needs to be improved, especially after adding all of the gear needed for a trip like this, the actual lift was probably only 1". I need to switch out my MetalCloak 2.5" lift springs for 3.5" springs, and that will require longer shocks and a new front driveshaft. Then, 38s for next year.

 

[WHLN392]

I am still interested in the PSC upgrade. I think it will be at least as strong as the Apex kit, and with a larger fluid reservoir it should run cooler. But the Apex kit did good enough that it moved the PSC kit way down my list of needed upgrades. I want to make the Rubicon Trail an annual tradition as I move into retirement. And the Rubicon Trail is suffering from the same "tire creep" as other heavily used trails. Over the years we have been using bigger and bigger tires. 40s are the new 37s, and many people on these trails are running 42s or 44s. With bigger tires the holes get deeper, which makes the rocks even bigger. I drug the bottom of my Jeep more times than I can count this year, it was literally all the time. The MetalCloak and Next Venture skids saved the day and the AWE Switchpath exhaust was high enough that the tips only hit a few rocks, and the tips on the AWE exhaust are strong enough that they were not damaged. My net 1 1/2" of lift from my current suspension needs to be improved, especially after adding all of the gear needed for a trip like this, the actual lift was probably only 1". I need to switch out my MetalCloak 2.5" lift springs for 3.5" springs, and that will require longer shocks and a new front driveshaft. Then, 38s for next year.

Makes total sense re: deprioritizing the PSC setup as the APEX setup did what you needed.

Pretty crazy to think that a Jeep on 37s would be dragging the belly on a constant basis.

Then again the JLU platform does hang low with the wheelbase and needs all the help it can get.

Hence I too am going 38s.

Good luck!