Power Steering questions, '89T2

[djmtsu]

I just picked up a rebuilt PS pump to replace the original one that recently crapped out on my '89T2. Seeking the forum's wisdom on a couple of questions:

1. The FSM specifies DEXRON II ATF as the PS fluid for our FC's. Problem is no one seems to carry this stuff anymore, at least not local to me. A couple of parts counter guys have told me that you can substitute DEXRON III (which is available) for the DEXRON II spec without any problems, but after reading the labels of several different brands of DEXRON III ATF to verify, I couldn't find any that explicitly say it's a substitute for applications that specified DEXRON II. Should I just use the DEXRON III?

2. My guess is whatever PS fluid remaining in the system (i.e., in PS rack & lines) ought to be flushed out before I install the rebuilt PS pump - it's been in there for 21 years! The FSM is silent WRT how that gets done, and there are no drain plugs anywhere. I would assume the best way to do this would be put the car's front end up on jack stands, open up the fittings on the lowest PS line in the system (think that would be the PS cooling loop), and let it drain. At that point, I would think you would want to slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a couple of times to get it all out. Once that's done, reconnect the open lines and follow the FSM procedures to
install the PS pump, fill & bleed the system. Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Pete

[Pete_89T2]

I just picked up a rebuilt PS pump to replace the original one that recently crapped out on my '89T2. Seeking the forum's wisdom on a couple of questions:

1. The FSM specifies DEXRON II ATF as the PS fluid for our FC's. Problem is no one seems to carry this stuff anymore, at least not local to me. A couple of parts counter guys have told me that you can substitute DEXRON III (which is available) for the DEXRON II spec without any problems, but after reading the labels of several different brands of DEXRON III ATF to verify, I couldn't find any that explicitly say it's a substitute for applications that specified DEXRON II. Should I just use the DEXRON III?

2. My guess is whatever PS fluid remaining in the system (i.e., in PS rack & lines) ought to be flushed out before I install the rebuilt PS pump - it's been in there for 21 years! The FSM is silent WRT how that gets done, and there are no drain plugs anywhere. I would assume the best way to do this would be put the car's front end up on jack stands, open up the fittings on the lowest PS line in the system (think that would be the PS cooling loop), and let it drain. At that point, I would think you would want to slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a couple of times to get it all out. Once that's done, reconnect the open lines and follow the FSM procedures to
install the PS pump, fill & bleed the system. Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Pete