My vp44 rear bracket broke on my 1998.5 truck and I decided to replace the vp44 when I replace the bracket. I took the vp44 off but the bracket looks to be behind the power steering/ vacuum pump does that need to come off to? or am I looking at it wrong. Can I take the power steering pump off with the injector pump off or will I drop my vp44 gear down the hole. There has to be an easier way. That looks like a stupid place for a bracket I'm no engineer but who designed it that way ? Thanks for any advice you can give me. Is there anything else I should change while I have all that stuff off?

 

I think there are at least 2 later versions of this bkt so it would be best to get a new bkt (with better design)

You should be able to get the VP-44 out by just removing the bolts attaching the bkt to the block. In a pinch you could get at the pump bolts from below.

The trick is to loosly attach the bkt to the pump when you put it back in. After the 4 pump nuts are tight, snug up the bolts on the pump and block evenly . Try to make the bkt fit nice and snug to both surfaces. If you just crank it down on the pump first it's quite possible that the bkt will have clearance at the block attach point. Tightening up the bolts here is going to put a load on the front cover and the pump and possibly cause a short life on the pump.

I got at the bkt to pump bolts from below. My hands are too big and stiff to doit from above. Used a Snap-on wobble extension as I recall.

 

What size are the bracket bolts?

 

I don't remember. 10mm 12mm socket??

 

If you dont fix that bracket your vp44 will crack your front gear cover. To much weight to support with an alluminum cover. Yes, take the p. steering pump off to remove the pump.

 

Does anyone have the part # for the updated bracket? I had the Cummins parts guys in Omaha mail me one out and it is part number 3945201 it did not come with any bolts, it really looks different than the first one. Thanks.