Ford PS system talk never going away apparently. Went the lazy way last time. Took to a mechanic and he just tried to adjust the return line. Looks like 18 months later and we are back at the same place. Kinked return line, puddle of fluid. This time in the driveway though instead of the garage. Further inspection and research indicates that, in addition to using the wrong return line fitting, the original mechanic that rebuilt the system did not use the correct hose bracket. He used a small block bracket and just kind of half assed it. This, in combination with using the wrong return line looks like it is going to fail every few thousand miles. I spent a bit of time this afternoon under there trying to see if there was a routing solution that might work, but I couldn't see it. The return line fitting was even making some contact with the control line fittings at full turn. So I ordered the right parts and am going to just do the swap myself. I don't know why, but this PS system makes my OCD go nuts.
Mount as installed. Note the 45 degree angle coming off the mounting point for the lower arm and the location of the bolt on the side.
This is what it is suppose to look like. Pic from opposite side, but note the bolt mounting position. versus above and the bracket is parallel to the lower mount and the pavement. Apparently you have to drill out two holes in the lower arm mount on the small blocks to use the big block bracket. Prior mechanic just used the small block bracket that has a different shape and bolted it into a volunteer hole on the side lower arm mount. Maybe lazy, maybe stupid. At this point doesn't matter.
Another angle that gives you a look at the control valve.
So here is a question. @Mach 1 @TexasEd @Mother mopar and any others. Any best practices when it comes to mounting the new return line fitting to the control valve. I understand no tape, no dope, just let the fitting do the work? Anything special to do to reseat it or time it. It's low pressure side if I understand correctly so maybe I am overthinking it. Just sick of ps fluid on the floor.