Concerning power steering, I'm running a later model Saginaw pump with MR vintage power steering components. Never had any issues. As for trim, I've used several different pumps and arm combos, again with no problems. The newer, and larger, rams on the later alpha seemed to slow the lift down slightly. As for damage to the bell, I'd recommend measuring travel with no cylinders hooked up, then see how high the unit lifts with them. I have several vintages of drive rams, I could measure open and closed lengths if you need, maybe the info is out there somewhere already?