Power Steering, ATF or "Power Steering Fluid"

I just ordered a seal kit for the pump in my '67 Cougar from Mustangs plus. I also got an entirely rebuilt steering set-up (all the parts under the car) from a guy on ebay. Question is, is there a difference if I use ATF as the fluid or conventional power steering fluid. The power steering fluid seems thicker than ATF, and might also help in reducing possible seeping and leaking. Can I even use the other one? Thoughts?
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either or. I know that the ATF fluid works the same for steering and my local mustang shop says that there the same on early fords. Im running the ATF and not having any trouble in my 67 coupe. hope that helps

I know my application is way different than yours, but I just thought I'd add that the aren't the same thing. By accident once I added about 1/2 quart of ATF to my power steering pump (stock '86 bronco pump, with the plastic housing) and about a day later it started making the characteristic whining sound of a pump going out. I checked it again and noticed how the cap said "Power Steering Fluid Only", LOL! So I decided I'd try and save the pump, and I siphoned out as much fluid as possible and then refilled it with power steering fluid. The whine went away instantly.

Anyways, the point of my story is, it's not the same stuff. I suppose some pumps might run well with either, but I know mine didn't.
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I was on a trip over the weekend when my power steering started howling. It got really annoying and I didn't have any power steering fluid, only ATF. So I topped it off with the ATF and the howl went away. I guess it works as a substitute if you really need it in a bind, but I wouldn't suggest using ATF if you have power steering fluid available.
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NO...they are not the same.Ford says to use type F in earlier pumps..not atf. You can get by with using atf. in later models.

GEEEEZ!! For the last 2 1/2 (about how long I've had my car) years I've been using ATF. It's always whined, and when I asked my mechanic, he told me they "just do that." Maybe that's why it's been leaking!
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I've been using ATF on the '72 Torino clip in my 56 f-100, worked fine for all I know, but it did leak, then last time at the auto store I picked up some Power Stearing Fluid and topped it off. Well it still works fine but doesn't leak, at this time it's about a 50/50 mix.

Go figure.

I've always heard ... (for years ... and I'm a bit older than most of you guys) ... that ATF works fine in a pinch

But personally ... I'd go for the "Real Stuff" if at all possible [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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Just about every car in australia with power steer uses ATF. P/steer oil is available but it's not very common..