I'm replacing the power steering pump on my '89 Suburban 2500 4WD with a 350 motor. The original pump mounted on the front to the alternator bracket with three bolts behind the pulley, it also had two studs in the back that were attached to a rear bracket that attached to the back of the alternator and the exhaust header (the alternator bolt has been gone as long as I have owned the truck, 7+ years). The old rear bracket won't fit on the new pump/reservoir because the intake on the new pump/reservoir is in a different location and interferes with the rear bracket.! (Also the studs on the new pump/reservoir are too long. I have exchanged them with the studs from the old pump.)

IS IT ACCEPTABLE TO DISCARD THE REAR BRACKET AND ONLY USE THE FRONT MOUNTING BOLTS? .

So long as it'* aligned and can be tightened correctly you will be fine.

Thank you carfixer, everything is solid and lined up and working well.