Hydro assist

336wheeler

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 9, 2006
Location
Boone
Would hydro assist be too much overkill (sensitive) for 36" IROKS and street driving (to and from trails)? Reason for asking is that I can't really turn them in the rocks that well with a chevy steering set-up, and the Redneck Ram is about $100 cheaper than x-over. Also with the ram I could put it on another vehicle once I got rid of my current one, along with my steering box. I know x-over would get the job done, but I also know that hydro assist would really get it done.
 
You should get it if your having problems. I am running 36" tsl's & I have gone thru 3 pumps & 2 boxes in 4 seasons so I am going full hyd. but I get the parts on the cheap from work.

good luck
 
Spend the money on the crossover rather than sinking $$ into that push/pull steering. You will be much happier in the long run.
 
What is involved in full hydro? I've read the tech articles on pirate, but it more or less explains it instead of saying "this is what you need"
 
You will need a good bit of parts to do it correctly. It is NOT LEGAL for street driven rigs.

You will need a ram, orbital, lines, cooler, HD pump, tie rods, etc.

Budget $1600-1700 for a high quality, good driving system from Station.

Again, it is NOT LEGAL for any road use.
 
You could get a ram from tractor supply and tap your stock box easy. If you are not having problems with your current steering setup then why change it? If you just need more pushing power on the trails I would go with hydro assist!

:beer:
 
the way i see it, you really cant have too much steering power... you might haveta adjust your driving habits some though...

as far as full hydro, as Zubz said it can get pricey for a good setup and to do it right... and it all depends on who u talk to as to its legality
 
paradisePWoffrd said:
the way i see it, you really cant have too much steering power... you might haveta adjust your driving habits some though...
as far as full hydro, as Zubz said it can get pricey for a good setup and to do it right... and it all depends on who u talk to as to its legality
Click to expand...

Find out law is law my rig is off road only due to beadlocks:driver:
 
If I got a ram from tractor supply, what kind of PSI, bore, stoke, shaft, etc should I be looking at?
 
well i talked to a few guys that do inspections and they said it didnt matter when how the steering worked, as long as it didnt leak....

here is what ive found from the DMV's website:

19A NCAC 03D .0535 STEERING MECHANISM
1. The inspection mechanic/technician must raise vehicle to get beneath to
check steering mechanism.
2. The steering mechanism shall not be approved if:
(a) With front wheels in straight-ahead position there is more
than three inches of free play in steering wheels up to 18
inches in diameter or more than four inches of free play in
steering wheels over 18 inches in diameter. If vehicle is
equipped with power steering, the engine must be operating.
(b) Either front or rear springs are noticeably sagging or broken, cut,
heated or removed/missing.
(c) The front wheels or front-end assembly is bent or twisted or bolts,
nuts or rivets are loose or missing.
(d) Power steering system shows visible leaks or the power steering belt
is loose or worn or missing.
(e) Shocks and struts are part of the steering mechanism inspection.
(f) The CV joints make a popping or clicking noise when vehicle is
driven into inspection area.
[A torn, worn CV boot is not justification for failure]
 
PSC does ram assist steering for street use. I've looked into their system, but as Andy said, they ain't cheap.

Jeff
 
I bought PSC and just installed RockRam assist on my rig running 37's. I love it lock to lock with one finger sitting still. It was about $900 but it is done and done right/ plus I could use the ram on other rig if I needed to. Send me email addres and I can send pics of mine.
 
Thanks for the input, greatly appreciated.
 
The pressure you put on that little steering box is alot. Hydro assist. I have alot of buddys who did the assist themselves and have nothing but trouble. The tractor supply ram is not for a 4x4. I'm doing mine now due to a broken pitman arm. Anything over 34's will benifit with hydro steering. Do it right and do it once.
 
This thread can be considered null for the fact that the vehicle I was doing hydro assist on is now secondary. However, there is good tech so I believe it should remain current for all the prospective hydro-assisters, and I will most likely go to assist eventually on the YJ.
 
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