I need hydro, have some ???s

[Yay!Gurrr]

I can't steer my 38s on the big stuff.. Help me out here... I have some random questions..

I've read the Billa Vista steering articles but I'd like some real world feedback on parts/components etc.. I do understand the theory on how it all works.

- I'd like to buy parts/components that I can (re)use moving forward.
- I'm not opposed to going full hydro now as it would help me reposition my radiator and lower my front hood line a good bit. (also allow me to sell my J20 box)

Q) Can I run a double ended ram in an assist setup?

Packaging -
Q) Where the best spot to mount the ram ? I'm running leafs with a WFO rear steer tierod. Drag Link is in front. I can spin my steering arms if needed, or use the stock knuckle points.

Q) I see most of the rams using heims. I sorta like stock TREs can they be (easily) adapted to the ram tips ?

Q) With a double ended ram out front on the axle do you guys bash it much ? Or are the skids/bracing holding up well ?

Q) Is the PSC all that ? Can a person build a decent reliable system with mix/match components just by sourcing the correct/sized pieces ?

Q) I'd like to get a steering unit that can eventually be used for some rear steer. (For down the road ). Will that affect the orbital sizing now ? Or simply be an unused feature ?

Q) What's a good size ram to use ?

 

[Rich]

Yes, on the DE Ram, but you may run into binding issues as the steering cycles, since you'd still have a tie-rod. KC4x4 had both a tie rod and DE ram on his old buggy and it didn't bind though. It's not like the binding will stop the ram, it just puts stress on parts.

I'd love to have the ram behind the axle, it just didn't work with my links.

I haven't bashed the ram at all, though the mount they're on have taken a fawking beating. Mounting it higher up would help, and is what I might do on round 2. I did get some rock rash on one of the clevis's though, must have been fully extended to that side..

PSC/POS is good stuff and they've done their homework, but I'm really happy with my setup, and all I bought from them are the clevis's, which you don't even really need.
You could certainly put the whole system together from Surplus center & discount hydraulic hose .com parts. Just use the spreadsheet from the tech article to determine orbital size vs. ram size to get your lock to lock..

You should be able to re-use everything for rear steer if you don't get a 5-port orbital, and if you size it for full hydro to begin with.. (I haven't seen assist front & full rear steer before)

2" bore x 1.25" shaft is pretty stout and won't tax a good pump too much.

The ends of most all the ram's I've seen are tapped 3/4-16, but you'd need short rods to go from the ram to the steering arms, so I suppose you could thread that end for the TRE, but heims are so easy to work with and the same price as good TRE's (I got mine for $25 each). It's not like you're racking up the miles where replacing them is going to be an issue.

 

[TheGriz]

Mike - I have been collecting a little information to do the same type of install, I know I will be jumping directly to full hydro. I'll be watching what you do... and likely steal all your good research.

Just kidding... I thought you may want to see some pics I collected of Full Hydro on leaves: