Does any one know how to make a hydraulic assist system ?

I know i need a hydraulic ram and lines but how to tap into the steering box?
I want to make my own setup and not Pay for the expensive aftermarket units.


Thanks

 

you could try the junk yards a lot of the time you can get a whole setup for not a whole lot.

 

Check out this guy , he is a great fabricator and installed hydro assist on both his Bronco and his Zuki.

 

If your a decent fabricator and a good bargain shopper you can put a system together for ALOT less that AGR rips you off for. There's a place in Texas that'll clean and port and tap your steering box for hydraulic lines for $150. They sell rams for $150 as well but you can get them cheaper if you look around. I went to an industrial supply place here in town and bought a brand new 1 1/2" double acting ram for $100. Hydraulic lines can be found pretty readily at farm supply stores for pretty cheap.
What you'll want as far as a ram is concerned is, if you'r using your stock power steering pump, a 1 1/2" bore 8" stroke double acting cylinder. You will want to measure the total travel at the tire rod from full left turn to full right turn to deturmine the proper stroke. Mine, as well as most Fords was 8". Also, if you have a more powerful power steering pump you can go w/ a larger ram bore. Keep in mind that if the bore is too large the ram will react too slowly and cause problems w/ the steering.
Here's a site for you to check out:
www.westtexasoffroad.com

 

BUMP!!!!!! This is my next project

 

anyone in california that wants to make some cash rebuilding my steering box and drill and tap it for the fittings for this system?

 

just got it back last weekend. cost me a bit but well worth it. turns my 42's like they are 32's. nice, smooth movement, no need for a steering stabliser anymore.

 

oreocreaming;

Who did you use to drill out your steering gear box?

 

Lee Manufacturing Company Sun valley, CA 91352 Steering gears Pumps Reservoirs

there is his link. he quoted me 900 out the door, charged me 1753 but only made me pay 1500. well worth the 1500. good guy, loves to talk. hes a old school racer.

 

That is way more than I was hoping.

I ordered a new gear box from redheadsteeringgear.com in WA for 285 shipped. I am going to drill the box out myself and buy a reman pump for 65 and turn up the flow a little bit from the instructions on West Texas off road. I bought a ram from industrial supply for about 90. I am hoping to be into the whole thing for about 600 with new Moog tie rod ends. Am I missing something?

 

he can do just your box. I had him do everything start to finish. Including rebuilding my pump and a tota overhaul on my gear box

 

nope, you got it. Make sure the ram is matched diamiter and stroke to your pump and box. Too long and you'll brake something, to big or small and it will either over or under push your tie rod and brake something

 

I bought the ram a while ago when I was researching all of this. I am pretty sure it has an 8" throw, but I would have to look it up again.

Thanks for the advice.

 

Some of these links may be useful for you;

Affordable place to drill your steering gear box if you are afraid to do it;
hydrosteering

Instructions on getting a little more fluid pressure from your power steering pump;
http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.co...rsteering.html

Where I bought my ram;
https://www.surpluscenter.com/home.asp

Instructions on how to drill your steering gear box;
RamchargerCentral.Com - RamchargerCentral.Com - How Tos - How To Add Hydraulic Ram Assisted Steering To Your Dodge Truck - gmule

Where I bought my steering gear box;
Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home

 

I am an idiot...hopefully he has figured it out by now.