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1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

Hydraulic steering!!

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Old Jun 27, 2014 | 10:53 PM
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iperine's Avatar
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Lightbulb Hydraulic steering!!

My latest thought on my new project is adding Hydraulic steering. I have done this with several tractors in the past, and I see online where they are doing it with skyjacked 4x4's. ANY THOUGHTS??

My project is a 1972 F350 1 ton dump. 2wd with manual steering.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2014 | 10:54 PM
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Just to clarify I am talking about Hydraulics, not conventional power steering.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2014 | 11:06 PM
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Yea... typically not legal on public roads. Check your state's laws regarding fully hydraulic steering.

It would be a conversion.. not an addition. It would consist of an orbital steering valve connected to a steering shaft and steering wheel.

Contact PSC Motorsports for information: PSC Motorsports Online

 
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Old Jun 27, 2014 | 11:45 PM
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It would work well if legal. (Even if not)

I'm pretty sure that it's legal here in AZ. I've seen several trucks with it.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 04:47 AM
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iperine, I'd like to ask why you would want to go that route rather than bolting in a Ford designed Saginaw power system that is proven to be a quick & easy upgrade?



John
 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 08:20 AM
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i have the same question as jowilker. switching from non PS to PS on these trucks especially with a 2wd is a quick and easy upgrade. i dont see any reason why you should go full hydro. except if you want the cool looks of them and spend unneeded money. if anything go with hydro assist. thats what im doing heres my ram havent mounted it yet just waiting to get some tube and heims to make my tie rod.

 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 10:49 AM
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Boats use hydraulic steering all the time and it's great; much better than cables.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 11:07 AM
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I am just more familiar with hydraulics. And I already have the steering valve and cylinder.
But I will go the other route if it is better. Thats why I was looking for input.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by crazed87bronco
i have the same question as jowilker. switching from non PS to PS on these trucks especially with a 2wd is a quick and easy upgrade. i dont see any reason why you should go full hydro. except if you want the cool looks of them and spend unneeded money. if anything go with hydro assist. thats what im doing heres my ram havent mounted it yet just waiting to get some tube and heims to make my tie rod.

What are you using for a valve?
 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck
What are you using for a valve?
a 79 f250 4x4 steering box
 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 02:52 PM
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I have been using steering control valves from Mitsubishi forklifts, they will still steer with the motor stalled and are very fast acting.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by iperine
they will still steer with the motor stalled and are very fast acting.
That's one thing I like about manual steering. But power would be nice for tight runs in parking lots. Or for quick correction of oversteer. Lol
 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 09:38 PM
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Typically straight hydraulic steering does not return to center like a mechanical system, or provide any feedback from the road. Most hydraulic systems can be steered without input power, but it's very difficult. It's also rarely legal on the road for those two reasons.
The stock Ford system is way overboosted, I'd actually like to find a way to take about half the assist away, although if you need more I'd recommend something like the Redneck Ram system, where they tap the pressure channels on your stock PS box to drive a cylinder as well.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2014 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by crazed87bronco
a 79 f250 4x4 steering box
Could you expound or do you have a link? That sounds interesting.
 
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