Full Hydro Steering
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
Full Hydro Steering
Been planning to go full hydro on my Dana 60 front. I have read about everything I can find about doing this and it all makes decent sense to me. The problem I'm running into is this: All the guys running this sytem are using crazy rock crawling front ends without leaf springs. I can't seem to find a way to build a frame for a double ended ram and have my tie rods clear my leaf springs. I am wondering if I can use my regular tie rod mounts for steering, rather than the steering arms.
Any ideas on this one? It's confusing the hell out of me.
Any ideas on this one? It's confusing the hell out of me.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Solano County
Consider finding a cross over steering setup that will relocate your tie rods. Or Try to find a set up that with one sided ram that will mount in place of a steering stabilizer to the drag link.
Also these setups are used on rock crawlers to give them alot of power in the steering. They can virtually move the whole truck with this. But notice that none of these guys really drive these rigs on the street. When you are on the freeway or at speed the steering loosens up. The rams are way to powerful and will amke driving a chore
Also these setups are used on rock crawlers to give them alot of power in the steering. They can virtually move the whole truck with this. But notice that none of these guys really drive these rigs on the street. When you are on the freeway or at speed the steering loosens up. The rams are way to powerful and will amke driving a chore
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
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From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Also, high rpms can cause cavitation in the pump, and result in a complete loss of steering control. If the truck is going to see alot street duty, just for safety's sake, PLEASE just run a hydro assist setup. I for one don't want you, or me to end up dead because someone overspun their pump, blew a hose, ETC. and lost control of their steering.
On something as important as a steering system, if it's gonna be a pavement pounder, a mechanical backup is a necessity.
On something as important as a steering system, if it's gonna be a pavement pounder, a mechanical backup is a necessity.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 794
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From: Oregon-Take me wheeling..
i have a link for you....its great, you gotta love those pirate4x4 guys, think they know everything.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...hreadid=215086
great stuff in there once you get around all the flaming....god i hate all that flaming...it hurts...
Idiomaticman
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...hreadid=215086
great stuff in there once you get around all the flaming....god i hate all that flaming...it hurts...
Idiomaticman
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
I've done a lot of reading on pirate4x4 about the hydro steering though this thread was new to me. There seem to be just as many people who are for it as are against it. I'm not concerned about the safety of a hydraulic system . . . I trust my life to it every time I fly. What DOES worry me a bit is the cavitation of the pump at higher RPMs. I was not aware of that happening, a definite problem unless you run an electric pump.
I like the idea of it for being able to lift a truck any amount and not having to screw with anything but extending hoses. I thought it would be a lot easier to handle offroad than a crossover system. Most of my driving will be on the street but several of the guys who are using Sean's setup are running on the street and say it works great. I figure it can't wander any more than my stock steering.
My question was more if anyone knows of a good way to mount the ram on the axle with leaf springs. If it seems too difficult or, of course, too dangerous I'll scrap it and go to crossover steering.
I like the idea of it for being able to lift a truck any amount and not having to screw with anything but extending hoses. I thought it would be a lot easier to handle offroad than a crossover system. Most of my driving will be on the street but several of the guys who are using Sean's setup are running on the street and say it works great. I figure it can't wander any more than my stock steering.
My question was more if anyone knows of a good way to mount the ram on the axle with leaf springs. If it seems too difficult or, of course, too dangerous I'll scrap it and go to crossover steering.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Ivan, I haven't done it myself, but thats because I haven't seen the need. A well designed cross over steering set up with ps will easily steer and move even 44s over rough terrain. Hydro is cool as hell, but I wouldn't bother with it on our full sizes that aren't dedicated rock crawlers. My understanding is that for you to go hydro, you'd have to go hi-steer anyways to lick the clearance problems you've found. So, unless you want the ability to move boulders with one finger on the wheel, try the x-over first.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
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Postmaster
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From: Auburn,Al
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
It's taken me a while but it's slowly coming together. I've gathered all the information given me on FTE and compiled it to one simple equation:
IVAN X WANTS = $$$$$$$$$$
Okay, so I'll scrap the full hydro idea for now and do crossover. I guess if Pro and Ho don't need it for 44's I won't need it for 40's. Still would have looked damn cool.
Got a question then, since you guys rained on my hydro parade. I see a lot of guys with crossover steering also running a trac bar (think that's what it is). What is the purpose for it? I notice that Pro is not using one.
IVAN X WANTS = $$$$$$$$$$
Okay, so I'll scrap the full hydro idea for now and do crossover. I guess if Pro and Ho don't need it for 44's I won't need it for 40's. Still would have looked damn cool.
Got a question then, since you guys rained on my hydro parade. I see a lot of guys with crossover steering also running a trac bar (think that's what it is). What is the purpose for it? I notice that Pro is not using one.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 2
From: Auburn,Al
the trac bar is to keep the axle from moving side to side, but with thicker and stiffer lift springs, side to side movement is not nearly as bad as it is with thin stock two leaves up front. so it is not much of a concern....with heavier springs and crossover, a trac bar will just limit flex a bit, and make the handling a bit looser on the road....i hope that made sense, im still trying to wake up 