Hey guys, i need some technical help. 94 f250 7.3 powerstroke. Im turning 46s, and i wanna do full hydro. Not assist. This is a straight wheeling truck, no street.
First, For the orbital valve,, control valve..
What model, or size, or cc, or ci? Should i be using? And ive heard an 8" stroke ram is the norm? Any differences in rams besides lengths? Whats the stock output of my ps pump? Will i have to upgrade? Im 4 linked, front and rear. triangle top, 16" coilover. Huge lift. But im going to wheel it the most i can.
I dont care how many rotations of the steering wheel to actual wheel turn it is,
Just basicly need to know whats the best and most common set up and prefferable the cheapest lol. What should i buy? And part numbers please.

 

Stock power steering pumps are relatively low flow, and low pressure. Pretty much any orbital should work fine. Displacement differential in a conventional cylinder may be worth a thought. Different displacement and force due to the volume lost on the rod side. There are balanced displacement rams specifically for steering applications that eliminate this issue basically by having a rod extend both sides. Or uses two cylinders facing in opposite directions.

With larger cylinders if this issue is not addressed you will need to worry about reservoir capacity as well since one side is a different displacement and will over flow the reservoir going one way and run dry going the other.

I would worry more about converting fittings. I like to swap everything to nptf since hardware store fittings still connect, but for a one off JIC is very nice. Another advantage of going npt is that you can tap your own threads easily.

Dig around on Surplus Center I get most of my hydraulics from them.

 

Call Mike Ward. 205 233 1802 He'll hook you up.

 

You're gonna want to do a Saginaw power steering pump swap because the plastic ford truck pumps wont hold up. Also, check out my Rockwell build thread for part numbers. You'll need a special adapter to fit the pump.

 

Boy if I were considering a pump swap as well I'd just ditch the whole thing and go to a high pressure system using an industrial hydraulic pump on an open center system. Pure ram and orbital is all going to be rated to it (2000psi+) anyway, but the force will be roughly double with a real hydraulic pump.