ok...so is it true that some early 250's came with hydraulic assist? if so how would i hook it all up to assist my current pump?

and bigger trucks too? anybody know what kind of stuff (preferably bone yard stuff...im cheap. hehe) would i need to go to 100% hydraulic?

the question has come up now that i have thouroghly put my stock pump through hell, and it freaked out. im only runnin 36's as of now, but this winter will most likely produce 40's...so im in deffinate need of steering assistance!! any advice on any setups of hi po steering would be greatly appreaciated!!!

Do yourself a favor and do it right. Westtexasoffroad will modify your box for $150, the cylinder is $60, and some hydraulic fittings. Save your allowance up, because that other stuff is crap
rob

Stay far away from the Ford set-up. If you have on your truck and it works, great. I would not go out and find one to put it on, only to have your truck wanting to turn left when it wants. Like mentioned before http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/index.html

Also if you are going to drive it on the street I would stay away from the full Hydo. If you really want it, go to a heavy equipment yard. You can get them off backhoes, tractors, ect.

Look under big trucks. IE, 15 ton and larger GVW trucks.

I have seen all kinds of different setups, including pistons on the tie rod, pitman arm, dual steering boxes, etc.

Although I doubt you'd be able to adapt any of this stuff.... it's BIG.

I'd also recommend staying away from full-hydro. Imagine what happens when you break a line. No steering feedback, either.

There are plenty of webpages around showing how to adapt Sag boxes to hydro-assist. It's basically a matter of drilling and tapping two holes, and figuring out a bigger reservoir for the PS pump.

Originally posted by sclemons
I'd also recommend staying away from full-hydro. Imagine what happens when you break a line. No steering feedback, either.


thats a damn good call...i trailer it wherever i go, but i really do like to have the steering feedback. so would i still get it with the assist?

so ok....that west TX kit...is that a fullsize steering box? would that adapt somewhat easily with with my current setup on the sploder? it looks like the same basic 3 hole pattern that i have, its just taller than my stock box.

for that matter, i have a full size bronco steering box at home anyway. would that be a step up by itself? or for 40's am i deffinately going to need something bigger?

thanks for the help fellas!

Not sure what box the exploder uses, I think it may be the same as the 80+ fullsizes D9 box. Just contact West tx he will be able to help you out. He adapts many types of boxs.

I've a 73 F150 Ford HP Dana 44 (1/2" thick tubes! and 4.09 gears) that came with the Ford "Power Assist". So they are in more than just F250's.

The hydraulic bracket hanges low, so I wouldn't re-use it.

Questions to the group, Could this Ford power assist cylender be use with the standard setup from Westtexasoffroad?