Well, I either a page was lost, removed or I copied down the link wrong. Anyone know the correct link?

Build your own Hydro Assisted Steering: http://www.members.tripod.com/surfmac/html66


I've an extra steering sector and want to give drilling and tapping the holes a try. Just want more info before I go forward with it.

I'll try it with a Ford Power Assist Ram first, 3/4" rod, made for a Front Dana 44.

The same write-up can be found on http://www.ih8mud.com under the technical section, but with pics. I got Matt at West Texas Off-road (LakeRat) to tap into my box for me. I tapped some caps originally, but I needed a rebuild, so that is why I sent it to him. So if anyone needs some caps that are already tapped to 3/8" NPT, let me know. Just finished installing it this past weekend, here are a few pics. Turned out great. No bumpsteer and plenty of power.
http://www.auburn.edu/~kruegdr/hydro2.JPG
http://www.auburn.edu/~kruegdr/hydro1.JPG

Mr.N
That my site your looking for, just click on PYRO below. You'll find the Link to the writeup about a third of the way down the main page(with Pics) :D

Cochese, I want those caps that have already been tapped, can you post some pics of them and let me know what you want for them and I will sent you a PM so you can talk to me today about it.

:rasta: :rasta:

Thanks everyone

Pyro had the link!

Now, Why enter the box for where you did?

It seems most shops do it different, from the side.

You won't have to take the box apart and rebuild it. Just take the top and front off, tap the holes and put them back on.

Originally posted by PYRO
You won't have to take the box apart and rebuild it. Just take the top and front off, tap the holes and put them back on.


Ok, I like your set up. Once I find a manuel I'll back it up and go for it.

However, how does the system work that is tapped from the side, Like most shops do it.

Just want to see why and how.

Here are the measurements for the Ford Power assist Hydro Ram.

Eye to Eye measurements. 17.5" collapsed to 27.5" extended with a 5/8" thick shaft.


Would this make a good RAM?

It seems to me that since this was built as an assist Hydro Ram it would be good for this setup.

That would be a 10" stroke and that is 2" too much you only need 8". Also a 5/8 shaft is really small. I don't think I would run anything less than 7/8. Porting the box in the side looks cool and makes you think there is now way I could do that but tapping the box in the aluminum caps works just the same and doesn't require taking the box all apart.

i'm in the process of modifying my box now,
i got a page started with some pictures and a write-up at http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/steering.html
i'll tap my caps monday and post them picture next week........

Matt is the MAN!!! After we installed the "Redneck Ram" on the Flatty, we were able to actually steer the thing......and that's a first!

http://www.sierrarockcrawlers.com/community/rocktoy/Redneck%20Ram.jpg

That's a very bad spot for the ram to be mounted.
Not knocking Matt's setup at all but it's hard to argue with a 150 buck do-it- yourself complete setup that achives the same results.

So where do you suggest mounting it??

Where rocks would'nt smash it. I mounted mine to the tierod which is behind the axle and above the springs, similier to the one in that pic above.

66CJdean speaks the knowledge, with a 10" stroke you'll break many knuckle related parts, kingpins, balljoints, steering arms,,,,, by the ram pushing beyond the steering stops.

This is a rock ram setup I use on my CJ(used the rock ram on the cj cause i got a really good deal for it, free, part of contest winnings). My '65 Wagon and k3500 get the homemade kind.

Originally posted by 66CJdean
That would be a 10" stroke and that is 2" too much you only need 8". Also a 5/8 shaft is really small. I don't think I would run anything less than 7/8.

Ok, but this Ram came as an OEM steering ram. So the length should work. The small shaft would be good for assist, not complete steering. No?

Well, I'll be taking measurements and find out if it'll work, and what I need. Going to High Steering Arms for steering over axle with flat tops, so I most likely need a shorter stroke than the 10". Bit still maybe an option for other people.

-snip-The small shaft would be good for assist, not complete steering.-snip-

The shaft is attacted to the piston in the bore. The bore dictates the power of the ram. A small shaft may bend with alot of load applied to it. 1 3/4" bore has enough power for assisted steering and steering responds is not slowed to much, 2" bore is more powerfull but steering responds is slowed.

Originally posted by PYRO

The shaft is attacted to the piston in the bore. The bore dictates the power of the ram. A small shaft may bend with alot of load applied to it. 1 3/4" bore has enough power for assisted steering and steering responds is not slowed to much, 2" bore is more powerfull but steering responds is slowed. [/B]

So, Could you expalin how the Ram moves with the steering box?

If the Ram was small, like the Ford Power assist, and thus moved faster than a large 2" ram, how would this affect the fluid flow?

Originally posted by PYRO
Where rocks would'nt smash it. I mounted mine to the tierod which is behind the axle and above the springs, similier to the one in that pic above.


Yeah that's great and all if your tie rod is behind the axle. I went hi steering to get everything out of the way and now that I'm trying to place the ram, the only place it can go is just about right where the stock tie rod would be and below my hi tie rod. I guess I'm just gonna carry caps for the hyd ports on the box, so if I bash the ram I can just disconnect it. :confused: