ok after seeing the pic's of teh Howe sys on AP's site that looks to be fairly straight forward, are there any other things done inside the box also??, i.e: passages bored out or anytihng else?


2nd, is the stock toy 4cyl PS pump strong enough to run a 1in ram?

That depends on who you talk to. Most DIY guys don't do anything else. Personally I open up the Spool valve a little and also firm up the valving some on all of the boxes I build.
As far as the pump goes, it should be able to run a 1" ram with no trouble but you won't get much power out of a ram that small. But I guess every little bit helps. You might try boosting the pressure on the pump while your at it to get a little more power.

For the $$, my "LakeRat" modified box was worth it to me, knowing that not only are the fittins done but the other performance tweaks are as well. Now, I've just gotta finish the house remodel work and get the damn thing installed!

Originally posted by TheLakeRat
That depends on who you talk to. Most DIY guys don't do anything else. Personally I open up the Spool valve a little and also firm up the valving some on all of the boxes I build.
As far as the pump goes, it should be able to run a 1" ram with no trouble but you won't get much power out of a ram that small. But I guess every little bit helps. You might try boosting the pressure on the pump while your at it to get a little more power.

What size ram do you recommend?

2x8 rams for D60 and D44, 1.5x6 for D30 and toy axles. Of course that isn't set in stone. Some things vary like pump sizes

I installed mine from WestTexas last week and Matt is the man. Works great and he treated my well with loads of information.

Not Knocking Matt's setup's but If your into making your own, there is a writeup on my site for the "Homemade" system , tapping the box, increasing the pump pressure and volume, if your interested.

i also did my own box,
ther are some pics here http://www.geocities.com/yj3qtr_ton/steering.html

I have a stupid question. When you tap the box how do you know what line goes where on th ram? Also when you tap the front of the box (round cap) is it strong enough to handle the pressure?

How do you modify the pump for this?

No pump mods are required, but some will help. Check my website for info on what to do.

www.westtexasoffroad.com

I add some beef to the endcap to make it thick enough for the threads to seal. Works good. http://www.respite.org/images/cj66dean/ram3.jpg

So whats the best box to use for outside the frame rails applications arm forward would be nice but not necessary?

FYI, some of you may be interested in this, On my job sites the heavy equipment use these springs around the hydro hoses to prevent punctures from rocks. I've punctured three hoses in a few month before i tried these, they are working great so far.

Sorry for straying off topic.

Originally posted by Brawler
when you tap the front of the box (round cap) is it strong enough to handle the pressure?

i thought the end cap was thin stamped steel and was planning on welding the fitting into it, but whe i dissassembled mine it was alluminum and about 3/16" thick, so i just tapped mine (has at least 3 good threads) i used teflon tape and so for so good......

This may be a stupid question, but how the hell do I get that end cap off? I managed to pry that huge damned ring out, destroying it in the process, and the cap still doesn't come out! I've pounded holes in it trying! It's a good thing that I am using an old scrap steering box to practice with first and not my AGR!

J. J.

Originally posted by patooyee
This may be a stupid question, but how the hell do I get that end cap off? I managed to pry that huge damned ring out, destroying it in the process, and the cap still doesn't come out! I've pounded holes in it trying! It's a good thing that I am using an old scrap steering box to practice with first and not my AGR!

J. J.

there is a hole in the edge of the box that can be used to push the snap ring out alittle bit so you can get ahold of it :smokin:

the cap is then just stuck, i drilled a small hole, screwed in a wood/machine screw and used it to pry/yank it out, (an "O" ring is just holding it in

So again i will ask, how do you determine which hydro line goes where? I know where to tap the box but for instance, the line coming out of the top of the box, where does that go?

Hook it up, if the pump SCREAMS when you turn the wheel a little, the hoses are backwards. Hey, it's a 50/50 chance you'll get it right the frist time and 100% the second.

Originally posted by Brawler
So again i will ask, how do you determine which hydro line goes where? I know where to tap the box but for instance, the line coming out of the top of the box, where does that go?

It depends on which direction the ram is set-up. It will either work or not. I bet you can figure out what to do if the answer is not... :D

Thanks everyone for all the helpfull info. Guess i could have figured out the 50/50 thing.

Just hook the whole system up and leave 1 end of the ram unhooked.. Obviously if the ram doesnt travel with the tie rod then they are hooked up backwards, RIGHT :confused: :confused: