Just a few pics of my latest project :D

bracket for steering unit
http://homepage.mac.com/jimlambrt/jeep/projects/hydraulic-steering/hydraulic-steering-Images/0.jpg

steering unit
http://homepage.mac.com/jimlambrt/jeep/projects/hydraulic-steering/hydraulic-steering-Images/1.jpg

everything installed
http://homepage.mac.com/jimlambrt/jeep/projects/hydraulic-steering/hydraulic-steering-Images/2.jpg

Installing the steering was a lot easier than I imagined it would be. Just collect the parts, build a few brackets and put it all together.

I have "lock to lock" steering again . I've been settling for a pretty crappy turning radius, since I installed the front 60.

The full-hydro setup isn't that different than my stock on the pavement, but it's VERY responsive. The return to center is very good, which surprises me, because I didn't go with a balanced system. The biggest difference on pavement is: the lack of any death wobble. That big ram is a mighty good dampener.

Now for the really good news, I can turn the wheels when standing still. I used to have to move a little forward or backwards to turn the wheel. Now, I can spin the wheel with one finger

I can't wait to get out on the trail and see how it performs.

Looks like a nice setup, I like!

Want to give more specifics?

I read Bill Vista's hydro steering bible (http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PR-Hydro_Steering/index.html) and then started calling vendors. After a bit of research I bought PSC's single cylinder system (http://www.pscpowersteer.com/Performance_Steering/Components/Off_Road/powersteeringFullHydraulicsPSC.cfm).

The PSC system came with:

A steering control unit (with load reaction - i.e. return to center)
A short input shaft 3/4-30 input shaft that fits the TJ steering shaft
8 x 2 x .75 cylinder with 3/4 rod ends


I sourced fittings and hoses from a local hydraulics vendor for about $125. Also, they made me a custom high-pressure hose that reused the male high-pressure fitting from my stock hose coming out of my pump.

The cylinder mounting brackets are made from 3/4 cold rolled. The steering control unit bracket is 1/4 plate.

The results: I have "lock to lock" steering again . I've been settling for a pretty crappy turning radius, since I installed the front 60 (due to clearance issues with the pitman arm, drag link, and trackbar).

My full-hydro steering isn't that different than stock on the pavement, but it's VERY responsive. The return to center is very good, which surprises me, because I didn't go with a balanced system. The biggest difference on pavement is: the lack of any death wobble. That big ram is a mighty good dampener.

Now for the really good news, I can turn the wheels when standing still. I used to have to move a little forward or backwards to turn the wheel. Now, I can spin the wheel with one finger.

Did you add a cooler or some other resevoir? I need to start gathering the parts for my full hydro on my TJ. Did you just take the pump, ram and valve to a hydro place to fit the lines?