So I am likely going to try and mount a steering ram to my front axle in the next few weeks. While there are a few threads over Hydro, not much on the actual install for Land Rovers. Even less if your doing it on a LR Axle Housing.

For the front, the only real option I can see is to mount the ram in place of teh Steering Damper. A Steering Damper isn't really needed with a ram and is really an option to steering anyways. I don't really like it.

Pros:
1) easiest install
2) full ram throw

Cons:
1) Wierd angle on Drag-Link
2) Weak stock tie-rods
3) Pushes only one wheel, relies on Tie-Rod to transfer power to drivers front wheel.
4) Mounts to Frame as opposed to axle housing.


http://pics.montypics.com/lwg/2006-01-02/1136252607_front2_small.jpg

Behind/on top of the axle is the preferred method, however it has it's problems as well.

The pros:
1) Would connect to a very stout Tie-Rod with 3/4" Heims, would not break.
2) Could effectively push and pull both front wheels, whereas the other option would only do that to one wheel and rely on the tie-rod to transfer the load.
3) Clear of any trail obstacles.

Cons:
1) Not sure if it will clear the oil pan under all articulation.
2) May not have enough room for full throw, could hit the 3rd member.

Did my bestest in paint to somewhat show how I am thinking about mounting it.

http://pics.montypics.com/lwg/2006-01-02/1136252557_rear_small_with_ram.jpg

I don't really like mounting the ram in the front as the cons outwiegh the pros quite a bit. The Panhard rod really gets in the way and I don't really want to build a 4-link for the front axle housing yet.

edit: I will be using a 1.5" PSC steering ram. Need to measure to determine whether it will be a 6" or 8" throw.

To the draglink would not be the best idea. If you do not mount it parallel to the DL it will want to bend it.

Mounting to the TR is a much better idea, however, even with a 6" ram you will have very serious issues with full extension. I am not that familar with Rovers so please bear with me on this. Why is the TR bent anyway??? is it a major rock finder if it is not curved??? The reason I mention this is because the best way to mount a hydraulic ram is with the mobile end at the DS on the tierod. That way you have the most forces acting on the tie rod the safest.. If you mount the ram to the TR in the middle of the TR they are prone to bending the TR. And that sucks..


Measure how much throw you will need (I am suspecting six") and then get the extended length from PSC. I bet you will have to do a lot of fancy footwork to get it to fit..


Al

I have mine in the D90 dampner location, pushing on the drag link, but when I'll be going full hydro, I'll be opting for having a TR in FRONT of the axle - I'll try to achieve this by getting a DS RHD front swivel housing with a "front" ear so that I can have one bar across the diff housing and not getting in contact with the 3rd or the radius arms...

This may not be ideal, but that's the best scenario in my opinion. Also, if I go to a custom panhard, I'll be able to mount a dual piston hydro ram in the middle with a skid plate...So you think that'll work?

Net net, I'm pleased with my current set-up, however, I need less bars running across the diff...

Why is the TR bent anyway??? is it a major rock finder if it is not curved???

Yep!

The reason I mention this is because the best way to mount a hydraulic ram is with the mobile end at the DS on the tierod. That way you have the most forces acting on the tie rod the safest.. If you mount the ram to the TR in the middle of the TR they are prone to bending the TR. And that sucks..
Al

This is my thought as well. Somehow, someway I will make it work. I really want it on the TR. The 3/4" heims will easily handle the stress, plus I think it will be easier on the steering box and drag link...


Nadim, do you have any pics of your setup? Have you bent your TR yet? Any additional comments on this setup?

I did a little search for ya, and lookie what I found :flipoff2:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58622&highlight=hydro+assist

I did a little search for ya, and lookie what I found :flipoff2:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58622&highlight=hydro+assist

Only one problem, that's a D44 axle!!!

A for effort though:flipoff2:

Only one problem, that's a D44 axle!!!

A for effort though:flipoff2:

Damn.. caught me with a technicality.. :flipoff2:

In looking at your pros/cons list, I think you could position the cylinder to the top/back of the axle and attach it to your tierod. I think you should be able to clear the oil pan no problem, and if the throw is too great, you can install spacers in the cylinder to limit it's throw so you won't be pounding your steering stops.

Damn.. caught me with a technicality.. :flipoff2:



I'll give you some credit though. While I had looked through that thread, After your post I noticed how Way mounted his Ram. It has peaked my interest hence my current investigation in another thread.

New PS Box on it's way, 2nd in a year, warranty from Meridian. Planning on tapping it for Hydro and if I can't figure out exactly where to put the ram I will plug the holes for now. Hopefully this will make it easier on me down the road.