I am looking into hydro assist steering and was wondering how the systems deals with droopage ojn gear box side of truck? With out cross over steering on my 85 k5, any time the left side of front axle droops I cant turn the wheels one direction? Would hydro assist put severe stress on my already weak steering gear box. It is already trying to rip my frame apart.

Charlo

I'd do the crossover first, then think about the hydro. The Xover is the mod to make to solve that drivers side 'droopage' non-steering problem.

Frame issues - check out the www.offroaddesign.com steering box brace (apx $95)- it triangulates the frame/crossmember section for strength. Might also want to add the frame repair/gusset fish plates (weld on reinforcement) so you can basically stop worrying about the frame cracking issue. Stephen sells the weld on plates also (apx $65).

I've done all three, truck tracks straight as an arrow and turns tight either direction, on or off road, crossed up or not.

www.coloradok5.com is a good place to get these answers and read about the mods made by the owner of the site - all have been covered with photos and how-to's.

Good luck.............

I am not worried about the steering problem caused by the droopage since I only run mud and sand. I was wondering if droopage plus hydro would put all of the sagging weight of the axle on steering gear box? I have done the weld in reinforcement kit and will soon do the box in brace kit also. I suppose crossover steering would not hurt, but i need a new ps gear box and ps pump real soon and money is tight right now. The gear box i use for hydro will be different with cross over though right?

charlo

Sorry, can't really help ya there, try posting this question to Stephen Watson from Off Road Design on the ORD forum at www.coloradok5.com - he would have better input that most.

Yes, you need either a 2WD steering box, or replace the sector shaft (think that's what they call it !) in your existing 4WD box with one from a 2WD junkyard part.............guys on CK5 know what is required.

Thanks for all the info Blazzin. I think I will junkyard a PS gear box and a late model PS pump off a hydro boost brake pickup. That should be sufficient for the hydro assist and has the 2nd return outlet. Now I just gotta figure out how to scavange cross over steering on my D60 for cheap. Thx


Charlo