i got a question for hydro assist

my measurement on my hi steer arm from center of kingpin to center of heim joint bolt hole is 6.5"......... so would i need a 6" ram or could i still use a 8" ram

also would there be any real negative drawbacks to temporarily mounting the ram to my draglink instead of tierod?.......... why I ask is because right now i only have 1 hi steer arm so my tierod is still down low.once i get my other arm my tierod will be behind the axle and i can move the ram then

So this is a Dana 44 or 9"? With that throw it should work with a 6" ram. You should attach it directly to the tie rod. According to Howe (I think it was Lee?), you lose about 15% of your power every time you add a joint between the ram and the tierod. I asked them this question last year when I had a similar situation.

Do it once, do it right.

You don't want to attach it to the drag link, unless you don't mind all the forces being put on that Hi-steer arm, and then transfered to the other wheel thru the knuckle. I'm not saying it won't work, but I wouldn't do it that way. Much better to tie it to the tierod, and split the forces between the two knuckles.

Also, you want to make sure your ram bottoms before you get to the steering stops, or you have other problems, ie. busted castings, bent steering components.

In any case, from your post, I'd guess you had much of that figured out on your own, and were looking for someone to say it's ok to do it half-assed.

Do it right the first time, save your money for the other arm/knuckle or whatever you need. it's cheaper in the long run, and much safer.


Doug

So this is a Dana 44 or 9"? With that throw it should work with a 6" ram. You should attach it directly to the tie rod. According to Howe (I think it was Lee?), you lose about 15% of your power every time you add a joint between the ram and the tierod. I asked them this question last year when I had a similar situation.

Do it once, do it right.


D60

My arms are 6.5 as well, I use an 8" ram and it just touches the factory stops on full lock.

The steer arm and the pitman arm need to be the same. 6.5" from kingpin to heim, pitman should be 6.5 from center of steering box shaft to heim for perfect steering. You ram depends on your steering stops and if your tires hit your springs etc.