What do I need? Anyne have some specs? Pics?
Not too? URL's?

A orbit (steering) valve from a fork truck or combine, a Hydroboost power steering pump, 1/2" cooler, a 2" X 8" hyd cylinder, a 3000 psi gauge, some 3/8" pressure hoses, some 1/2" return hose, a few JIC fittings, a optional adj. pressure relief valve, optional 8-12 gpm flow restricter valve, optional oil temp gauge. a gallon of auto trans fluid or hydraulic fluid and about 10-12 degrees of pos. caster.

[ 09-24-2001: Message edited by: dirtrod ]

heres a pic of my orbital vavle..its a char lynn valve, and i believe it displaces like 6.3 and its about 3 turns lock to lock.<IMG width=352 height=288 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/valve.JPG">

Originally posted by dirtrod:
<STRONG>A orbit (steering) valve from a fork truck or combine,

</STRONG>

You can get them at any marine place as well <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">

www.northerntool.com (http://www.northerntool.com) Start shoppin <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Can you explain why the caster has to be between 10 to 12 degrees positive?

Thanks,
Charles

any guess as to what the parts would cost?

thats' how to gain any return to center with a fully hydraulic steering setup...... <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by fj40charles:
<STRONG>Can you explain why the caster has to be between 10 to 12 degrees positive?

Thanks,
Charles</STRONG>

The caster makes the wheels want to go straight down the road (like a raked motorcycle), without it, it will wander from side to side and it's hard as hell to drive on the road (like a unicycle).

I think the tractor/combine salvage places around here want about $300 for a orbit valve and cylinder, and then you need probably another 250 for the hoses and other stuff. Surplus center sells new valves and cylinders pretty cheap.

Originally posted by dirtrod:
<STRONG>A orbit (steering) valve from a fork truck or combine, a Hydroboost power steering pump, 1/2" cooler, a 2" X 8" hyd cylinder, a 3000 psi gauge, some 3/8" pressure hoses, some 1/2" return hose, a few JIC fittings, a optional adj. pressure relief valve, optional 8-12 gpm flow restricter valve, optional oil temp gauge. a gallon of auto trans fluid or hydraulic fluid and about 10-12 degrees of pos. caster.
</STRONG>

dirtrod,
Do you use a hydroboost braking system with the hydro steer pump? If so does it affect the pressure, or make a noticable difference in steering with the brakes applied?

55 up John Deere squareback combines have everything a guy would need. Valve, a pump about the size of a Alt., line and cyl. A guy can buy a complete squareback for around 400-500bucks, but most of us don't have the room for that. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> The steering assembly doesn't often wear out on tractors, so Ag pick-and-pulls have plenty around...I wouldn't pay more than $50-100 for a complete set up, but we do have a sh1tload of tractors in MN.

Why only one Ram? Don't they push better than pull? Would it be better to run two rams to get rid og this? How can you protect the lines?

Originally posted by Mud Lite:
<STRONG>Why only one Ram? Don't they push better than pull? Would it be better to run two rams to get rid og this? How can you protect the lines?</STRONG>

Double Acting Cyl. Works both ways..
check out www.mcmaster.com (http://www.mcmaster.com) to find some more parts.

Originally posted by cruiserrg:
<STRONG>dirtrod,
Do you use a hydroboost braking system with the hydro steer pump? If so does it affect the pressure, or make a noticable difference in steering with the brakes applied?</STRONG>

No, I'm running manual disc brakes, I've never had hydroboost brakes, so I don't know if it makes a difference.