tractor supply or chief rams for full hydro?

[RockTacoAU]

Anybody got info on using the rams from tractor supply for full hydro? I saw a bunch of rigs at summertown running them. Pros? Cons?
Thanks
Matt
I searched but found nuthin

[Budd]

Originally Posted by RockTacoAU

Anybody got info on using the rams from tractor supply for full hydro? I saw a bunch of rigs at summertown running them. Pros? Cons?
Thanks
Matt
I searched but found nuthin

Better forum this time?

From my limited knowledge (I do run full hydro - but DE cylinder and load reactive valve) the orbitals used for SE cylinders are non load reactive - no feedback to the wheel. I think it would be fine for off road only - but maybe not as good a choice if there is some street time.

Also, your steering will take more turns one direction than the other - something to get used to. DE cylinders are same lock to lock. The reason for the SE turning difference is the fluid bypass when turning one way or the other.

Someone will chime in with more answers - but it has been covered so search a little more.

[Aaron871]

Mine work fine (front and rear), cheap enough I can cary a spare.
Trail only, I've had it on the street and it isn't that bad, but not a good idea.

[RockTacoAU]

Why is it so bad on the street?

[Myanarchy]

Because there is no return to center, no road feel, and no mechanical linkage connecting the steering to the wheel. Blow a hose and your in for a hell of a ride.

[Hero]

A Single Ended (typically non ballanced) ram will work well for a rear steer app. It will also work for a front steer as well, but with some drawbacks. One will be a 'walking' steering wheel due to the unbalanced nature of the ram. If you are running a stock steering wheel with any kind of hook up (airbag, radio controls, etc) you will eventually run out of slack on the connectins and have to 'rewind' the wheel. Plus you will constantly have to correct for the wheel walking as you drive. I also found that the steering was quicker on way than the other.

You can use a load reactive valve on a SE ram. In my opinion, go with a double ended balanced ram.

[carwash]

My previous rig used one, but i won't go that route again, this time it will be double ended.

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by RockTacoAU

Why is it so bad on the street?

as stated above:
No mechanical linkage
Unbalanced cylinder makes it faster turning in one direction than the other.
As far as return to center/ road feel, that is affected by the orbital valve as well. It never bothered me to run 55 mph with an open center non-reactive valve. And mine is so slow that the unbalanced ram isn't uncontrollable.

[RockTacoAU]

I have an aftermarket steering wheel and no controls or cruise on it so that wouldnt matter. Im doin an sas on a tacoma not my DD but i would like to drive it around town a little bit and to close by trails. I looked into this setup becuase i can easily do this for just a little more than regular steering. But if there is no way to be able to drive it on the road at like 65 then ill have to figure out sumtin else.

[?????]

Close by wheeling spots would be the Gardendale area... so a 2-2.5 hour drive on the highway or interstate.

How would those 2 hours at highway speeds be compared to just driving around town? Just want to know what some of you consider working okay for a little around town road use.

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by RockTacoAU

I have an aftermarket steering wheel and no controls or cruise on it so that wouldnt matter. Im doin an sas on a tacoma not my DD but i would like to drive it around town a little bit and to close by trails. I looked into this setup becuase i can easily do this for just a little more than regular steering. But if there is no way to be able to drive it on the road at like 65 then ill have to figure out sumtin else.

My front system:
2.5" bore 8" stroke unbalanced Tractor Supply ram. ($74)
Regular P.S. pump (1-Ton hydroboost with pressure mod) ($35)
7.3 gpm Dan Foss Orbital (open center non reactive) ($399)
Narrowed Rockwells, hubs out, welded (front/rear) 44's
Trailer Queen

I've ran mine at 55mph about 3 times on country roads with no one around. Mine is not for interstate use. I could kill people. Now, country roads (35 mph), to and from the trail, that's a different story. As long as I don't blow a line...

Just my opinion

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by ?????

Close by wheeling spots would be the Gardendale area... so a 2-2.5 hour drive on the highway or interstate.

How would those 2 hours at highway speeds be compared to just driving around town? Just want to know what some of you consider working okay for a little around town road use.

To me a little around town would be 2 miles to the gas station. Not in city traffic.

I would never concider mine on the hwy. Well, I might go one exit down if it was an emergency and I was stuck on the back side of Stagecoach and the gate was closed. But not 2 fawkin hours, no way, not even with a ballanced ram and reactive cylinder. With my luck I'd blow a line and drive over a church bus... lol

[JackA]

I run a SE chief ram and a load reactive orbital. It doesn't walk and has return to center. It's trail only though. I don't ever really notice that it takes more turns one way then the other. I just turn till it hits the stops most of the time. Been running it for 2 plus years with no problems.

[rotozuk]

The unbalanced nature will really show itself with short stroke systems. I only require 5" of stroke on mine, and need a 2" bore. I could not get the unbalance to an OK level unless I only had a 1" shaft size. I figured that was a bit small to be reliable. So I spent the extra $100 and bought a balanced ram from surpluscenter.com. I think I will be happier with it.

I did take my buddies buggy for a quick drive. It has an unbalanced ram, but it is 8" of stroke and 2.5" bore, thus able to hide some of that unbalance. His drove great. Which is backed up by his 70 mph runs out to the trail heads in the Hammers.

-Wayne

[RockTacoAU]

I was planning on a 2 inch bore with 8 inch stroke. I have a f150 hp dana 44

[RockTacoAU]

If I bought a little bit better ram would I be better off?

[sceep]

i guess i just dont understand WHY?

the doble ended ram is only $200, it uses the same amount of lines, 2 extra heim's and less material for the tie rod. yes mounting is more trickey but it seems like a no brainer to me.

[RockTacoAU]

Will a double ended cylinder be alot better on the road?

[sceep]

Originally Posted by RockTacoAU

Will a double ended cylinder be alot better on the road?

depends on the rest of your system.