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I've almost got 5000 miles on it now. All systems normal. I have been using it for my winter DD.
As soon as it warms up I will be tinkering on it again.
Awesome build and fantastic commentary in this thread. My question relates to the hydro assist set up. It seems like the ram would put an undesirable side load on the drag link since the two are not parallel to each other. How has this worked out? I’m considering hydro assist on my stock 80 series steering configuration.
Awesome build and fantastic commentary in this thread. My question relates to the hydro assist set up. It seems like the ram would put an undesirable side load on the drag link since the two are not parallel to each other. How has this worked out? I’m considering hydro assist on my stock 80 series steering configuration.
I will add my .02 as @Mieser is not on MUD oftern.
I added hydro assist, but installed it on the rear side of the axle, on the tie rod. However, to do that there is no room for the antiroll bar. I do feel like it is more protected as well where it is. Many have put on the front side, attaching to drag link, and I have not heard of failure of steering arms or other issues.
I would not recommend putting it on a mainly street rig. It feels like driving a tractor, no road feel or self centering.
Decent thread.....
Hydro assist ram
Would like to add a hydro assist setup to my 80 and trying to figure out what ram to go with. I would like to install it in the factory tie rod position behind the axle which I believe requires a 10 in ram. Have to rebuild the steering box so a bit of a while I am in there project. PSC has a...forum.ih8mud.com
did you ever get the tune the way you wanted it, the bcm wired?? and who is doing your tuning, have a 5.3/6l80e working on the swap..
I installed hydro assist last spring and man oh man what difference.overall the assist steering has worked out well. I haven't broken any joints or bent any steering arms. It might have loosened the arms up a bit more than normal, but that seems like a pretty common issue with the 80 series anyways. I did use a pretty mild assist ram to help ( and protect ) the factory steering box.
Plenty for me.How does articulation do in the rocks? Does it have enough travel?
Do you have any pics of it flexed out? I also don't like too much travel. I'm just curious what it looks like flex wise. It gives me a better idea than numbers. Does the front end unload much on steep climbs?Plenty for me.
I was able to package just over a 10" travel front and rear shock ( Fox 2.0 Resi bolt-in) in it with stock soft LX450 coils and about 5" of uptravel from ride height.
I removed the front swaybar but retained the rear unit. It will eat up all the shock travel it has....but also maintains some spring preload at full droop.
Most importantly, it feels stable and predicable for the driver without any quirky behavior. It is stable enough you can drive through the odd lifted tire. I
I don't really like huge amounts of sloppy wheel travel, especially droop that goes into zero or negative spring rate.
With the custom valving in the shocks by Accutune, and the more modern GM foam bumpstops. front and rear it is also a ton of fun in the bumpy stuff. It isn't a racecar or anything, but it will outpace most other vehicles on the trail without beating up the driver.
Cheers
Do you have any pics of it flexed out? I also don't like too much travel. I'm just curious what it looks like flex wise. It gives me a better idea than numbers. Does the front end unload much on steep climbs?
I've never thought it needed more articulation.
I was a little worried that it might unload, I even built in a suck down winch for the front, but never finished it. With the suspension near stock height ( radius arm mount slightly below axle center ), it doesn't have any bad habits like unloading.
Here are some example vids on some well known steep climbs in Sand Hollow.
Wall of Doom
You Gotta Be Nuts