can ram assist work for mini steering?

[slickrock]

I wanted to know if I could install a ram assist on my 73 FJ 40 with a Toyota mini truck power steering set up. Is this the same principle as a Saginaw box or can I just run the pressure line from the pump to the ram and from the ram to the box?

Following some searching and help for parts, I was thinking about these:
www.surpluscenter.com
1 9-4410-06 1.5X6X.75 DA HYD CYL
82.95
2 916-1436 1/4" X 36" 1/4 NPTM X 1/I HYD HOSE
14.70
4 9-1501-4-4 1/4 NPTM x 1/4 NPTF 90 S
7.80
2 9-5406-6-4 3/8 NPT TO 1/4 NPT BUSHI
1.20

Maybe I should just ask, can a ram assist be installed on a mini truck steering pump?

 

[twentyfootdaredevil]

Check out Trail Gear's setup on their website

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I just read this write up yesterday.....:

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=10579.0

 

[Cube Dweller]

Yeah, there's some tested pump mods on both Marlin and Pirate. I'm too skeered of breaking stuff if I run hydraulic.

If someone writes it up I'd like to add it to the FAQ...

 

[twentyfootdaredevil]

That is another project in the works now. Really good writeup on marlin's site

 

[slickrock]

Thanks all. I found the write ups, but they are all for an IFS box. Mine is non IFS. Any links or is the process the same. I would hate to kill my box for no reason.

 

[woody]

non-IFS is push-pull steering, and you really need to upgrade that setup first...IMO, assist on that type of setup is a poor idea, the geometry goes messy once you articulate the axle

tho, it appears you are running mini box on a FJ40 with the centerarm in place...

hhhhmmmm....maybe pull a box and pop it down to Matt at WestTexasOffroad and see if he can port it....

the pump is not the issue, the porting on the box will be...

 

[slickrock]

non-IFS is push-pull steering, and you really need to upgrade that setup first...IMO, assist on that type of setup is a poor idea, the geometry goes messy once you articulate the axle

tho, it appears you are running mini box on a FJ40 with the centerarm in place...

hhhhmmmm....maybe pull a box and pop it down to Matt at WestTexasOffroad and see if he can port it....

the pump is not the issue, the porting on the box will be...

Thanks Woody, I never thought about contacting West Texas Offroad. I'll do that today.

 

[Poser]

..can I just run the pressure line from the pump to the ram and from the ram to the box?

As with any hydraulic system, you will need a device to control/direct fluid before the tool doing the work. You cannot plumb a pump directly to a cylinder, as the fluid will deadhead after the cylinder reaches full stroke in whatever direction you have the flow from the pump entering the cylinder. If you draw this out on paper it should become very clear to you why it would not work.


I do not see why you could not have your mini truck steering gear modified for hydraulic assist. Better question; why do you think that you need this?

 

[slickrock]

As with any hydraulic system, you will need a device to control/direct fluid before the tool doing the work. You cannot plumb a pump directly to a cylinder, as the fluid will deadhead after the cylinder reaches full stroke in whatever direction you have the flow from the pump entering the cylinder. If you draw this out on paper it should become very clear to you why it would not work.


I do not see why you could not have your mini truck steering gear modified for hydraulic assist. Better question; why do you think that you need this?

Good Question. It is something I have been tossing around since my old CJ-5 days. I was running 35s with full lockers. Steering was Saginaw. Usual pain to make any type of turn when locked up. Usually I had to switch between 4 low and 2 low if I had to turn. I probably got the idea stuck in my head then. It wasn't too bad of a deal since I seldom was turning really sharply in 4 low as 2 low and the rear locker got me most places I wanted to go and only engaged the front for that little ledge and oomph over something.

I already cut out the tab (Cruiser’s) on my T-case so I have access to 2 low. I am at the exact same place after my next rounds of tinkering take place over the winter (35s and the front locker) as where I left off with the CJ. So I figured I would get all the information needed together so that I can make a decision based on all my options. I may go with a Saginaw for the cruiser at some point, but then it would be the exact same thing that I disliked about my CJ.

So in short, a little extra help when I needed it would be great. I am at the point where serious rock crawling isn't all that for me anymore. But, prepared for the situation that might pop up back woods is. I have a full set of spare steering rods and such already adjusted and ready to pop in that I carry with me on longer excursions.

I guess options that allow me to change something based on multiple scenarios is what I am looking for with the ability to install a bit of an assist. I prefer to know my choices rather than limiting myself based on ignorance to my possibilities