If it were me, I'd most definitely go with a double ended ram on a full hydraulic system. Not to say a single ended ram wouldn't work well, it just seems to me that a double ended ram is best for full hydro. Using a double ended ram, and mounting it as in the photos posted. You would have better leverage on the knuckles from the ram. Therefore it would benefit the strength of the steering, getting the most power should be the biggest point here in my mind. I think also that it would have a better tendency to return to center as Mookie pointed out. I know that I wouldn't want my steering to not return to center on it's own, be slow, and sloppy, especially at high speed. And even more so if your hauling ass off road, as quick reaction time is critical. You never know what could lie just ahead in the dirt, until your right on top of it.
I'd think that in a "desert racer" rig, hydro assist might be better? As I would assume it would return to center itself better than a total hydraulic setup. I don't know what is used most in a "desert racer" application. I do know that in most race cars a manual steering system is used. As at high speeds excess power isn't needed to steer. A mechanical steering box offers the best response from the steering wheel and feel from the road. I know were talking off road, but speed is speed, and control is key. If I were building such a rig, my biggest concern would be responsiveness. But also the feedback to the steering wheel from the road. You'd want your steering strong so when you hit something hard, those forces aren't transfered into your hands through the steering wheel. I know that you can break fingers when that wheel gets ripped around, and also possibly cause you to lose control. I've learned from all my research on this subject, the valving is the most critical aspect relating to the steering performance with a full hydro system. If you get it right it could be ideal?
It sounds to me that the questioner here is most concerned with high speed off-roading. I would think that a full hydraulic system is better suited for crawling. Slow speeds, huge tires, lockers, and tight spots where the power is really needed to turn.
Sorry, here is another long ass response from me!!!
I'd think that in a "desert racer" rig, hydro assist might be better? As I would assume it would return to center itself better than a total hydraulic setup. I don't know what is used most in a "desert racer" application. I do know that in most race cars a manual steering system is used. As at high speeds excess power isn't needed to steer. A mechanical steering box offers the best response from the steering wheel and feel from the road. I know were talking off road, but speed is speed, and control is key. If I were building such a rig, my biggest concern would be responsiveness. But also the feedback to the steering wheel from the road. You'd want your steering strong so when you hit something hard, those forces aren't transfered into your hands through the steering wheel. I know that you can break fingers when that wheel gets ripped around, and also possibly cause you to lose control. I've learned from all my research on this subject, the valving is the most critical aspect relating to the steering performance with a full hydro system. If you get it right it could be ideal?
It sounds to me that the questioner here is most concerned with high speed off-roading. I would think that a full hydraulic system is better suited for crawling. Slow speeds, huge tires, lockers, and tight spots where the power is really needed to turn.
Sorry, here is another long ass response from me!!!
