Hydrualic Steering (1 Viewer)

[skiakhokie]

I'm thinking about fabing hydraulic steering. I figure it'd be strong and less hassle -with lift and articulation- than ps. Anybody done this? seen it done? have any pros/cons or linx? Happy new years

PS- If you live in Federal Way, WA and restore cruizers and have a blue 40 for sale let me know.

 

[woody]

Check out http://www.pirate4x4.com, tech articles, and Billvistas hydro steering information. 'bout all you need to know is in there.

I ordered my 1.5" x 6" hydro ram yesterday from West Texas for my assist install....hope to have that teched up soon.

 

[mixmaster]

Check out this thread on Pirate: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=05feb422bcb07ffecc9608ec35d9d24a&threadid=206868
This is my full hydro steering I did on my rig. Ask any questions you might have about it.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

I know this a cross post from Pirates, did you find out if the ram contacts the frame on full compression?

Rob

 

[mixmaster]

I haven't had a chance to flex it out to test it, still working on getting everything going. It won't hit though, the pic is deceiving, it actually goes behind the crossmember.

 

[kstatecruiser]

This is a simple setup. All you need is the right orbital setup. Also remember that this will not be street legal and some most orbital valves will not return to center. I mounted my cylinder beneath the springs and I have not had any problems at all with rocks bashing the cylinder or the rams.

 

[Medusa]

For a dose of reality of what can happen with not-properly-working hydraulic steering, see this thread:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=208725
I am not saying this was a case of booty fab, or simply faulty equipment, but it should be kept in mind when considering driving a rig with full hydraulic stering on the street or at high speeds.

 

[kstatecruiser]

I have never had problems with the steering locking up at 60+, but on a windy day and going at highway speeds you have to keep steering into the wind, not just hold the wheel. I alway thought this was because of the hydralics and nothing mechanical in the system. Now I know it was the pump cavitating. I run a stock Chevy pump, but soon to hot rodded.

However, when crawling I can turn my 36's with one finger. I can even "walk" the front end over if I get wedged on a rock on oned side. I just have to give it a little gas.

 

[Mace]

[quote author=kstatecruiser link=board=12;threadid=9494;start=msg85571#msg85571 date=1073415699]
I have never had problems with the steering locking up at 60+,
[/quote]

Neither had Elf cruiser.


Full hydro or hydro assist.
I would never run full hydro on the street..
Not safe enough. .

 

[Texican]

My fear is that some catastophic failure will leave me with nothing, and there are several things that will do that on a full hydro. I have seen 2 full hydros fail, luckily both were at Gilmer just a short way from tow rigs.I would hate to see this happen on some of the Moab or BHCC trails....
The 2 ram assist setups I have wheeled do just fine and I do like the backup of linkages, plus the ability to have road feel on the highway.
JMHO
Butch

 

[woody]

Drove Troy Myers TJ with full hydro once....very interesting....not something I'd enjoy on the road.

Buddy of mine runs full hydro on his Ranger too...rock hit a fitting in Paragon and there he sat for about 6 hours while parts were tracked down on a Saturday. With a drag link to back up, he could have at least struggled thru the balance of the day.

 

[skiakhokie]

Thanks guys, you're litterally life savers. I've decided to "possibly" run hydro assist. Not so big on full hydro now.