Medusa...

[woody]

Jack, do you think the fact that you used a tie rod end on the steering arm (single shear) in combination with the heim (double shear) on the axle side had anything to do with your bent ram at CM04?

Are you planning on reinstalling the same way, or going with heims on both ends and making a double shear mount for the steering arm?

Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[Medusa]

Brian, I have tried unsuccessfully to understand what caused the failure of the ram rod. I don't see why use of a TRE on the steering arm would cause that -- after all that is what TREs are designed to do. But my mind is open to any and all suggestions. Until I understand what the problem is (if there is any problem), I plan to use the same configuration but with a stronger set up. I modified a 2" ram with a 1" rod to fit my mounting configuration. If the 2" ram is too slow, I also am acquiring another 1.75" ram, but with a .75" rod (instead of a .652" rod) from the Lake Rat. It is interesting that Matt is now using a .75" rod in his assembles instead of the smaller 5/8" unit. Perhaps mine is not hte only one that has bent. If I destroy another ram, then I think I will need to change the design of the mounting.

 

[woody]

I've got a 1.5" dia 8" stroke on backorder from Matt too. Sounds like he's making the right tweaks tho to his products.

Mine will continue with the double heim mounting, but behind the axle with a custom mount off the diff itself and to the 4x4Labs tie rod.

...writeup coming soon to a Toyota Trails near you...lol

Yeah, I can't see where the tie rod end would cause issue...made no sense. Is it remotely possible that the spool valve in the steering box didn't switch fluid flow, and you steered right as the ram continued to push left?!? Is your box a WTOR mod as well?

...grasping at straws...

 

[TJDIV]

So, reading this is like sitting at a little cafe' in Tijuana, Mexico, eavesdropping on a couple natives chatting about UFO's.

You only understand a few key words.

I'm sure you're making something incredible....assisted something or other....

 

[Mace]

That is why this is the "hardcore" section

If the spool valve failed you would have lost assist anyway. .

Jack, what did the steering feel like when the ram bent? Did you notice it bending? or after the fact?

 

[Medusa]

I have an old Model 800 box that was in fact modified by Matt. I thought about the spool valve also, but the non-assisted box has performed normal since I removed the ram in Pritchett Canyon. No, Mace, I had no inkling that the ram bent while it was happening. It was only apparent when I tried to turn after it bent. However, the adrenalin was flowing pretty good at the time, and I may have missed it

 

[Mace]

[quote author=Medusa link=board=12;threadid=16751;start=msg162922#msg162922 date=1085419149]
No, Mace, I had no inkling that the ram bent while it was happening. It was only apparent when I tried to turn after it bent. However, the adrenalin was flowing pretty good at the time, and I may have missed it
[/quote]

I love this statement

See you on the Con

 

[Medusa]

Yeah, this ledge is a little taller than the ones in the local mall parking lot and I bumped it pretty good. Up over the top, turn to the left on the flat slickrock and the ram bends.

 

[woody]

that's what I don't get....the spot you were at really had nothing that should have effected the ram or caused resistance...

BTW: DAMN nice photograph, who's the hottie photographer?

 

[Mace]

[quote author=woody link=board=12;threadid=16751;start=msg163113#msg163113 date=1085433781]
that's what I don't get....the spot you were at really had nothing that should have effected the ram or caused resistance...

BTW: DAMN nice photograph, who's the hottie photographer?
[/quote]

God I hope you are not talking about Butch...

 

[Medusa]

Butch -- NO WAY. The most excellent photographer hails from the north country and is rumored to have some connections on this board