Steering box opinions wanted.

[rusty_tlc]

Last weekend the frame mount for my Saginaw box broke. Befor eI get into fixing it I'm thinking about installing the hydro assist kit that came with my PSC power steering conversion.

The gear box is already ported, I have the ram and mounting tabs, all I need are a couple of hoses and somebody to weld it up.


My concern is that this will put more stress on the steering knuckles. Or will it?

I'm also now running the Trail Worthy Hummer wheels and Mil Wranglers which is a heavy combo, not sure how that works into things.

 

[Tapage]

My concern is that this will put more stress on the steering knuckles.

since you have another hydraulic " box " directly on the axle sharing the steering forces with the factory box it's my understanding it will allow you to put more force on the knuckle and steering components on the housing and links .. but you will still have that " force " feeling there ..

What happens to me, when I upgrade the hole system, it's now it's much more easy turn your bigger wheels ( well in my case I went bigger ) = less effort due to upgraded system .. and therefore I found myself " abusing " my steering since it's nice and easier ..

if you have front wheel against a rock .. with stock system you just can't more your wheel .. so you probably will just backup and try different angle / approach ..

With an upgraded PS system .. you will still try ( and maybe ) to move your wheel .. moving maybe the hole Cruiser .. just coz your PS system can do it ..

then .. there you will put more stress on your steering components ..

 

[peesalot]

If you build stops into your ram it can actually help the knuckles from being pushed too far.
If you do not put stops in/on the ram you will want to be carefull about holding the wheel pinned at full lock because the ram will still be pushing on the knuckles.

Set up the ram travel and stops correctly and it should be a non issue.

 

[Betarocker]

Ram assist will take the forces off the sector shaft. Add limiters to the ram like mentioned.

 

[bustanutley]

Hydro assist is one of the best things you can do to your wheeling truck, especially if it is driven on the street.

Don't worry about the knuckles, they will be fine. You need to retorque them everyday before you hit the trail. This is even more important if you have high steer. Actually, worry about your knuckles so you tighten them often! This is also true for hubs! I havn't had a problem with the knuckles on my truck yet, but, I do as I preach.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Hydro assist is one of the best things you can do to your wheeling truck, especially if it is driven on the street.

Don't worry about the knuckles, they will be fine. You need to retorque them everyday before you hit the trail. This is even more important if you have high steer. Actually, worry about your knuckles so you tighten them often! This is also true for hubs! I havn't had a problem with the knuckles on my truck yet, but, I do as I preach.

I keep a socket and breaker bar in a box by the DS seat so I can check the knuckles on the trail, I also check the spring bolts during runs.It's amazing how much they can loosen up when you are flexing the suspension all day.