pilotblake Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Is there anywhere on here where someone has gone through the process of installing a hydraulic ram steering setup. Also is it safe for something that still drives down the road occasionally if set up right? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Full hydro or hydro assist? Full hydro does not retain the factory steering box. There is no drag link, and there may not be a conventional tie-rod assembly (instead a double ended ram with short tie-rods on each end). Generally it isn't recommended for street use, although it probably isn't actually illegal providing you use the correct orbital valve (one that still allows steering without pressure, a constant displacement valve IIRC). Inspectors may disagree. Hydro assist retains the factory steering box and drag link, along with a relatively normal tie-rod assembly. Perfectly legal, drives great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camjeep3 Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 PM 99NCXJ he is installing something like this on his jeep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotblake Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 I need to move the power steering pump in order to get a taller radiator in place. I want to still be able to drive it down the road, and my skills at fabrication are limited. It is going to run $200-400 to install a rear mount radiator plus I really don't want that right now unless I cannot safely make more space up front. I wouldn't think twice about building other parts, but steering is kind of a big deal. I don't want to be that guy on the road risking others life unknowingly. This thing is by no means a DD but it sees decent pavement time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 You're attacking the problem the wrong way. Instead of fundamentally changing how the steering works, you need to make it fit. The WJ steering box was designed to provide a lot more room for a radiator, as the bulk of it sits on top of the frame rail with only the sector shaft being between the frame rails. A more standard sized radiator can be used with such a setup. I've seen it done with a few V8 swapped XJs and half-considered it for my current build (might still happen if I change engines). While full hydro probably isn't illegal, that doesn't make it a good idea if you're going to see pavement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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