Redneck Ram Hydro Steering,,, good idea?

With my project CJ-5.0 almost ready for the trails (and street) the next big upgrade I want to make is power steering, and I am currently looking into the Redneck Ram system from West Texas http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/index.htmlOffroad
I am considering this because by the time I buy the stock powersteering box, or even a Superbox,etc, I may as well go with the hydraulic system for a similar price.

Has anyone used the RR in their Jeeps? If so how does it preform on the street & offroad? More importantly, is it compatable with a Ford power steering pump? (new/custom hoses wont be a problem, there is a hydraulic hose fab shop in my neighborhood) If I have to fab mounts for a GM style pump, I may as well go with the Superbox steering and forget the hydro.

 

My answer is NO . . .

But I'm interested!

Your link is not working for me . . .

Is this it? http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/hydrosteering.html

 

Typical, although I cut &N pasted the link your works but the one I posted doesn't.

Anyhow, with the large tires, lockers and gears I'm running, Im thinking the RR is the better option over a stock/modified stock type system, especialy when cost is a factor.

 

I would defnitely NOT do it with stock Jeep steering linkage. It's not nearly heavy enough to handle the forces. I've bent 3/8" wall DOM with a similar setup, the puny Jeep links don't stand a chance. I wouldn't try the conversion with a Ford pump. They suck at best, they just don't have the poop to get the job done. Do a Saginaw conversion for the pump, the parts are available on Ford vans (assuming Ford engine).

Off road, hydro assist is a dream. One finger steering on even the toughest obstacles. Of course, there's a ton of force built up in the steering system as well. I don't know how long Dana 30 knuckles and balljoints will hold up to this. On the street, you must select the right ram or your steering will be slow. The effects are everything from minor annoyance to outright dangerous. 1.5" ram diameter seems to work well. I had a 1 7/8" ram in mine and the steering was maddening, you just couldn't cut the wheels fast enough on the street.

The steering pump and box alone won't solve any problems you might be experiencing with trail performance. The ram is the key. You modify the steering box to add the hydraulics, a stock pump will work well for even a mildly built rig (35" tires). You can modify the box on a weekend easily. It's harder to R&R the box than is it to rebuild it and drill and tap a couple holes.

West Texas Offroad has built a pretty good reputation over the years. If you want a checkbook solution, they should be safe to go with.

 

Check with your local laws. I believe you have to have some type of mechanical linkage to provide steering in case of power failure. So if you are just talking hydro steer you will not have that mechanincal linkage and can probably not keep the jeep street legal.

The hydro-boost steering will allow you to keep your jeep street legal.

Be very mindfull of the throw of the ram in the kit you are getting. The tie rod on my CJ moves a total of 5.5" lock to lock. If you put a 8" ram on that it will break the knuckles off of the axle.

 

All the places I've talked to (that sell hydro assist) can limit ram travel inside the ram. They just need the travel measurement.

 

Like stated check local law first. Even a ram assest may not be legal in your area.

 

Pirate4x4 has been chasing this for years now. No one has yet found a law against hydro steering of any kind or a requirement for a mechanical linkage. Seems like it would be the law somewhere, but I have yet to see a link to a statue stating so.

 

Let me see what I can come up with. I still have lots of buds LE.
I'm thinking it's a fed DOT though.

 

I talked with the guys at WTOR about the RR. They say the Ford pump is sufficient to use with the RR. The RR is s hydro-assist and retains the stock type steering linkage. I am running HD Balljoints and linkages from OK FWD, very stout, will be able to handle the ram. The RR is supposed to be streetable and road-friendly as is is appaarently valved to be less agressive than other generic application rams. No laws here regarding hydro steering, many guys are running full hydro rear-steer on registered street legal off roaders here in NM.

For now I will probably just upgrade to an AGR Super Box power steering and upgrade to the ram assist later as need arises and funds are available.