Hydro Assist Steering

[97_4x4]

Can a stock ranger PS pump be tapped to run a hydro assist steering set up? If so where should it be tapped? Will be be able to keep up? And other than an extra fluid reservour is there any thing special the pump will need?

Picks would be helpful...

Thanks

Chris

 

[rickcdewitt]

from what i've read you tap the steering box for the assist lines and agr makes a heavy duty steering pump.

 

[grumpyguy]

http://http://broncoii.org/fordforum/index.php?showtopic=19323&hl=hydro+assist

That site also has their own store which sells kits but it's down right now

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the stock steering is hydro assist...why wouldnt the stock pump be sufficient?

 

[JohnnyU]

the stock steering is hydro assist...why wouldnt the stock pump be sufficient?

He wants to use a hydraulic ram in conjunction with the stock weak gearbox. It's actually quite common on the GM boxes, but i'm not real sure of the method for a Ford box.

 

[4x4junkie]

The gearbox is plenty strong, it's the pump that's weak.

Click here for how to tap a Ford box.

 

[97_4x4]

Would the pump handle it or do I need to be looking for something else to swap in? If so from what?

Thanks Junkie... That answers the question for me and Seems easy enough to do...

Chris

 

[4x4junkie]

The flow volume isn't enough, you'll get a lot of steering lag with the ram and a stock pump.

I've heard you can drill out an orifice somewhere on it to get better volume though, although I don't have 1st-hand experience on it.

I've heard of guys swapping to Saginaw pumps from Ford vans (I forget the years... mid-'80s I think)

I seem to recall there was some info on this over on Pirate4x4 (maybe where I read it), maybe try a search over there.

 

[King Crush]

One thing I noticed with all the BII's and rangers my dad and I have gone through and the ones we drive now all all noisy powerstering. It's anoying. Why? Also explorers.

 

[MAKG]

Stupid design on the pumps.

Yes, you can very often identify RBVs by sound.

It's quite difficult to bleed the pumps without damaging them. I have a quiet Exploder which I got that way buy installing a rebuilt pump and bleeding with the steering linkage popped off (no load) and the engine turned off until the very end.

 

[Redriverranger]

Hey Chris, check out page 4 and page 11 for the info you seek. I bent the ram and haven't replaced it yet because the pump is so much superior.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/477871

 

[97_4x4]

Thanks Casey,

That is exactally what I needed and a great help.

Now t just get money together to get everything done..lol

Chris

 

[rickcdewitt]

Stupid design on the pumps.

Yes, you can very often identify RBVs by sound.

It's quite difficult to bleed the pumps without damaging them. I have a quiet Exploder which I got that way buy installing a rebuilt pump and bleeding with the steering linkage popped off (no load) and the engine turned off until the very end.

you don't remember the brand of rebuilt pump you used do you?

 

[metalmacguyver]

http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19310 could do it your self too.