Should i do it

[mhughes165]

http://nj4wheelers2.myfreeforum.org/about3652.html

ive been contemplatin comin up wiht the extra loot to run the hydro assist steering setup this guy has for sale, what would eb the pro's and cons of such a system on a street truck, i know that full hydraulic steering systems are great for offroad.....but never played with them onroad, and help and pointers on this would be much appricated

 

[Shran]

The problem with hydraulic steering on the road is that if it fails, you're stuck in whatever direction you were going. It's not a big deal on the trail due to the speed but when you're going 80 on the interstate passing a semi you'd be pretty screwed. At least with "normal" steering systems in vehicles you can keep it under control.

 

[mhughes165]

The problem with hydraulic steering on the road is that if it fails, you're stuck in whatever direction you were going. It's not a big deal on the trail due to the speed but when you're going 80 on the interstate passing a semi you'd be pretty screwed. At least with "normal" steering systems in vehicles you can keep it under control.

well, thats why i was lookin at this, it isnt straight hydraulic, its hydraulic assist, so if it goes out i still got steering

 

[Dishtowel]

Idk about you, but full hydro is illegal in Alberta, for the above mentioned reasons.

Steering components are malleable iron so that during a collision they bend and hopefully dont snap, thus leaving SOMETHING holding onto the tires.

 

[Shoeboy]

I completely agree with Shran. If there is a failure you're screwed. Its one step easier then fully electronic steering (Nissan had this on a select few Murano's, it was a very bad idea). If you are looking at for an option for reducing engine compartment space this wouldn't be a horrible option, as it would allow for the removal of the steering column. Unless space is a major issue, I would have to say this is a step backwards and in the wrong direction, as its reducing the reliability of the vehicle. Ideally, a fully power mechanical setup, with a fully manual mechanical backup setup is prefered, that way if there is a power failure then you have the manual to back it up.

Edit - A hydrolic assist steering system isn't that bad of an idea, (if it runs off of a power steering pump), Just as long as the resivor is kept topped up, you should be fine, but to be honest, there is no real advantage to a hydro assist to a vacuum assist. I see this just being a make work project with no real advantage.

 

[CJREX]

I thought hydraulic was illegal for use on the highway, due to the above mentioned safety concerns and the fact that it does not return to center. However, I do not KNOW that it's illegal.

I found this on the Four Wheeler magazine site

Full Hydro DOT Legality?
Someone started a rumor about fully hydraulic steering being illegal for use on the highway. This is not true. We contacted the U.S. Department of Transportation and asked about the rules on hydraulic steering systems. We were told that any rules prohibiting the use of fully hydraulic steering systems in the automotive aftermarket would fall under local laws. We suggest you check with your state's local transportation authorities if you question the legality of hydraulics.

Good Luck!

 

[metalmacguyver]

HELLO!!!! Its hydro assist!!!! not full hydro. There is still a powersteering box that maintains a completely mechanical link from the steering wheel to the tie rod!

Read the ad again a little more thoroughly please.


mhughes165, Go for it man, you will never beat that price. You can definately get your money back on it too if something changes.

 

[mhughes165]

well, imma see how the truck behaves once its all together, if i feel i can benefit from it ill pick it up, if i dont feel i need it i wont, it would just involve some modifications for use on a eb44 that id have to look into

 

[canyoncritter]

kinda looks like the power assit ram that I had on my 67 cougar years ago....

IF IF IF IF IF its anything like that, it has very little road feel. but it was awsome in parking lots, pinky finger you could spin the wheel full right full left while stoped.

 

[Jursskkwriorrr]

I think you should go to hell

 

[mhughes165]

kinda looks like the power assit ram that I had on my 67 cougar years ago....

IF IF IF IF IF its anything like that, it has very little road feel. but it was awsome in parking lots, pinky finger you could spin the wheel full right full left while stoped.

do u think if i shrunk down the system for use on the eb rear that when i reached lock the ram might do some sort of damage since its not on a fullsize rear anymroe, or would it stop when the steering box stopped

 

[Jursskkwriorrr]

Go kiss ur ass

 

[Bent Bolt]

The 4x4 F-250 and F-350's of the mid 70's had powersteering assist with a ram. Worked well enough but leaked like a sieve.

 

[mhughes165]

The 4x4 F-250 and F-350's of the mid 70's had powersteering assist with a ram. Worked well enough but leaked like a sieve.

well this is a newly rebuilt system, no leaks and the guy is a ford god.....just join up on there and ask him how many fords he has

 

[Shran]

My bad...I saw hydro and street and jumped to conclusions.

What are you trying to accomplish by running hydro assist? Just easier turning? It seems kinda redundant, to me anyway. Especially because you have the stock power steering already.

Were you thinking of running it in the rear of the vehicle? Because it would be freakin' sweet to have 4 wheel steering.