pittom

Did any one tap there steering box for ram assist? i want to do it but not sure where to tap.
thanks tom

prattman

These links will help you: http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...Tap/index.html
http://www.peakempire.com/new/tech/saginaw_box_tech.htm.
Also check the Milemarker winch web-site. For a diesel you can run lines from the hydroboost brake pump to accomplish the same thing without tapping the steering box. This will give you an idea what I mean: http://inlinediesel.com/tech/mm/index.html . Also you can tap the steering shaft cover where the shaft cover adjustment screw is and the round cover on the very front of the steering box to do the same thing. The round front cover must be removed (big round snap ring) and a piece of metal must be welded to it to give some beef to accept a tapped thread. It's pretty thin. I can't find the web-site where I saw the pictures for that. -Glen

prattman

Here's the link for the article showing the front cover top plate mod I was speaking of:http://www.ih8mud.com/tech/ps-ram.php
This looks like the easier way. Both covers are easily removed.

prattman

Here's another link: http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticles/154_0406_fren/
All of these are for the Saginaw steering box found on the Dodge.

pittom

Thanks,these will help a lot.Do you have a pic of the top cover where to tap,this link came up blank http://www.ih8mud.com/tech/ps-ram/mvc-280s.jpg
thanks tom

prattman

Click the other link. You can see where both lines go. Here's another link with better pictures: http://www.members.tripod.com/surfmac/65html

BigBlue

Boy that's pretty simple. Wish he would have showed us where to mount the ram to.

prattman

That's where the hard part comes in. Depends on the year of the truck and what style steering set-up you have. Also you'll need an external fluid reservoir as the power sterring fluid needs a place to go when the ram is moved from side to side. An inexpensive way to provide extra fluid capacity is to splice a remote oil filter mount into one of your lines and run a large oil filter. Mounting the ram requires welding and the ability to fabricate mounting tabs. Pre-made tabs could be used but again they would have to be welded. I would want the ram mounted above the tie-rod to protect it. I haven't done this to my own truck yet, but I've been contemplating and researching this for a while. I can't see paying for a kit althought the Red Neck Ram is reasonably priced. http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com There also aftermarket end caps and top plates that are already tapped for hydraulic lines.

BigBlue

Only problem I have with it is that they keep saying it is sorta slow to react. I do a lot of quick turns and such with my truck and I need steering that is right then and now.

prattman

Try and find a dual action 8" travel 1.5" bore ram, 2" bore tops. From what I understand the smaller the cylinder bore the faster it will react. I wouldn't go any smaller than a 1.5" bore ram with the weight of a diesel.

BigBlue

I need to find someone with it and try it. Like I said, I do a lot of high spirited, high speed corner driving with my truck (yall'd be amazed at how well a lifted 4x4 corners) and I need steering that is instant. I've almost got it right now. Just need new tie rods and a DSS.

pittom

Thanks for the link, my brother in law has hyd assist on his toy and it worker great,not slow at all.He has 35'' tires and you are correct about the bore size 1.5 is better.I am going to do it this week.I'll let you know how it turns out with pic
tom

CTD NUT

A 1.5" bore ram will provide a large additional gain in steering assist. Unless it is a double acting/two way ram, a 2" bore ram will be too large for most power steering pumps to handle......bigger bore rams require more flowto maintain the same ram velocity has a smaller bore ram. Hydro boost equipped vehicles have a slightly higher flowing pump but will likely be over taxed when trying power a steering box, brake booster and steering ram - there simply won't be enough flow to run it all......you amy have to consider a higher flowing after market pump. FWIW, a hydro boost pump works great on a truck that does have a hydro boost brakes but has a swapped in steering ram.