| Hyd."Ram Assist" Steering @ Dana 44/60 |
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| I researched many different sizes and brand names, then decided to go with a 1.5" bore and @ 8" stroke. BUT, i couldn't find anyone selling one just like i wanted that was priced in my budget. Then I finally went to a local hydraulic shop and they had this used/rebuild one, Guaranteed, to fix anything that may break/leak. (plus i always like to buy from small local business if i can) cost? $100 cash Also, i really needed a 7 1/2" stroke and this was alittle under 8", with fittings and ends like i wanted. |
| With all the great Web Sites with information about Steering Box modifations i dedided to do my own, below are some before/during and after pictures, they show it better than i could describe. |
| I never unhooked the fluid lines or shaft from the steering wheel, i wanted to leave the box on the frame but couldn't get the snap-ring that holds the cap on., (my shackle reversal made for little access.) |
| My 89 Wrangler came factory with manual steering (a budget model). And after about 7 years the box was worn out and needed replaced :( i got this power-box from Autozone, and power pitman arm and a used junkyard pump etc... and was a happy camper for years. but after installing a "Detroit Locker" and 36" tires i once again had some steering issues. So, thanks to all those that paved the way for me, POR board. Off-Road BBS and other individuals pages. This is a story of what i did, not a how to do it page, always be careful when modifing brakes/steering and such :) |
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| Left: i'm using 5/8"bolts with 3/4"OD bronze bushing. |
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| steel unions, 3/8" NPT (pipe thread) to 3/8" flared hydraulic (NOT automotive) |
| above: steering box caps before |
| above: steering box caps with fittings installed. |
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| surfers since 1 Dec 2001 |
| even though i'm not running a very big "Ram" i've decided to add a little extra volume to my pump by extending the filler neck. i also think more volume will help keep the fluid cooler. |
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| Below: is the "Metallic" painted cylinder with a temporary mount i'm going to use while adjusting the position before welding a bracket to my tierod assy. |
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| Above: both fittings have steel caps installed, i'm keeping these for trail use, broken "Ram" leaking lines etc... |
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| some finished pics |
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| 8 Feb 2002 Update: minor breakage picture/write-up at bottom of this page. January 2004 Update: i've replaced my front 44 with dana 60, and am using the same Hyd. Ram Assit. check out pics @ very bottom of the page. November 2007 Update: I've removed the Axle from my Jeep along with this steering system and am installing my my '52 Ford F-3 Ram Assist Steering Page 2 details Saginaw Steering box swap. |
| i planned on flexing out my suspension and checking the lines for clearance and enough slack.........BUT i ran out of time and never got around to it, well as you can see from the below pics i should have, half way up a hill @ Paragon, (called "Impossible Hill") I was slighty on the go pedal, and the front end was bouncing alittle bit, the steering wheel spun out of my hand full left then right. so i stopped to see what the problem was and found i'd broke a fitting off the "Ram". about 15 minutes later with the steeringbox capped off i was back on my way. it did make a good mess, the broken off line got hit by the fan and fluid was everywhere........... |
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| Below: Swapping this "Ram Assist" system onto a Dana 60 It's a Ford housing with Dodge outers, and I'm using the exact same tierod and ends, only need to to adjust length about 1/4". I did narrow the this housing about 4", and took the this into consideration before cutting :) |
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