considering full hydro steering need help

[06cumminspower]

i would like to creat my own hydro kit to save lots of money i have an 85 diesel k5 will my stock powersteering/hydroboost pumpwork for a full hydro system? if not is there a cheap replacement? best hydraulic cylinders to use? orbital valves? any input is very helpful, please forgive me for posting and not being very knowledgable on this.

 

[GreenieK30]

The steering and brakes are not a good place to cheap out on IMO. I run a Howe single ended ram kit and Vanco ported hydroboost unit. Both the steering and brakes are amazing. It was not cheap but well worth it.

 

[blazinzuk]

Hydro steer is not cheap unless you can find a whole used setup. Trust me I have helped two friends piece together systems that worked, liked they steered thats about it, one ended up being 15 turns lock to lock, the other just didn't work that well at all

If you want to go full hydro spend the money on new components make sure they match (flow rates etc) and you will be fine. Cheap and hydro steer usually don't go together

 

[GreenieK30]

one ended up being 15 turns lock to lock, the other just didn't work that well at all

I drove a 4x4 vehicle like that once, the steering control valve was from a boat. I have seen pieced together systems work but it takes alot of research to find the right valves, ram size and such. Little things like fittings and hoses can mess up the flow too.

 

[06cumminspower]

i have an old gleaner combine for parts that has a matching valve/steering wheel and hydraulic cylinder (or go together from the factory at least) i assume that could work well if my pump would power it or find an upgrade for it. what do you guys think?

 

[GreenieK30]

Hook it up and see. If it is slow then look for a better pump or have your pump rebuilt and upgraded.

 

[blazinzuk]

i have an old gleaner combine for parts that has a matching valve/steering wheel and hydraulic cylinder (or go together from the factory at least) i assume that could work well if my pump would power it or find an upgrade for it. what do you guys think?

How long is the ram?

You only need an 8" long stroke for a Dana axle 10" for a rock.

Really the only way to tell is to hook it up. I have seen systems taken straight from combines and they work well. I have also seen them not work at all.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

i have an old gleaner combine for parts that has a matching valve/steering wheel and hydraulic cylinder (or go together from the factory at least) i assume that could work well if my pump would power it or find an upgrade for it. what do you guys think?

No idea what flow or pressure that pump from the combine would make.

No idea what size the ram is.

No idea what displacement the steering valve is.



Putting those three things together, you could end up with:

Steering cylinder too small (not enough power)

Steering cylinder too big (steering way too slow, too many turns lock to lock)


Steering valve too small or big will create the exact same two issues. Now, the current steering valve (or Orbitol) and ram are matched but who knows how that combine worked. It could've been one turn lock to lock or 20.



Basically just about everyone that actually needs full hydro needs to do their homework and do it right. Or buy a kit that is meant for what they are doing.

 

[06cumminspower]

do you think the stock pump will be enough or just have to try and see