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htdro assist

tap the box or steering caps?

  • tap the box

    Votes: 12 31.6%

  • tap the steering caps

    Votes: 20 52.6%

  • i'm nekkid woo hoo

    Votes: 6 15.8%
  • Total voters
    38
pennsylvaniaboy said:
this has probaly already been discussed but what is the differenc between tapping your hydro caps vs. tapping your steering box. advantages/disadvantages?

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159921

http://jkwoffroad.com/offroadproducts.php
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I chose caps over the box to ensure my hoses where out of the way and would not be contacted with the tire. I only run 4" lift and have plans to move my axle forward and run 42s.

It really comes down to personal preferece, if you tap the box it does not cost you anything extra if you do it yourself. I paid for the end cap and tapped my topcap myself.

topcap.JPG

endcap.JPG

ramside.JPG

ramfront.JPG

Ira

topcap.JPG

endcap.JPG

ramside.JPG

ramfront.JPG
 
I did the same as sandawg. One reason being that if the steering box takes a dump, I can simply swap the caps over vs. having to retap the new box. In the event it happened out on the boonies somewhere, at night, it would be a lot less hassle to swap the caps over and install the box without having to mess with the taps. Also, I might be able to use my old one as a core at the auto parts if I buy new. :dunno: I doubt they would take it with taps in it, but you my be able to slip it by them.
 
txfiremank5 said:
I did the same as sandawg. One reason being that if the steering box takes a dump, I can simply swap the caps over vs. having to retap the new box. In the event it happened out on the boonies somewhere, at night, it would be a lot less hassle to swap the caps over and install the box without having to mess with the taps. Also, I might be able to use my old one as a core at the auto parts if I buy new. :dunno: I doubt they would take it with taps in it, but you my be able to slip it by them.
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Thats exactly why to go with the caps, I agree. Also easier to install!
 
txfiremank5 said:
I did the same as sandawg. One reason being that if the steering box takes a dump, I can simply swap the caps over vs. having to retap the new box. In the event it happened out on the boonies somewhere, at night, it would be a lot less hassle to swap the caps over and install the box without having to mess with the taps. Also, I might be able to use my old one as a core at the auto parts if I buy new. :dunno: I doubt they would take it with taps in it, but you my be able to slip it by them.
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when i returned my box capless to vatozone they didnt say anything, i dont even think most of those guys know what they are looking at. when you tap the box itself i would imagine you get a ton of metal chavings inside your box then the whole power steering system... no bueno. and the caps keep the lines out of the tires and whatever else passes through your wheel wells
 
That's what he's saying. That tapping the box has the potential for leaving shavings inside afterwards, and that the tapped caps help to keep the lines pointed away from the tires, where they could get snagged.
 
I don't have any experience with steering boxes but if I was to drill and tap the top cap, would I be able to unbolt it from the box? This way, shavings won't get into the box during the drilling process....

Hope I'm right and makes sense...
 
BadAss90K5 said:
I don't have any experience with steering boxes but if I was to drill and tap the top cap, would I be able to unbolt it from the box? This way, shavings won't get into the box during the drilling process....

Hope I'm right and makes sense...
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yup, this is one of the advantages of doing the cap.
 
yes, the top cap unbolts and then unthreads from a stud in there where you can throw it in a vice and tap it and replace it clean
 
so if you do caps no chance of getting shavings. im also new to steering so how does tappin the caps/box get you hydro steering versus say an orbital valve? just curious
 
Fluid flow is routed from the box to the ram.
The ram either compresses or extends depending on the direction of fluid flow.
 
when you have your driver side tire drooping you wont be able to steer, it will be in a bind, and having hydro assist would probably do more damage then good
 
pennsylvaniaboy said:
guess you would have to understand the inner working of the steering box
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I hope that was meant nicer than it sounded to me. The answer is that the fluid flows inside the steering box according to the direction you turn the wheel. As you turn right, for example, the pressure is located at the top side of the box. Running a line from this area of pressure to one side of a hydraulic ram enables the excess pressure and fluil to escape from the box, and power the ram. I have heard of a guy that used the steering box as an orbital valve in a full hydro system. When the wheel was turned, he just had to wait for the tires to catch up. Crappy IMO but it did work.
Tapping the caps is a better solution IMO. If you have a box explode on you, you can just move the caps to the next one.(personal experience). Also if you tap the box itself, and you are a hair off, you ruin the box. Someone stated earlier about removing the top cap and removing the sector shaft from it. I did not remove the sector shaft from my top cap when I tapped it. I did not want to mess with getting the preload back in the correct position, so I left it together. As stated above, the line routing is improved with the cap method.
 
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