Hydro assist help.

[Whiterockfire]

I've decided I want to add hydro assist steering to my K5.
I've got three kids so I'm on a budget and have to make sure I buy the right parts the first time. I've decided to go with the DIY4X cap method, but I need help selecting a ram.

I've tried searching the forums for info but have not come up with much detailed info regarding what hydraulic rams will and won't work, or the lowest cost versions to buy/avoid.

My question pertains primarily to determining the proper size of hydraulic cylinder, without over or under pacing my existing steering linkage and causing issues with binding and stress.

For example I've seen this cylinder mentioned in other threads.
http://www.surpluscenter.com/Hydrau...-Cylinders/1-5X8X1-DA-HYD-CYL-SWIVEL-EYES.axd

My local hydraulic shop recommended one of these. (See specs)
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/hydraulic-cylinder-2-bore-x-8-stroke#review-tab

How much will the slight variations in the diameter of the bore effect the travel speed of the ram and will it cause binding issues with the linkage.

Another way of asking the same question is:
Is there a specific size of ram that must be used?

Any help that I get is greatly appreciated, but please don't guess at this one.

 

[nvrenuf]

Need more info about the truck and usage...

What axle?
Street driven much or wheeler only?
Tie rod in stock position or high steer?

 

[Whiterockfire]

1983 K5, 5" Susp +3" Body lift, 37" tires, GM 10 bolt axle. (No crossover steering)
Driven on street (minimally), but mostly just getting to the off-road park and back home.

 

[Kay86K5]

Been there and done all this research. In my build thread, starting on page 13 (http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302527&page=13) I start the discussion and all the set up of my DIY hydro assist. I ended up buying this ram from surpluscenter.com: http://www.surpluscenter.com/Hydrau...ic-Cylinders/2X8X1-125-DA-HYD-CYL-W200080.axd pretty similar to the second link you provided. This ram has suited my needs just fine. The general idea of everyone is if you drive it on the street alot, than go with a 1.5" bore ram, but if you don't care too much about street and care more about power offroad, than get the 2" bore. I still drive mine on the street with the 2" bore (not daily driven, just whenever I feel like it) and I can notice if I try to make really sharp turns quickly, the ram will "bog" down and take a second to catch up, but nothing that I have ever felt unsafe about. I also went with the DIY4x hydro cap and tapped the top cap myself. But all that you can read in my build thread. I love my DIY hydro assist set up. It works great and I have no death wobble now (with d60, you said you have a 10bolt, so not much worry to you I guess).

P.S. You really should look into crossover first before doing this. I know you said you are on a budget, and I know how that is considering I have 2 little kids and a mortgage, but I would do this first and than save and gather parts for the hydro assist after that, just my opinion

 

[K85 Octane]

Agree on the crossover
The push/pull steering will want to fight the ram, especially when driver side wheel cycles it's travel up and down. When the wheel drops, the draglink will want to follow....pulling the steering wheel with it to compensate. Problem is.... since the steering box just moved, you just filled the ram WHILE trying to keep the wheel straight ahead.

Because crossover draglink is so long, it's not easily bothered by wheel travel/axle movement. So while the axle is doing it's own thing, the wheels stay pointed straight, the steering box stays straight, and the ram stays neutral.

So unless it's strictly a road queen, that never sees articulation, using push/pull steering and hydro assist is kind of a clusterfrock.

 

[Whiterockfire]

So I'd be better of sticking with my XJ shaft and nothing else?
I don't see the cost/benefit of crossover on a 10 bolt, when a guy can go full hydro for roughly the same amount of money.

 

[samsterman99]

I just did the assist/crossover on the 10bolt. Did it in 2 phases, crossover first,then added the assist. I will say that the crossover was a huge difference, best thing I did to my truck. I wish I had done it sooner. The assist is nice, but no where near as great as the crossover. I used a 1.75 inch ram, and its plenty quick for the street even with a stock pump.

 

[Kay86K5]

I just did the assist/crossover on the 10bolt. Did it in 2 phases, crossover first,then added the assist. I will say that the crossover was a huge difference, best thing I did to my truck. I wish I had done it sooner. The assist is nice, but no where near as great as the crossover. I used a 1.75 inch ram, and its plenty quick for the street even with a stock pump.

Do this ^^