Ok, so I was going to go crossover, high-steer on the K5 but im considering going full Hydraulic steering instead. I know that its not as good on the road, but it mainly sees off-road use and very minor on road driving. I know people will chime in and say full hydraulic isn't legal, however it is 100% legal, at least in cali. There are grat orbital vlaves that do go back to center so that's not an issue nor is the fact if the motor dies, as you can still steer, just like loosing power steering on a stock set-up. What are everyone's thoughts on full hydraulic for mainly trail and minor on road driving?
CK5
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K5 Steering options
- Thread starter K5-CJ5
- Start date
How much road driving and how fast?
Road driving to the Rubicon (maybe 15-20 miles) other trails I usually trailer unless fairly close, and I don't usually do over 55 if that. And local trips to the store (5 miles under 45 MPH).
55 and under isn't so bad, go with a slower valve (~3.5 turns lock to lock) and I think you'll be fine.
Thanks for the input! Ill be happy not to deal with steering linkage when I put the 52" springs up front. Im running the brake line to the pumpkin (like on the rear) and then out to the calipers. building shock hoops and putting some 14" travel shocks (eventually) and the hydraulic will sure make things easier, I think!
454Sub
5/8 ton status
I run 40s with just crossover, as high steer isnt really important here on stock style pump and gearbox steering and Im very happy with the setup. I would maybe consider hydro assist instead of full, while full is great springing a leak in the line kinda ruins your day, as you go no where no more. That being said my cuz has a Sub on 64in tractor tires and his full hydro turns that thing all day with ease, and he is totally happy with it. I just personally dont see the need for all that if its still able to drive on the street "legally"...., as mine drives fine at 65 without it at all, just my .02s
All true, but the packaging is easier and full hydro is cheaper than crossover/high steer/assist.
For trucks that are driven on the roads much keeping the mechanical steering (crossover) is very important, for dedicated trails rigs (even with slower on road use, if it's legal) full hydro is ok.
The hoses generally used in full hydraulic systems are super burly (they should be) and everything we use is field repairable.
454Sub
5/8 ton status
I was hoping you would chime back in with your thoughts Chris. And your points are very valid too... Only complaint i have with it is the wheel feels strange in my hands, like unattached to the axle, which I guess technically it is, almost forklift or tractor like. I cant really explain it it just feels loose and maybe vague is the right words. Dunno, just wasnt my cup of tea. I know for a fact it will turn them 64s over unto anything my cuz wants with no effort at all, so it is very effective.
Definitely, full hydro is not fun to drive at high speeds (and to some degree, probably unsafe), that's why it's generally not recommended for street use.
Not so much because of failures (as mentioned, with the right steering control valve, you will still have steering if the pump fails and you won't lose steering from a hose leak unless the hose completely shears).
It's "twitchy" at high speed and requires 100% attention all the time, two hands on the steering wheel, and it's not fun to drive.
A good hydraulic assist system has just as much steering power as full hydro does, the advantage to full hydro is that it's a bit cheaper and is easier to package in trucks that have lots of travel (usually coilovers etc).
For street driven trucks, hydro assist gives you the power and the street driving manners and for basically anything but a buggy is very easy to fit.
