Question- running full hydro and hooking ram to the knuckle

[55Willy]

Whats the drawback to drilling out the knuckle and hooking the ram directly to it. then running the tie rod in histeer fasion?

 

[gmc4cw]

where do you plan to drill to hook up the ram? the original tie rod mount??? that could work. the thing to watch for with hi-steer is breaking the knuckle in half. its a lot more stress then its designed for.

I have seen two guys break 60 knuckles with hi-steer and hydro assist.

 

[55Willy]

yeah I was thinking of drilling out the original tie rod hole for the 3/4" pin on the ram.

 

[cybrfire]

I had considered the same thing with two smaller cylinders, one on each knuckle. Makes for more power in a smaller package and still a balanced steering system. I was more thinking of full hydro though.

Plating the knuckles for added strength is a good idea.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I think you're asking for trouble doing that. You will be putting all the force on one knuckle rather than applying the load over both knuckles. You will break a knuckle in short order doing that. I hear of too many people breaking knuckles with Hi-steer as well but if you're going to do hi-steer no matter what i would run the ram from the hi-steer tie rod.

 

[55Willy]

If I mount the ram to the tie rod which is now the way i want to go with all the replys then it will be left in the stock location.

 

[4X4HIGH]

My buddy makes some really nice tie rod clamps for mounting the ram. It will allow you to make adjustments rather than welding tabs directly to your tie rod. Here is a pic of what he makes. He can custom make them for whatever diameter tie rod you have. You just need to weld tabs onto the clamp.

 

[55Willy]

thats awesome!! I'll be letting you know asap!