Right on, should be good! but I do think you should get it done for FF!

 

Well, my steering has been frustrating me for a VERY long time. I wanted to run the PSC pulley to boost idle pressure. and the durango box for extra steering power. My pump has been going out for a while And I have always wanted hydraulic assist. So I did the whole list...

Dodge Durango box drilled and tapped
2002 WJ 4.7L power steering pump (more pressure)
PSC 4.5" power steering pulley (boosts pressure at idle)
Hydraulic assist ram (trail gear 8" ram kit (made for the D44)

also threw in a power steering filter and cooler it is AMAZING how easy it is to turn the wheel.... its almost like the front wheels are off the ground. I LOVE it. some crappy pics (dark)

ram/hoses


again


lines to box


WJ power steering pump and PSC pulley.

 

i need to do most of that still. Where did you tap the durango box? I don't think i'll go hydro assist anytime soon but it'd be good to know. Did you modify the WJ pump at all?

 

I fallowed this writeup when tapping the steering box. as far as location, same as this pic. which is also the same locations for the stock XJ box.



As far as the WJ pump, I just swapped the pump orifice to the XJ one so the high pressure line would mount to it, I did not open it up as some have, I have read bad things about it causing air to mix in the fluid and loss of pressure but gain in volume. good write up on the pump swap
this is the orifice I am talking about

Left is XJ, right is WJ


Over all I love the response, it responds normal for DD, no delay at all. it is a little touchy at 60mph+ but not scary.

 

Was this the kit?

http://www.trail-gear.com/ram-assist-kits

Did you need to adjust the sweep ? I may have missed it but what diameter rod did you use ?

 

yes the 2"X8" ram. you can also piece together a kit for cheaper. I got that it threw my work for a discount and couldn't pass it up.

I had to adjust the ram and make sure it was centered, as far as sweep of the Axle? no, I have mine setup to max out left and right 1/8" from the steering stop so the ram is the limit, so I wont have to worry about twisting out the ball joints or binding the ram into any steering components. was perfect for my D44.

 

I pieced mine together for 200. And the only benefit I have is a 1.5" ram so it cycles a lot faster than a 2". Better response. But I could have got a full kit for the same price. Wish I would have.

 

I think I paid 215$? can't remember lol

I was worried about the 2" being "slow" and maybe my bad Power steering pump showed me how bad it could be lol, but it seams super touchy at the moment, but I haven't really loaded it like it will be off-road. It seams to responds great, but the pulley/pump are helping to offset it a little I am sure.

 

I'm going full hudro and I don't know how I'm gonna rig up a pump and such.

 

I've been looking at hydro assist setups for a while. And so far I haven't seen any rams besides that one you posted and the psc. All the others are fixed ends. I just didn't want to have to open up a perfectly good cylinder to put stops in. If you can use that one and adjust enough to keep it from mangling anything then that seems the way to go. That kit seems pretty complete, and not a bad price even at full price on their site.

Honestly I'm a ways off of buying and installing hydro assist. But I like learning and planning ahead of time.

Do you think you would have had the same response from the 2" rod if you wouldn't have swapped the WJ piece in? I'm thinking the pulley is worth it either way for the idle power.

 

I have no idea lol, I would probably go with a PSC pump/valve setup unless you can find a setup to copy. anything new with the starting issue? tried noide lights?

Mine might be a 1.5", I remember when I called he asked if I wanted a 1.5" instead of the 2" (was a little shocked as its not a listed option) but I can't remember which I picked.... I know I wanted it DD orientated. but ooh well... lol it works!

 

If you buy a psc ram, they can put stops in it for you

 

I'm gonna buy a psc kit, but they don't have a pump for a renix. And nope, I've been too busy to touch the heep. Though up any other possible problems?

 

Would they be needed though? I mean I've never measured firsthand but I've read the xj steering sweep is about 6-8" if that's the case it should be adjustable enough on the ends right? Tryna wrap my head around this.

 

Measure the sweep. I don't personally know, on my full width 44, it is 8" exactly. On my full width 60, its about 10".