hydro assist with stock steering

[VAL]

Has anybody ever done a hydro assist ram, with the stock steering? Been thinking about it because im happy with my 4" steering arm, 2" drop pitman arm, my drag link is at a perfect angle, and the truck steers very well. Ive replaced every steering part on the truck, but the 3 gear boxes ive gone through, all have a bit of play . Ive done every adjustment that you can do to the gear box, an it still has play, very little, but its there. I guess I just want my truck to steer like a sports car I guess.

 

[MadOgre]

Hey Val. just curious if you bought remans or had them rebuilt yourself ?

I just replaced mine this last fall with a reman and I swear its starting to go already. But I had my original equipment one on there for 29 years. So that doesn't make sense to me.

Also I am running ATF contrary to manufacturer fluid specs which call for power steering fluid.

And I replaced all hoses and the pump at the same time as well as completely flushing the system upon installation, so im pretty sure contamination is not an issue.

 

[VAL]

Hey Val. just curious if you bought remans or had them rebuilt yourself ?

I just replaced mine this last fall with a reman and I swear its starting to go already. But I had my original equipment one on there for 29 years. So that doesn't make sense to me.

Also I am running ATF contrary to manufacturer fluid specs which call for power steering fluid.

And I replaced all hoses and the pump at the same time as well as completely flushing the system upon installation, so im pretty sure contamination is not an issue.

I bought a duralast reman from autozone last year, it had a little play in it after installing it, and a month later the shaft started a clicking sound when turning. It has a lifetime warrantee, so I took it back and got another. The replacement had a little play also. a couple months later it got really bad, so I took it back. I'm on my 3rd gear box, and I have done every adjustment you can do to it, and it still has a little play. Yeah all 3 have been remans. But then the tires and wheels I have on my rig don't help much with that issue either. That's why I was thinking about an assist.

 

[HotRodPC]

And you're absolutely positive the play isn't something else as far as a tie rod end or anything else? Big tires themselves can actually create "play" in the steering to a certain degree. There's going to be just a little squish in the tread against the pavement.

 

[VAL]

And you're absolutely positive the play isn't something else as far as a tie rod end or anything else? Big tires themselves can actually create "play" in the steering to a certain degree. There's going to be just a little squish in the tread against the pavement.

I'm absolutely positive its the gear box, I'll make a video of the play it has in a bit. The input shaft turns, but the pitman arm shaft has a delay, not much, but nonetheless, it doesn't move in unison.

 

[HotRodPC]

I'm absolutely positive its the gear box, I'll make a video of the play it has in a bit. The input shaft turns, but the pitman arm shaft has a delay, not much, but nonetheless, it doesn't move in unison.

I believe you. Many times people don't consider the other moving components and always blame the gear box, but it appears you've watched it properly. Sounds like you might be better off finding a good used OEM unit or spending the big bucks on a new one.

 

[bucket]

The reman gear boxes are hit and miss. It's not uncommon to get a few crappy ones in a row.

And hydro assist won't make it handle better at all.

 

[highdesertrange]

find a rebuilder and have them do it. talk to them tell them what you want. btw these steering boxes are not rack and pinion where there is virtually no play. even band new these boxes will have a slight lag or play. highdesertranger

 

[VAL]

This is what my new reman gear box does!
http://youtu.be/m8_mSh8h_kY

 

[HotRodPC]

I have a feeling a reman is just replacing bearings and seals, not the worm gears and that's where the problem probably lies.

 

[VAL]

I have a feeling a reman is just replacing bearings and seals, not the worm gears and that's where the problem probably lies.

I concur! Where can I find a new gear box? I got a feeling its gonna hurt when I find out the price.

 

[VAL]

The reman gear boxes are hit and miss. It's not uncommon to get a few crappy ones in a row.

And hydro assist won't make it handle better at all.

I have heard the hydro assist helps quite a bit, because it replaces your steering stabilizers. But I never met anybody in person who has done the set up. A lot of online stuff says it is recommended with crossover steering.

 

[kleedus]

http://www.agrperformance.com/Chevrolet-AGR-Performance-MB-Motorsports.htm

http://www.jegs.com/i/AGR-Performance/012/244451/10002/-1?parentProductId=761844

 

[bucket]

I have a feeling a reman is just replacing bearings and seals, not the worm gears and that's where the problem probably lies.

That and there's two different sizes of ball bearings that can accidentally be interchanged. It's also possible to install the incorrect about of balls.

I have heard the hydro assist helps quite a bit, because it replaces your steering stabilizers. But I never met anybody in person who has done the set up. A lot of online stuff says it is recommended with crossover steering.

It helps out by forcing big tires to turn in mud and rocks, and taking strain off the stock steering. It doesn't help road handling.

 

[HotRodPC]

IIRC correctly, @RetroC10Sport said some Dodge truck steering boxes fit our trucks without mods. They have a different turning ratio too. Maybe he'll come in and elaborate on that and give you another option for finding a good used one in a later model truck.