Hi,
I have read quite a few threads about hydroboost brakes, and a few about ram-assisted steering. I'm not sure going to ram-assisted steering is necessary; but, I am hoping it might get rid of a problem that I'm having.
The problem is that turning the steering wheel when the Bronco isn't moving tends to make the power steering pump or steering box squeal. That problem is magnified when the system is hot. When it gets hotter than normal, it is sometimes difficult to turn a tight corner from a stop.
The Bronco is running a dual-return Saginaw pump, hydro-boost brakes, and a stock Bronco steering gear. I thought that maybe the pump was a little worn, so I replaced it with another remanufactured pump last summer. I am having the same issues.
When I installed the hydro-boost brakes I had the power steering box rebuilt by West Texas Off-Road. I went ahead and had them tap the box for Redneck Ram.
From what I have read on some other threads, the ram assist should help take the load off the box. Is there a down-side to doing this (other than adding more things to maintain/fail)?
If I decide to go with the ram-assist, I need to decide on the best ram assist. I have read debate about ram length. 6" or 8" appears to be the range. I am running a Dana 44, so it sounds like 6" is recommended. What concerns me about that is a comment about squealing when one poster switched from 8" to 6". He said that before he switched (to the 6") he didn't have squealing.
Thanks for any advice you guys can provide. I'm not really looking for another project before we go back to Moab; but, the steering is of the things that I'd really like to improve.
Take Care,
Jeff
I have read quite a few threads about hydroboost brakes, and a few about ram-assisted steering. I'm not sure going to ram-assisted steering is necessary; but, I am hoping it might get rid of a problem that I'm having.
The problem is that turning the steering wheel when the Bronco isn't moving tends to make the power steering pump or steering box squeal. That problem is magnified when the system is hot. When it gets hotter than normal, it is sometimes difficult to turn a tight corner from a stop.
The Bronco is running a dual-return Saginaw pump, hydro-boost brakes, and a stock Bronco steering gear. I thought that maybe the pump was a little worn, so I replaced it with another remanufactured pump last summer. I am having the same issues.
When I installed the hydro-boost brakes I had the power steering box rebuilt by West Texas Off-Road. I went ahead and had them tap the box for Redneck Ram.
From what I have read on some other threads, the ram assist should help take the load off the box. Is there a down-side to doing this (other than adding more things to maintain/fail)?
If I decide to go with the ram-assist, I need to decide on the best ram assist. I have read debate about ram length. 6" or 8" appears to be the range. I am running a Dana 44, so it sounds like 6" is recommended. What concerns me about that is a comment about squealing when one poster switched from 8" to 6". He said that before he switched (to the 6") he didn't have squealing.
Thanks for any advice you guys can provide. I'm not really looking for another project before we go back to Moab; but, the steering is of the things that I'd really like to improve.
Take Care,
Jeff