Full Hydro Steering Experience?

[TDash]

I tried to ask for some feedback under build threads, maybe it wasn't the best place to ask and my question got buried.



Looking for some opinions or feedback on anyone who has full hydraulic steering system, I was told it's a bit "sketchy" when it comes to highway driving.




'My truck is not a daily driver and for the most part the only time I drive it is to the different trails or a little around town. To get to the trails I need to be able to drive on the freeway but other than that I would prefer it be more durable and better performing for crawling. I am wondering how many of you guys have hydraulic steering systems in your rig and exactly how "sketchy" it is driving on the freeway. The was he described it was you can't "feel" the road and how you are aligned with what way your tires are pointing etc. Is this just something that takes some adjusting to?'

[Trevor?]

Is it the case that full hydro is simpler to install than swapping in a steering box and getting the drag link/track bar angles correct?

[FINOCJ]

I'd recommend manual steering....:D

Full on hydro steering is a bit out of my area, but from those I chat with that have big builds, seems like the way to go. I don't really know if road feel matters all that much at some point with a built full-size rig, and you might also want to thing about legal issues if that matters (full hydroboost may not be DOT approved in some instances?) - YMMV. Just a name to throw out there - check with Redhead steering to see what they say. As Trevor mentioned, there might be some advantages to keeping a traditional steering box, just getting a beefy one that can take the abuse and I think Redhead makes some of the best stuff around (pricey of course, but when dealing with full-size rigs that comes with the territory I think).

[newracer]

It is really going to depend on the setup. My buggy is full hydro and I have had it up to about 60 mph with no issues. I am pretty sure full hydro is not legal on any streets.

[TDash]

thank you all for the feedback, I didn't even consider it being non-street legal, I will definitely investigate.



Is it the case that full hydro is simpler to install than swapping in a steering box and getting the drag link/track bar angles correct?

nope, really it's just the fabricator asking me which I want for the new front end, the labor and price difference is pretty minimal. he said when they build 100% off road or race vehicles they almost always go with full hydro. He said for rock crawling/off roading full hydro is more durable/tougher and gives you superior performance, but wanted me to be warned about the experience on the freeway at higher speeds.


I was leaning towards going full hydro but after James' and Michael's advice and then reading here https://www.liftlaws.com/is_full_hydro_steering_street_legal.htm I'm thinking just stick with the gearbox.



(pricey of course, but when dealing with full-size rigs that comes with the territory I think).

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[newracer]

Did he give you the option of hydro-assist? That would greatly increase the power and strength but still have a mechanical connection to stay street legal.

[TDash]

Did he give you the option of hydro-assist? That would greatly increase the power and strength but still have a mechanical connection to stay street legal.


I'm gonna give him a call and talk that through as we finalize this thing.

P.S. I did a ton of digging and although many people in 4x4 forums seem to be under the impression that a non-mechanical steering system is not street legal not a single person is able to site a law (outside of TN) that actually states this. That said... it doesn't sound like a safe option for me.

[Trevor?]

nd I think Redhead makes some of the best stuff around

I agree. I'm running a Redhead remanufactured box in my van. It already used a steering box with its OEM IFS front suspension though. Does your truck already have a steering box or does it use a rack and pinion? The redhead box is a quality rebuild. I had them port it for hydro assist as a hedge in case I found myself with death wobble and couldn't find any other way to fix it, but i'm not currently using it... not that it would be a guaranteed fix but it would surely add stiffness to the steering system. Solid axle swaps can take some trial and error to get dialed in.

Did you come across this website in your hydraulic steering research? http://www.billavista.com/tech/Articles/Hydraulic_Steering_Bible/index.html

I was not previously aware of the variations in steering unit designs. That along with a multitude of other factors could change one persons impression of steering feel compared to another.

[TDash]

or does it use a rack and pinion

yeah my truck has rack and pinion today

[TDash]

check with Redhead steering

I'm working with Tanner 4x4 down in the Springs they are a Redhead distributor and said if I went no assist they recommend that


Did he give you the option of hydro-assist?

I've decided I'm gonna go with the hydro-assist from PSC.


I am getting super excited as this nears
full build:

GM shaved 14 bolt axle in the rear
Rear disc brake conversion
Dana 60 kingpin in the front
4-link suspension in the front and rear with ORI struts on all 4 corners
Hydro Assist Steering from PSC
ARB air lockers front and rear with compressor
5:13 gears



I just gotta find some new 8 lug wheels

[speedkills]

Are you going to be able to get away with 1 strut per corner or will you need 2 per corner to handle the weight? You'll have to take me for a spin once you have those on, I seriously considered them but just couldn't find enough information on them and hadn't experienced them first hand so I skipped them but I am still super curious what the ride is like.

[TDash]

i've read on some forums where people talk about possibly looking at 2 per corner, i don't think i've seen where anyone did it though


the guy i'm working with (and other shops i've talked to) has a lot of experience with them and no one has expressed concern that i would need 2 per corner and they're installing them on a lot of the vehicles they work with. i also messaged with a guy that had installed them on a customers h1 with no problems