Drilling out steering gearboxes?

[Gold Rush]

Didn't somebody on here drill out their own steering gearbox for hydro-assist?? After Rocn'4theKids next weekend I want to get my gearbox drilled out.






David

[Nosmog73]

Nate did his and a few others..But he wont be back on till monday.. :2thumbs:

[CaptainInsano]

I've done a few, its a piece of cake, can help ya out if ya want.

http://silverlegend.biz/wheelin/HydroAssistBox.JPG

[Gold Rush]

[quote="CaptainInsano"]I've done a few, its a piece of cake, can help ya out if ya want.

That would be great! Can you send me pictures of your assist set-up or post them up here?




David

[CaptainInsano]

http://silverlegend.biz/wheelin/RockRodandRam.JPG

http://silverlegend.biz/wheelin/ChiefRam.JPG

http://silverlegend.biz/wheelin/RamandHoses.JPG

There is also a big ass 3/8" Steel plate skid plate under the ram. If it weren't for adding that the whole setup would have been lost a couple of times. I will try to find a pic of that too. I have a shopping list of the northern tool part numbers somewhere too. I know Art has it, hey Art post up the list.

The most important part of the whole deal obviously is getting the steering box apart and back together without screwing up the worm gear. Don't turn the shaft as it pulls out.

I made the tabs that mount the ram to the housing and tie rod. Just a notched piece of 3/8 bar stock welded to a 1" piece of 1"id DOM.

I've since wheeled the piss out of the rig several times and it has worked flawlessly without breakage. Also, the 2inch ram is the only way to go in my opinion. It is fine on the freeway, and driving around. A little slow in the parking lot and on the trail but who cares. The 2 inch ram will hold up to the abuse, it's cheap, rebuildable, and the 1.5's leak like the little bitches they are after one trip out. :D And my family farms so having tractor parts on the rig is cool.

http://silverlegend.biz/wheelin/P1200243.JPG

Actually if you look closely you can see the skid plate. It has a small ski type lip on the front and comes right up to about 1/8-1/4 inch below the tie rod. I was thinking about adding one to the other side and seeing how it works in the snow. :pimp2:

[Gold Rush]

How's it working with the stock steering linkage? I've had an obital valve, steering column and 2" ram for about three years sitting in the garage. Changed my mind after buying them on the full hydro setup, didn't think my D44 knuckles would hold up to the pressure with the 38's. Figured I'd wait until I put a D60 under it to go full hydro, that is looking less likely every day. So I'm thinking about using my ram for a hydro assist...





David

[CaptainInsano]

Its ok with the push pull, still have the problems of not being able to turn twisted up. Going to a pseudo crossover / inverted T soon. Have the parts, just been lazy lately...

[barbastard]

Yep..as stated above, I’ve done 3 boxes now and haven’t had a problem with any of them. The way I do them I don’t take them completely apart. I just take the input gear out and that’s it. Takes about 1 hour or so. Sounds like you’ve got some help already, but if you need anymore just let me know.

FYI about the rams….looking back on it…I’d probably buy the 2” ram as well. I got the WTO ram…leaked like a sombitch from the day I got it. I then (stupidly and in a rush) paid over $300 for a local hydro shop to repair it. It now works WAY better than it did “brand new” from WTO and doesn’t leak a bit. Especially considering your rig is trail only, a 2” ram would be fine.

Good luck…

[PaloAltoK5]

Here's the list again, btw, I got all my parts delivered!!

http://www.northerntool.com

Your order summary:

Item #: 50048
Description: Hytec Hydraulic Hose 1/4in. Dia., 48in. Length, 4000 PSI rated
Item Price: $7.69
Quantity: 2
Item Total: $15.38

Item #: 51ARC004
Description: Buyers 1/4in. F NPSM x 1/4in. M NPTF 90 Degree Swivel Adapter
Item Price: $1.99
Quantity: 2
Item Total: $3.98

Item #: 51ASC046
Description: Buyers 1/4in. F NPSM x 3/8in. M NPTF Straight Swivel Adapter
Item Price: $1.99
Quantity: 2
Item Total: $3.98

Item #: 992001
Description: Lion 2500 PSI Heavy-Duty Tie Rod Hydraulic Cylinder - 2in. Bore, 6in. Stroke, Model# 20TL04-112
Item Price: $54.99
Quantity: 1
Item Total: $54.99


Product Total: $78.33
Estimated Sales Tax: $0.00
Shipping Charges: $16.63
Order Total: $94.96

Note: The total dollar amount does not reflect any special payment arrangements at the time of order.