It drove really nice on the trail, if your tires like to follow lines in the road, it can be interesting.... but, for the most part, tracks nice and straight. (alignments are easy too. ) Check out these guys.

 

good to know, i think with the super wide 15.5 minimum tires i will always be running a backup plan (drag link) is wise though. I am 99% sure that i am going to be doing hydro assist. does my truck have a saginaw box? havent checked it yet but i am planning on obviously dirlling and tapping for the lines for hydro assist. really would like to get this project going asap. thanks for all the help

 

I had wondered about the reliability of pure hydro as well.... seems it will still work if the pump fails.... though "armstrong steering" is an understatement... The way the spool valve mounts though kinda precludes the use of the standard steering box.... a hydro-assist system, on the other hand.... that would be cool. Think I would still upgrade the pump, go to a remote reservoir system, with a nice sized cooler..... I want to go full hydro myself, but, the kits are a tad expensive at this point. Surprisingly enough, it's street legal in michigan.

With the big tires, I don't think it matters which system you use, the truck is gonna wanna follow the contours of the road in any event. Just seemed to me to be easier to keep straight with the hydro steering.

 

lol, from what i have found on other forum, the pump that people upgrade to is the diesel pumps from the respective vehicle make. so i think i am good there. just going to find a good source of info on the drill and tap, and do it! hydro assist here we come.

 

Surprisingly enough, I have read that when a full hydro setup fails, as long as the lines are intact you will still be able to control the truck. It just goes from about 3 turns (lock to lock) to like 9. But you will still have steering control... Again, so I have read.

 

Definately interested in seeing some up close photos and a rough parts list if possible. I remember reading about the truck a few months back, and I remember at the time thinking that the cost was really reasonable for how much lift it got you.

Wouldn't mind doing something like this myself in the future as I'm one who also likes having a taller truck vs. a trail rig.

 

that is the orriginal intent of the thread. lol, i just kinda hijacked my own thread with the hydro assist. i will start putting the pics up on the thread later today

does anyone know what steering gear box i have?

 

Yep, Saginaw box.

 

Well, i have it all planned out. Gonna be pulling the gear box for the drill and tap, and that will happen later this week.

Since its a street truck, using 1.5 inch bore 8 inch stroke. Will give me more responsive steering with lesser available power, but thats ok. will take the load off of the drag link and make the parking lot steering easier.

really exited to get this project going. will be posting lots of pics, plus pics of how the truck is now, as promissed lol

 

Make sure you pay attention to the right sized lines for the rated flow of the stock pump. This is a key part, which I'm sure you've come across.

I keep forgetting to check on my buddies rig that did the same thing. Mainly b/c its under the knife for upgrades.