Hydro Assist the Easy Way

Рет қаралды 158,757

4 жыл бұрын

Hydro assist is now easier and cheaper to set up for your off road vehicle. In this video I will show you how to build hydro assist in your off road rig using the DIY4X front cap that is pre-drilled and tapped. Also utilizing a cheap but functional surplus centers 1.5x6 hydraulic cylinder ram, and lastly a tube clamp from Barnes 4WD.
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Links
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Surplus Ram: www.surpluscenter.com/Hydraul...
Tap and Die set: amzn.to/2XN8VtN
DISCLAIMER: Due to factors out of the control of Muddy Beards 4X4, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Muddy Beards 4X4 assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Muddy Beards 4X4 recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Muddy Beards 4X4. Be safe! This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

Пікірлер: 398

@danhambrick6331 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting.$250 is a steal.I will keep this in mind if I ever need to go hydro assist....

@zacharybarlow3960 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing work sourcing the parts and showing us how its done!

@aaronheckman7563 4 жыл бұрын

This is awesome! Never knew that cap existed. Definitely on my list to do! Thanks!

@NoNaSRT4 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this video... great affordable way to go hydro without breaking the bank! Keep up the good work and stay healthy!

@dhubbard 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! So, I just sheared off my gbox shaft and was left without any steering at all - who knew that that those 40's under 10" of lift would stress the system so much. LOL Luckily the failure occurred in a neighbors driveway and not on the freeway. So, I am ordering up a Red Hat and going to finally do the project. (I have had the ram for over a year and been putting off the project.) Everyone forgets that hydraulic asst is also a safety thing. Had I lost steering on the hwy with my kids in the rig - I would not have completely lost steering. I appreciate the video as it was more liken to a step-by-step with some great insight. Seriously, it is much appreciated!

@rickmarquart3277 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Robby, hope the move goes well. Ready to see a trail video. 👍🏻

@Mr_Everyman 4 жыл бұрын

A 45° fitting at the end of that line on the front of the gear box would have allowed you to not cut anything and would have made it a lot easier to route down. To clarify, a 45°on the line to connect to the 90° fitting on the front cover

@donny6016 2 жыл бұрын

Smart! Full of things I never knew existed. Thank you

@permagrin8742 4 жыл бұрын

Putting 38’s on my Jeep. So this was on my mind anyway. Makes it cheap and easy. Nice simple vid, like it

@stevemartinism 4 жыл бұрын

Wow man that was such a good mod and you did well explaining it . Thanks a bunch.

@cookymudstar 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant thanks for posting best economy Hydra assist video ever I'm gonna do the wife's Jeep and my f250 been looking for good price diy like this thank you so much 🤘

@RideRevival_Outdoor 4 жыл бұрын

good stuff, thanks for finishing the video out!

@carlsandvik2893 4 жыл бұрын

You can't go wrong with DIY4X. Kert has amazing products and total over engineered beef! Great video.

@SuperRoyalone 4 жыл бұрын

What length hoses did you use?

@oleroy4749 4 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait to see your review. Awesome job man!

@73challenger86 3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff. Always thought the $800 steering box mods were a rip off. Thanks as this will make my LT powered JKUR better to drive off road.

@roberttorres6689 4 жыл бұрын

Just this to my 98 tj it works great it was easy to do I didnt take my steering box off the jeep I just unbolted it it swung done and I didnt take the top plate off the box I just unbolted it turned it and taped the exposed top of the box drilled and tapped it thankyou very much for this info much better than spending the big bucks on a kit this works great

@davyleupz 4 жыл бұрын

Well thanks, another project on the to do list. 😩 Lol. I will be going hydro now, I just couldn’t afford those aftermarket kit prices. Great how to, thanks bro!!! 🤘

@helm9981 4 жыл бұрын

great vid man, i like it shows what you need to show, i just tapped my box wish i would have know about this would have been way easier!!! i followed Bleeping jeeps video Lol works but took me like 4H to do. this would have taken me like 1H. lol

@burden669 2 жыл бұрын

Sir you dropped this 👑 ...your video is amazing straight forward and educational

@MuddyBeards4X4 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother

@mike86mike 4 жыл бұрын

Don't worry dude. The video is great. If anyone can't do this upgrade with this as a guideline he has no right being around a project car anyways. Thanks for taking the time and show this!

@emilysoule6567 Жыл бұрын

Great video I plan to help my husband with his on his Dana 60 98 ford ranger on 42s with the 4.0 and I’m taking in all the info I can :)

@oby-1607 4 ай бұрын

Wow. This is just what I was looking for to improve the steering on my '94 F-350 Crew Cab. You made it look too easy.

@Tanhands36 4 жыл бұрын

This is how mine is done. I removed the end cap while it was on the truck.

@SarahSmith-hd8kd 4 жыл бұрын

American hose and fitting out in Kent Wa can make those hose for you quality craftsmanship. Nice job!

@6daemonic6 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks I was looking around to figure out how to get around $100 psc hoses

@richardederer5331 11 ай бұрын

Awesome idea. Thanks for the cool tip

@gregnorvell9730 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job! Good luck on your move.

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! New place has nice and big shop

@troyledbetter6597 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed your video! Thanks phor sharing.

@11green11 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool! DIY 4x4 even features your install vid for the cap on their store page 😎

@jessejordan3228 Жыл бұрын

At least 75 of these views are from me watching it preparing to do it ordering these parts awesome video. 👍

@billytugwell48 4 жыл бұрын

Anyone that ads hydro assist steering needs to keep in mind while driving in stop and go traffic, that the Jeep will need to be revved a little higher to turn larger tires from a stop. Your adding extra volume for the stock hydraulic pump to fill and pressure up. Took me a while to get used too.

@carlteyssier6696 3 жыл бұрын

So next time, it looks like an extension nipple could be placed between the steering front cap and your 90 deg. ftg thus passing through your forward frame without cutting a large window for the hose bend. Then with a longer hose, re-routing thru another opportunity in your frame to the ram. Just a thought, I might be wrong, However GREAT video and so much knowledge delivered on the steer assist, going to do this. Thank you, and thank you for your source information.

@cgscprspecialist3937 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent job

@ronfasano71 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid. Looks like what I will be doing.

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Pretty easy to set up for sure

@jimhetland1423 3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate this video. Thank you

@mudmaster99 4 жыл бұрын

Williams Oil and Filter is the shizzle. They made the hoses for my hydro assist.

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Lol I have mixed experiences there.

@aplchnmtngoat3800 3 жыл бұрын

Figured I would tap the cap and buy the end cap as I was already in the process of rebuilding an s10 box for a steering overhaul. Just make sure you don't tap the 3/8 npt too deep. I did by accident and my cap plug leaks juust slightly. I ordered a different plug in hopes that it will thread deeper and won't leak. Just my $0.02

@FMJeeping 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah buddy!!!! you just made my day. Badass Robby

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

👍

@rogs926 Жыл бұрын

You did a great JOB

@TheBeardedJeeper 4 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome I might need to copy your setup for my xj build

@one4x4nut 4 жыл бұрын

I know its not full hydro but I'd probably add a tab and make the ram to track bar bracket double sheer. I also used one of those tube clamps for my drag link on my Bronco but for "safety" I ran a bead on each side but not on it so in case it slipped it wouldn't move much and end up screwing me when I needed it most.. LoL

@safetyfirstintexas 2 жыл бұрын

Tractor steering wheel has manual pump in the upper unit that allows manual control in case of pump failure. For full hydro.

@zoexj4872 4 жыл бұрын

Super cool and looks easy enough. Can't wait till you get to use it on the trails! Extra fluid needed? Nice work.

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

I little extra but I did not add a larger reservoir. But if I have heat problems I will probably add a cooler

@alanhamel4955 4 жыл бұрын

So basically this goes where your steering stabilizer should have been. Great info and I'm going to see how this would work on my LJ.

@hotshtsr20 4 жыл бұрын

He mounted it to a super beefy aftermarket track bar mount. If you mounted it to the stabilizer mount, the ram will eventually peel that right off the axle.

@duneattack 4 жыл бұрын

Really great idea... I have a hemi in my JK, which makes it impossible to upgrade the steering gear. The only thing on the market for a hemi swapped steering gear is a stock, tapped box from PSC for almost $800! Then add several hundred more for their hoses and ram, and weld-on mounts and I was looking at $1500 easily. Have you wheeled yet with your new set up? How much assist do you get and how well is it holding up to being punished??? Thanks again!

@billpickelheimer8142 3 жыл бұрын

If I were you I would not use a single shear bolt on the Trac bar bracket it's going to rip that plate right off. I would suggest putting a long bolt thru the back bracket with a nice steel tube between the brackets that is long enuff to go thru the ram and add a bracket that will weld to the first bracket you drilled . Just my thoughts and suggestions, good info on the ease of install, God bless you

@kundrew1990 Ай бұрын

great vid thanks

@brucea822 Жыл бұрын

can you give an update on how this has held up these last two years?

@INFRINGE-music 2 жыл бұрын

Great job man....

@kozinator 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video and info as usual. When u do the review, please include highway handling (would u recommend for a daily driver).

@gmmurn 3 жыл бұрын

Just an additional piece of info, that exact ram uses 3/8 orb fittings, if you get 3/8 npt hose fittings, you will need 3/8 male orb x 3/8 female npt adapters which the same company sells.

@bradbob589 4 жыл бұрын

I wish I would have known about that steering box cap before I went through the hassle of tapping my box!

@DWBmotorsports 4 жыл бұрын

Same lol

@leefhead1 3 жыл бұрын

This could have been done weldless, for people who dont have welders. Instead of welding the gussets on the track bar bracket, you could have gone straight throught both sides, and used a longer bolt with a spacer. Instead of welding the bolt onto the clamp for the tie rod,you could have drilled a hole in the clamp and tapped it. This is a great video. Thanks Mr Beards.

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

Very true!

@fullforce581 4 жыл бұрын

This was a good write up. But when your using larger tires you'll want to address you actual power steering pump. Also you can add an inline filter to increase volume of fluid. Keeps everything cooler and cleaner.

@dustysteele5408 2 жыл бұрын

How do you address the actual steering pump? Thanks for the filter tip!👍

@Nik-ok9nu Жыл бұрын

PSC 1,600 PSI high pressure pump! I used that, paired with their remote-mount reservoir and cooler. My hydro assist steering on my CJ7 holds about a gallon of fluid, steers amazing with my 37's and stays cool! 👍🏼

@mada310 8 ай бұрын

@Nik-ok9nu what's the budget version?

@chrispowell6673 Жыл бұрын

Would swapping in the WJ power steering pump be a good addition with hydro steer? Getting ready to do this with your instructions! Great video!!

@1stzjtruck706 4 жыл бұрын

Great job and keep up the great work hope the move goes well. I have the ZJ truck is finally up on my channel.

@greendodge98 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

👍

@stevenm7566 3 жыл бұрын

Great video...hope you got moved ok.

@guswendt 2 ай бұрын

Is there any problem with mounting the ram to the same hole at the track bar with a long enough bolt ? As long as the bracket for the track bar is secure enough . And maybe even boxed in or gusseted .

@noelscammell662 4 жыл бұрын

Welding that bolt to the clamp. If high tensile bolt was used Youve taken the tensie strength out of the bolt. You either need to get it heat treated or get it machined soo a stud goes into the clamp and use loctite than welding the bolt

@untamed06tbss 4 жыл бұрын

Subscribed!

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

👍

@admirbegic3628 3 жыл бұрын

How easily are you able to move the steering wheel compared to before? Im on 33s and its a dog. My dads steering on his mercedes I can move the wheel with 1 finger is this similar?

@marrag1 3 жыл бұрын

which direction did that lines have to connect to? I put a PSC ram and it kept on binding no matter which side the hoses where connected to. I kept switching the connections on the cylinder and it kept killing my steering pumps that I had to replace it twice.

@zephgage3694 4 жыл бұрын

Where did you get the hoses or lines ?

@ceraleater123 3 жыл бұрын

this looks awesome! considering doing this to my TJ, my steering box is on it's way out, if I got a durango box, I could imagine this would be the same, anyone have insight? Aswell does the ram stroke change from XJ ->TJ? what determines the needed stroke length Thanks

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

This will absolutely work with the Durango box. It is the larger cap on the website. For the ram stroke if you have a d30 setup 6 inch ram should be fine. But pick a fixed point on the tie rod and turn lock to lock and measure the distance moved. If lower the 3 inches either way then you are good to go

@ceraleater123 3 жыл бұрын

@@MuddyBeards4X4 ah, that makes sense, thanks for the response! Makes this alot easier (and cheaper) to do this myself than take everything to a shop!

@wintermachine 3 жыл бұрын

does it work to do power steering, hydro assist steering, AND hydro assist brakes?

@jonesleonard756 4 жыл бұрын

Will this particular cap work for a jeep jk gear box?

@davewoodard1 4 жыл бұрын

Jones Leonard wondering the same thing....

@heathweeks1985 3 жыл бұрын

Ill be doing this come Summer. Is there anything you would change or do differently if you had to do it again?... Bigger reservoir? Different hydro. gear? Mounting it a different way?... I have a YJ on tons with 37''s and coilovers.

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

Yes I need more fluid. So a bigger reservoir is on the list. You may need the 8 inch ram for one ton axles as well

@gregeverett6557 Жыл бұрын

How long did this setup last you ? Love the video and info.

@fomocoloco7172 4 жыл бұрын

Love the video I'm saving it on my playlist of upgrades for my TJ. This will work on TJ boxes right? 😂

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutly

@immelting9834 2 жыл бұрын

What about wj boxes ?

@joepoznik8156 8 ай бұрын

Great instructional video! We were planning a hydro assist on the Dana 44 we are building but had concerns with the drilling into the box. This takes that concern out of the decision. However, I noticed that there seems to be difference in steering boxes between your 99 XJ and my 96 XJ. At least there is a difference in the model numbers listed for them and the pics that are displayed on RockAuto and such. Does anybody know if this hydro assist method works on the 96 XJ steering box too?

@MuddyBeards4X4 8 ай бұрын

Yes it will work the same. It's the same size box

@joepoznik8156 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the quick reply! How far does the hose/fitting protrude through that crossmember? Would it help the situation at all if the fitting was pointing down toward the right wheel (if possible)? Do you think a 3/4" deep box fabbed out of the same gauge as the crossmember and welded to the front would suffice for clearance?

@GrimResistance 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder if you used a street 90 and a 45 if it would clear the front crossmember.

@cencoast_7.340 4 жыл бұрын

Could be a regular 90 not a street 90 couldn't it?

@robtrudeau1447 2 жыл бұрын

Just curious on a follow up of your hydro Assist, have you had any issues with it? Would you do it all the same way?

@Ryan_Tidwell 4 жыл бұрын

What is the bolt on the top cap for? Did you have to remove it to get your 90 degree fitting screwed in?

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

That's the adjustment bolt. My fitting just barely cleared it so I did not have to remove it

@richardf5856 3 жыл бұрын

Is there steering delay on " Return to center" when driving?

@DanielCole 3 жыл бұрын

This is pretty awesome. Do you have a video of a review on the trail performance of this setup?

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

No specific review video, but it has worked out great. I am pretty happy with it. It needs a bigger reservoir is the only thing I need to change

@atomarc1991 2 жыл бұрын

Do a 45 not at the hose end Shorter stick out Imo Great video

@krich404 3 жыл бұрын

What length of hoses did you use?

@richardf5856 3 жыл бұрын

My 1990 k5 chevy blazer tie rod travels 6 3/4", should I go with a 6" or 8 hydraulic ram? These are the only sizes they make.

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

I would go with the 8 then. You don't want the ram to be the limiting factor in your steering

@chrisdesrui 3 жыл бұрын

Hey awesome video.... any follow up information?? how is it on the trails?? highway?? i just went OTK with steering and this is almost exactly same install.

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

Everything works great. Don't really notice it until your on a big obstacle, then it's clearly a difference.

@chrisdesrui 3 жыл бұрын

Good to know, now to research doing it on an 04LJ, they went to a different box in 03...

@tylercampbell7348 4 жыл бұрын

I just found your channel mr. Richardson

@albertoffroadaddict1096 4 жыл бұрын

That hydraulic system can be adapted to the steering box of a nissan patrol gu .. ??

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Not sure about the front cap. Dont know what box they use

@JeepingNet 3 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know if that plate for the front of the box will work on the later model Jeep Tjs?

@vikotto 3 жыл бұрын

Can I utilize my manual Saginaw steering box for this build or do I need to start off with a power steering box?

@aim2kill2 3 жыл бұрын

A manual gearbox has no power steering fluid and different ratios to offset the difference in power input. Ie. Your arms not a power steering pump. You'll need a gearbox designed for power steering. But you will also need a power steering pump to then be able to turn it.

@justinchandler5436 6 ай бұрын

Hey I'm trying to buy everything you did in this video so I can do it to mine. But I can't figure out cylinder you bought. I see it says 1.5x6 but I don't see it on there website is there any way you could help me out. Also it be a few years later how well did it all work out do you still have it Your jeep?

@LeonGiafaglione 2 жыл бұрын

How is that ram holding up? Would you recommend it still?

@joshgarcia7148 4 жыл бұрын

Great video... totally doing this. Much appreciated! BTW, your links seem to be dead (WIX and Amazon).

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the heads up, fixed them👊🏻

@TheRazorSight 3 жыл бұрын

My box keeps trying to crack my unibody and I continue to patch it but it will break over time again. Do to the abuse it sees do you think running this would relieve some of that stress? I would think it would indeed help

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

Yes absolutely it would

@turkeyswiss 4 жыл бұрын

Did you keep the stock steering pump and reservoir? If so, any issues with them after the install/shake down?

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Havent been able to test off road yet. All the trails are closed. But yes stock pump and res. Seems to work just driving around the property

@jacobellis9820 4 жыл бұрын

When I looked into this for my old ZJ a really good upgrade is a WJ pump from one with a hydro fan. They run slightly higher pressure and more volume, even without hydro assist it will aid in steering larger tires by itself.

@p8nflnt 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool. Is Hyrdo assist any good on the highway?

@johnathondavis3241 3 жыл бұрын

I want to know where you got the hose and fittings. Thanks in advance.

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

I got them from a local hydraulic supply company. But I think you can order hoses online

@bobbyfreitas2466 Жыл бұрын

I work across the street from Williams oil and filter. So does this set up also work for my yj steering box?

@MuddyBeards4X4 Жыл бұрын

Yes it should.

@caseyespeseth4306 3 жыл бұрын

I’m looking to do this but with a 1 ton swap will this ram work or will I need a longer stroke

@nsmturbo5902 2 жыл бұрын

8" stroke for full size axles

@DanTheMan-tr2ji 3 жыл бұрын

Could I disconnect the pitman arm and use the pump and double ended ram?

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

That would be called full hydro steering. And it's a little more complicated then just that

@Woahitsjurb Жыл бұрын

Hey muddy beards, this may seem like a stupid question but does this mean that the xj steering is 6” lock to lock with or without the ram? Like you’re not losing any steering angle with a 6” ram

@bronsonmohika1988 2 жыл бұрын

What size lines and how long are the lines ?

@Shawnee845 2 жыл бұрын

I am looking for a Steering Box for my 2007 Rubicon. where I can just get a cap. Or can I drill out the stock box that comes with the 2007 Rubicon. which way is better.

@MuddyBeards4X4 2 жыл бұрын

The JK wranglers have a different style of steering box and I am not aware of a cap that is made. Best bet would be to drill and tap it or fork out the money for an aftermarket set up from PSC

@zodiac8208 3 жыл бұрын

Which cap works on factory 2000 jeep tj steering box? And thanks for the video!

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

The smaller 3 inch should be the cap you need

@zodiac8208 3 жыл бұрын

Cant find in store the 3 inch cap, they only have 3.5 for gm. 😭

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

You have to select the option for the smaller 3 inch cap on the website.

@wuptedo 3 жыл бұрын

Check carefully - Jeep YJ fit. My attempt to put this 3" cap on a remanufactured YJ box did not go so well. The cap was just a little too big. Like a idiot, we de-burred the out edge of the box just slightly and ended up using a press to get it to seat, but still have not been able to get the retaining ring in. I'm not certain if the manufacturing issue was with the cap or the steering box, but the cap that we took off the steering box came out easily. The box is a NAPA 88277079.

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

That's interesting. I haven't heard about anyone else having that problem. Maybe its the housing of the box? But I doubt it. Even when their remanufactured the housing usually is not touched other then cleaning it.

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

That part number is for a wagoner steering box. There also is 2 sizes of cap, 3” and 3.47”. You would need to measure the inside diameter of the housing to verify compatibility. The xj and Tj box was the 3” cap. And my upgraded dodge Dakota box was the 3.47” one.

@timcourtnney4013 3 жыл бұрын

Do you feel like 6 inch stroke is long enough how close are you getting to your factor full sterring

@MuddyBeards4X4 3 жыл бұрын

The 6 inch was fine for my dana 30 on the xj, but kelly with the TJ on this channel has a bit wider dana 44 and 6 inch was not quite enough. I am going to go to an 8 inch ram when I swap to one ton axles