Hydro Assist the Easy Way

Рет қаралды 160,771

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
DIY4X front cap: diy4x.com/product.php?product...
Barnes 4WD Tube Clamp: www.barnes4wd.com/Tube-Clamp-...
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: 400

@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....

@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!

@zacharybarlow3960 4 жыл бұрын

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

@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

@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 🤘

@carlsandvik2893 4 жыл бұрын

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

@rickmarquart3277 4 жыл бұрын

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

@donny6016 3 жыл бұрын

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

@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

@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!

@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!

@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.

@stevemartinism 4 жыл бұрын

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

@oleroy4749 4 жыл бұрын

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

@RideRevival_Outdoor 4 жыл бұрын

good stuff, thanks for finishing the video out!

@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!!! 🤘

@burden669 2 жыл бұрын

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

@MuddyBeards4X4 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother

@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

@oby-1607 7 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.

@jessejordan3228 2 жыл бұрын

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

@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.

@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 :)

@richardederer5331 Жыл бұрын

Awesome idea. Thanks for the cool tip

@SarahSmith-hd8kd 4 жыл бұрын

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

@6daemonic6 4 жыл бұрын

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

@cgscprspecialist3937 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent job

@troyledbetter6597 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed your video! Thanks phor sharing.

@gregnorvell9730 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job! Good luck on your move.

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! New place has nice and big shop

@FMJeeping 4 жыл бұрын

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

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

👍

@Allianceoffroad 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid. Looks like what I will be doing.

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Pretty easy to set up for sure

@Tanhands36 4 жыл бұрын

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

@jimhetland1423 3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate this video. Thank you

@11green11 2 жыл бұрын

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

@rogs926 Жыл бұрын

You did a great JOB

@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.

@INFRINGE_audio 2 жыл бұрын

Great job man....

@TheBeardedJeeper 4 жыл бұрын

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

@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

@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

@brucea822 Жыл бұрын

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

@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.

@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.

@leefhead1 4 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 4 жыл бұрын

Very true!

@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

@SuperRoyalone 4 жыл бұрын

What length hoses did you use?

@aplchnmtngoat3800 4 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

@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).

@kundrew1990 3 ай бұрын

great vid thanks

@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!

@greendodge98 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

👍

@untamed06tbss 4 жыл бұрын

Subscribed!

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

👍

@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

@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.

@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

@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.

@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.

@DustySteel 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 10 ай бұрын

@Nik-ok9nu what's the budget version?

@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.

@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!!

@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.

@gregeverett6557 Жыл бұрын

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

@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?

@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?

@zephgage3694 4 жыл бұрын

Where did you get the hoses or lines ?

@JeepingNet 3 жыл бұрын

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

@wintermachine 3 жыл бұрын

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

@richardf5856 3 жыл бұрын

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

@guswendt 4 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

@p8nflnt 2 жыл бұрын

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

@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

@LeonGiafaglione 2 жыл бұрын

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

@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 ?

@nicholasjopin477 Жыл бұрын

Looking for what kind of ram that is and I can't find your description below

@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....

@tylercampbell7348 4 жыл бұрын

I just found your channel mr. Richardson

@jackson6948 2 күн бұрын

At 2:41. When you use that cap the return fluid coming back from the ram is no longer regulated. When coming off a drop off or running into a small obstacle with one tire making contact. It will send the fluid back to your box fast enough to rip the steering wheel out of your hands. The returning pressure will blow that cap in half and out of the front of your box. Ask me how I know.

@stevenm7566 3 жыл бұрын

Great video...hope you got moved ok.

@krich404 3 жыл бұрын

What length of hoses did you use?

@user-ri7gw5te1u 7 ай бұрын

I have a hydraulic steering system with orbitrol in my jeep but a i have to turn my steering wheel many times for the tires to turn, does anyone know why?

@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

@justinchandler5436 9 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?

@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👊🏻

@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?

@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

@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

@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

@bronsonmohika1988 2 жыл бұрын

What size lines and how long are the lines ?

@clayzer11 Ай бұрын

What fluid do you run in this kind of set up?

@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

@ohsee1346 4 жыл бұрын

Is the ota track bar mount something you made, or from a company? Looking to do hydro assist but I think the track bar has to move...

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

Aftermarket. I believe its artec over the axle track bar mount

@hotshtsr20 4 жыл бұрын

The link posted says its for a full-size 73-87 GM. Is this correct for the 97-2001 XJ?

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

No. Select the smaller option

@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

@doghouse96zj92 4 жыл бұрын

what length did you go with your hydro hoses???

@cencoast_7.340 4 жыл бұрын

Just long enough works every time.

@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.

@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.

@6_30 4 жыл бұрын

What MIG welder did you use (& settings)?

@MuddyBeards4X4 4 жыл бұрын

I have a Hobart 190. I usually use the recommended setting for the machine and adjust slightly if I need to. On anything thicker the say 1/8th I like a little more heat then the recommendation

@richardf5856 4 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 4 жыл бұрын

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