Ive been thinking of hydro assist for awhile now and think I should take care of it before I dig even further into injectors, turbo etc. I know there are kits everywhere online but I like the custom DIY way. Im getting a PMF HD Single drag link to help tighten steering up. Ouo steering diff cover. My question is how exactly do you measure for ram stroke? Do you just max out your steering and measure the distance? Also should I have a reservoir for the fluid? What about a cooling system for it?

 

My friend uses a full hydraulic steer in his off road rig. You're pretty much dead on with your questions. Yes, measure from throw to throw on the steering. Yes, you need a cooler, and because the power steering fluid is already going to the steering box and brakes, I think a separate reservoir for the hydraulic assist is required.

It all sounds really spendy, but I remember how much of a PITA it was to TRY to crank my steering wheel when I had 14.5" Toyos.

 

Its only a pita when parking cause the truck is so long. Its will be a slow build. Purchasing all the parts at first. What size cooler should I go with? And behind the grill mount? I know its a lot of questions but id like to do it right the first time.

 

I don't know those specifics, dude. I don't like the idea of stacking things behind the grille. You already have the radiator, intercooler, and a/c condenser fighting for airflow. As crammed in as things are there, I'd consider mounting the cooler under the cab on the driver's side frame rail. Your tubing would have to be longer, but there isn't much open space under the hood.

Have you looked into PSC? 06-08 Ford Truck Cylinder Assist Kit-SKR500 : Cylinder Assist Steering System Kits, Ford Cylinder Assist Steering Systems | PSC Motorsports - performance steering components, power steering
This is made for our trucks Greatly reduces the piece part gathering.

I park in a narrow p-lot at work, and with my short bed extended cab, I still had to fight those Toyos when parking twice a day.

 

I was actually just looking at the psc kits. Still have to order the cooler and get custom hydro lines made. So the psc kit will work and have the right ram length?

 

If it covers 99-10 Super Duty, I'm going to say yes. Don't forget, your return line doesn't have to be as beefy ($) as your pressure line. By the looks of things, they supply line in the kit.

I saw a PSC system get installed on a Bronco on the TV show Trucks! on Spike's Powerblock. I'll bet that if you research that show, they will have some info on a PSC hydraulic assist kit. It may not be the one we're looking at, but I'll bet it works the same.

 

I saw it comes with the lines but if I add in a reservoir and and cooling system I will need longer lines.

 

i did a DIY one. worked awesome. let me see if i can dig up the thread...

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Couple shots of my new hydrosteer - PowerStrokeNation : Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

 

Read the thread. Did you use a reservoir or a cooler?

 

Neither