Help me understand hydro options

ERAUGrad04

ERAUGrad04

Caught the Bug
I recently made the jump to 37" tires on my '14 JKUR and am trying to understand all of the hydro assist options. I spoke with PSC and they recommend the kit where I send in my steering gear and they send it back along with a new pump, ram, hoses, reservoir, etc. Cost for this kit is roughly $1400. I have also seen where folks have just sent their gear to PSC and run the factory pump and reservoir. To add a bit more confusion, there are the two different ram sizes 1.5 and 1.75.

I'd really like to stick with a PSC setup. I have seen some of the other options including the DIY setup, and I feel this is an area not worth cutting any corners.

At the end of the day, on road, highway handling characteristics are really important as my Jeep is a daily driver and will see about 10k a year on the highway.

My main reason for the hydro is I would really like to take the stress off the steering gear gear/sector shaft which should remove a little worry when playing off road.

Lastly, can I stick with my factory tie rod or would it be best to change it out?

Any input would be greatly appreciated along with personal experiences too! :)

Thanks!

ERAU
 
ttfhell

ttfhell

New member
ERAUGrad04 said:
I recently made the jump to 37" tires on my '14 JKUR and am trying to understand all of the hydro assist options. I spoke with PSC and they recommend the kit where I send in my steering gear and they send it back along with a new pump, ram, hoses, reservoir, etc. Cost for this kit is roughly $1400. I have also seen where folks have just sent their gear to PSC and run the factory pump and reservoir. To add a bit more confusion, there are the two different ram sizes 1.5 and 1.75.

I'd really like to stick with a PSC setup. I have seen some of the other options including the DIY setup, and I feel this is an area not worth cutting any corners.

At the end of the day, on road, highway handling characteristics are really important as my Jeep is a daily driver and will see about 10k a year on the highway.

My main reason for the hydro is I would really like to take the stress off the steering gear gear/sector shaft which should remove a little worry when playing off road.

Lastly, can I stick with my factory tie rod or would it be best to change it out?

Any input would be greatly appreciated along with personal experiences too! :)

Thanks!

ERAU
Click to expand...

How many sector shafts have you seen break in a newer JK?
 
ERAUGrad04

ERAUGrad04

Caught the Bug
ttfhell said:
How many sector shafts have you seen break in a newer JK?
Click to expand...

Personally, none. Seem to hear quite a bit about the steering gear being a weak point on the JKs. If hydro is really overkill, I'd be more than happy to defer those funds to other Jeep projects! :D
 
wayoflife

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
ERAUGrad04 said:
I recently made the jump to 37" tires on my '14 JKUR and am trying to understand all of the hydro assist options. I spoke with PSC and they recommend the kit where I send in my steering gear and they send it back along with a new pump, ram, hoses, reservoir, etc. Cost for this kit is roughly $1400. I have also seen where folks have just sent their gear to PSC and run the factory pump and reservoir. To add a bit more confusion, there are the two different ram sizes 1.5 and 1.75.

I'd really like to stick with a PSC setup. I have seen some of the other options including the DIY setup, and I feel this is an area not worth cutting any corners.

At the end of the day, on road, highway handling characteristics are really important as my Jeep is a daily driver and will see about 10k a year on the highway.
Click to expand...

With 37's, I would get a ram assist just to help make your Jeep easier to maneuver around town but, that's just me.

My main reason for the hydro is I would really like to take the stress off the steering gear gear/sector shaft which should remove a little worry when playing off road.
Click to expand...

Eh, there's definitely that but really, the help in steering should be the main reason why you do this.

Lastly, can I stick with my factory tie rod or would it be best to change it out?
Click to expand...

If it were me, I would just run what you got until it's so bent that you need to replace it. At least, that's what I've always done and by then, I would recommend a Currie tie-rod.

Flash1034 said:
You really don't need to do that unless you're running very low tire pressure on very technical terrain.

Flash
Click to expand...

"Need"? I don't think you really even "need" it then but it sure as hell makes like easier. Same could be said for driving around in tight parking lots.

HighwayTrout said:
Irishcarl is that you?
Click to expand...

:cheesy:

olram30 said:
What if I just want to make parking easier at the mall?
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That's what I'm thinking :yup:
 
SFNick

SFNick

New member
Just recently I installed a hydro assist. I have a PSC steering gear box, 1.5 ram, with stock pump, & 37's. I can finally move my tires while sitting still. At highway speeds it's extremely firm, maybe too firm. I'm installing a PSC pump & reservoir to get better responsiveness but might upgrade to 1.75 ram to get that extra power offroad. If I could do it over I would've just bought the kit from PSC. Live & learn.
 
CJW

CJW

New member
I understand that it makes life way easier when steering in the rocks but I also thought it helped protect your steering box just as much. Not true??
 
ERAUGrad04

ERAUGrad04

Caught the Bug
2013rubirick said:
I have my stock steering box in my garage if you don't want to remove yours and send it in. It is in perfect shape.
Click to expand...

My current plan is Hydro in the next 3 months or so.

I'll shoot you a message when/if the time comes and if it's still on your shelf, let me know.

Thanks!
 
ERAUGrad04

ERAUGrad04

Caught the Bug
wayoflife said:
With 37's, I would get a ram assist just to help make your Jeep easier to maneuver around town but, that's just me.



Eh, there's definitely that but really, the help in steering should be the main reason why you do this.



If it were me, I would just run what you got until it's so bent that you need to replace it. At least, that's what I've always done and by then, I would recommend a Currie tie-rod.



"Need"? I don't think you really even "need" it then but it sure as hell makes like easier. Same could be said for driving around in tight parking lots.



:cheesy:



That's what I'm thinking :yup:
Click to expand...

Thanks Eddie for the info. I've read of many instances, two of which I believe were yours, of snapping the sector shaft. I figure hydro is a bit pricey, but breaking down in the middle of a trail can add up real quick too.
 
wayoflife

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
ERAUGrad04 said:
Thanks Eddie for the info. I've read of many instances, two of which I believe were yours, of snapping the sector shaft. I figure hydro is a bit pricey, but breaking down in the middle of a trail can add up real quick too.
Click to expand...

In all fairness, a spare sector shaft costs only $150 - way cheaper than hydro assist. Now, changing it out on the trail can be a real pain in the ass and that's something money can't buy. Again, I would highly recommend a ram assist with 37's but concern over a sector shaft break is just one of them - not the main reason.
 
TNuggs13

TNuggs13

Member
wayoflife said:
In all fairness, a spare sector shaft costs only $150 - way cheaper than hydro assist. Now, changing it out on the trail can be a real pain in the ass and that's something money can't buy. Again, I would highly recommend a ram assist with 37's but concern over a sector shaft break is just one of them - not the main reason.
Click to expand...

Newbie question but what is the difference between the hydro assists vs. the ram assist? Also what's the price difference? I have 37's and don't really notice it being hard to turn.
 
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