OldGoat said:Cody, my total expense was $440 and that was for:
Tractor Supply 8"x2" ram NEW $65
NAPA custom length Hydraulic hoses NEW $50
Howe Quick Steer 2:1 ratio NEW $150
Danfoss orbital valve new, but, eBay item. $100
Borgeson steering coupler NEW $25
Borgeson u-joint steering coupler NEW $50
Misc. steel plate and nuts and bolts. $25
Grand total of $465
My unit will turn the tires with the engine dead and the vehicle stopped but it takes muscle. Not sure what my rig weighs but it is a heavy fullsize and the tires can be turned even when hung up in the rocks with the engine idling. So I think my setup is the best budget unit based on cost and even reliability. I will have to say the double ended ram is cool and does not require a full size tie rod but it is very high in cost. There are a lot of rigs running both setups and doing well with them. You just have to choose which you would like.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/inspection/rules_list.asp?itemdrop=Steering&rejectsubmit=Go20.25 Steering. The steering system of the vehicle must be inspected to determine if excessive wear and/or maladjustment of the steering linkage and/or steering gear exists. Wear and adjustment of the steering system will be checked by measuring lash. Vehicle must be on a dry surface.
Lash defined: Lash is the condition in which the steering control can be turned through some part of a revolution without front wheel motion. The wheels should be loaded and positioned straight ahead.
Jamming defined: Jamming is any obstruction to the turning of the steering control caused by interference between some components of the steering system.
The obstruction would include tires too large or damaged fenders that would interfere with a full right or left turn.
1. Inspection Procedure. Lash or Free Play: With road wheels in straight ahead position, turn steering wheel until the turning motion can be observed at the road wheels. Measure lash. (See diagram.)
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Steering Lash (see chart)
Steering Wheel Manual Steering Power Steering
diameter system system
14" or less............. 2".......................... 3"
16"......................... 2".......................... 4"
18"..........................2"......................... 4-3/4"
20"..........................2"......................... 5"
22"......................... 2-3/4"................... 5-3/4"
b. It is impossible to turn the steering wheel from full right to full left without binding or jamming other than at wheel stops.
c. Steering mechanism is not firmly attached and free of frame cracks or missing bolts.
d. Modification of the steering system so as to affect the proper steering of the vehicle or steering wheel has been modified or replaced with one that is noticeably smaller than original factory equipment.
e. Any excessively worn or broken parts in the steering system.
f. Visible leaks in power steering unit or hoses.
g. Power steering belt is excessively cracked, frayed, or has pieces missing or tension is not adequate. Serpentine belts are not to be rejected merely for cracks in the ribs.
h. Fluid in power steering unit is below manufacturer’s recommended level. Do not overfill.
i. On motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, handlebars or steering head is bent, loose, broken or damaged so as to cause unsafe condition in steering.
j. On motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, handlebar grips extend to a height in excess of 15 inches above the saddle level.
On vehicles equipped with flexible couplings, or energy-absorbing steering columns, when it is obvious through a visual inspection of the vehicle that the column has been damaged and is in an unsafe condition, it should be rejected. Tilt steering wheels must lock into position. Steering wheel must be securely mounted to the steering shaft.
NOTE: On vehicles equipped with power steering, the engine must be running and the fluid level, belt tension, and condition must be adequate before testing.
You maybe right about them never looking at the steering on your ride, but here is too gray areas that if someone wanted to give you a hard time about something they could use. Of course If that happen I would just take it somewhere else.4x4Freak said:1).... steering gear exists.
d. Modification of the steering system so as to affect the proper steering of the vehicle or steering wheel has been modified or replaced with one that is noticeably smaller than original factory equipment.