Hydro Assist the Easy Way

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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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!

[@danhambrick6331]

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

[@dhubbard]

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!

[@carlsandvik2893]

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

[@roberttorres6689]

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

[@aaronheckman7563]

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

[@NoNaSRT4]

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

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

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

[@6daemonic6]

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

[@carlteyssier6696]

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.

[@mike86mike]

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!

[@oby-1607]

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.

[@permagrin8742]

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

[@billytugwell48]

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.

[@zacharybarlow3960]

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

[@donny6016]

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

[@Mr_Everyman]

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

[@73challenger86]

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.

[@helm9981]

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

[@jessejordan3228]

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

[@rickmarquart3277]

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

[@davyleupz]

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!!! 🤘

[@cookymudstar]

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 🤘

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

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

[@burden669]

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

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks brother

[@mudmaster99]

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

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Lol I have mixed experiences there.

[@one4x4nut]

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

[@emilysoule6567]

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 :)

[@Tanhands36]

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

[@leefhead1]

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]

Very true!

[@brucea822]

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

[@billpickelheimer8142]

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

[@fullforce581]

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]

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

[@Nik-ok9nu]

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]

​@Nik-ok9nu what's the budget version?

[@FMJeeping]

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

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

👍

[@SuperRoyalone]

What length hoses did you use?

[@jackson6948]

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.

[@richardederer5331]

Awesome idea. Thanks for the cool tip

[@gregnorvell9730]

Nice job! Good luck on your move.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks! New place has nice and big shop

[@bradbob589]

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

[@DWBmotorsports]

Same lol

[@11green11]

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

[@alanhamel4955]

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]

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.

[@zoexj4872]

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

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

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

[@safetyfirstintexas]

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

[@stevemartinism]

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

[@troyledbetter6597]

I enjoyed your video! Thanks phor sharing.

[@cgscprspecialist3937]

Excellent job

[@gmmurn]

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.

[@rogs926]

You did a great JOB

[@RideRevival_Outdoor]

good stuff, thanks for finishing the video out!

[@oleroy4749]

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

[@1stzjtruck706]

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

[@Allianceoffroad]

Great vid. Looks like what I will be doing.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Pretty easy to set up for sure

[@kundrew1990]

great vid thanks

[@aplchnmtngoat3800]

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

[@noelscammell662]

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

[@kozinator]

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

[@jonesleonard756]

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

[@davewoodard1]

Jones Leonard wondering the same thing....

[@jimhetland1423]

Appreciate this video. Thank you

[@chrispowell6673]

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!!

[@gregeverett6557]

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

[@fomocoloco7172]

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

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Absolutly

[@immelting9834]

What about wj boxes ?

[@guswendt]

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 .

[@INFRINGE_audio]

Great job man....

[@duneattack]

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!

[@joshgarcia7148]

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

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks for the heads up, fixed them👊🏻

[@jakematthews6982]

Good video but your track bar/drag link angles make me cringe. Since the track bar is fixed at that angle you can use a different pitman arm with less drop to get it to be more parallel with the track bar. The way your whole Jeep moves up and down while cycling the steering will drastically decrease or completely disappear when the drag link and track bar are as parallel as you can get them. You can also move the frame-side track bar mount down to match the dropped pitman arm. Either way you do it is fine. Whichever works best for you.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

I have wanted to move the track bar down on the frame side. I addressed it on previous videos. Just havent gotten to it

[@handduggraverdronline]

Him drilling that first hole was cringe

[@Woahitsjurb]

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

[@untamed06tbss]

Subscribed!

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

👍

[@nicholasjopin477]

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

[@atomarc1991]

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

[@clayzer11]

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

[@GrimResistance]

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

[@cencoast_7.340]

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

[@velazquezjaime149]

In my case i removed mine because the steering feels way to soft on the hwy jeep din't go strait. i removed now jeep goes nice and Strait again!

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

This is for offroad purposes mostly

[@velazquezjaime149]

@@MuddyBeards4X4 exacly my point! Lol

[@dunsloan2223]

You might try adding a degree or two of caster to your alignment. If that does not solve it try a smaller diameter ram.

[@wuptedo]

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]

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]

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.

[@user-ri7gw5te1u]

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?

[@justinchandler5436]

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?

[@joepoznik8156]

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]

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

[@joepoznik8156]

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?

[@daniellaverty1359]

That is a cool cap idea, but to me that puts your line and fitting at risk. Especially steep approach angles or just rocks ect.

[@joejimenez5399]

How does it run on the road?

[@DanielCole]

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

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

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

[@greendodge98]

Nice job

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

👍

[@edgarpizarroso675]

On the highway at 70 miles it runs fine

[@zackeriahthurman3666]

I hope your links are legit brother, i ordered both the ram and cap. Been waiting on this vid since your s-10 steering box video. I heard "budget hydro assist" and got very intrigued.....

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Steering links? Yes they are barnes 4wd 1 ton tie rods

[@zackeriahthurman3666]

@@MuddyBeards4X4 no man, your description links to the ram and cap. I literally clicked and bought right after watching the video

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Haha yes just make sure you selected the option for the smaller front cap on diy4x website

[@zackeriahthurman3666]

@@MuddyBeards4X4 shit! i did not.... ill have to email them

[@zackeriahthurman3666]

@@MuddyBeards4X4 so ill need the small saginaw box option?

[@albertoffroadaddict1096]

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

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

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

[@MrMrsregor]

Did it change your steering speed at all ? Have you tried this on the highway and/or trails yet?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Not tried in highway. Just around the block and the property. Feels smooth.

[@MrMrsregor]

Muddy Beards 4X4 cool. Thanks for posting this! I just finished building an xj and only have the steering left to build. Perfect timing and great information! Thank you!

[@caseyespeseth4306]

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

[@nsmturbo5902]

8" stroke for full size axles

[@adamswaz4878]

Where'd you get your hoses ? Rough length ?

[@patrickclemenson7347]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@Ryan_Tidwell]

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

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

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

[@robtrudeau1447]

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]

Where did you get the hoses or lines ?

[@heathweeks1985]

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]

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

[@jameslacross3617]

How hard was It to get that front cap in? I just tried putting mine on and it’s not going very easily!

[@brandon2011dhs]

Same issue here did you find a solution? I have tried everything I've milled a good 2/64th off and still hangs on the secondary lip in the gear box. Brand new box for a 97 xj.

[@doghouse96zj92]

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

[@cencoast_7.340]

Just long enough works every time.

[@marrag1]

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.

[@joejimenez5399]

How did this hold up? What’ the total cost? 10:30

[@philliprollman7421]

I have a hydro assist and I need a bracket for my tie rod and wanted to use that style of clamp but everything is saying not intended for hydro assist

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Always worked fine for me. You could add a couple tacks on either side for assurance if you want

[@p8nflnt]

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

[@tylercampbell7348]

I just found your channel mr. Richardson

[@chrisdesrui]

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]

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

[@chrisdesrui]

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

[@stevenm7566]

Great video...hope you got moved ok.

[@StubbornOffroad]

What is the ram part number ?

[@admirbegic3628]

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?