Yes, I'm running the 1.75. And yes, they recommended it because of the size of tires. After adding the PSC pump I am perfectly happy with the setup and agree that the customer service was great. Matt was easy to work with for sure.

When you are on a very steep decline and your right tire is up against a dirt ledge and you have to turn left to avoid rolling, and can't because of the stock steering, is a good reason. Happened to me. Also, while parked or slightly moving and you can't turn your steering wheel, it's time for an assist. I've been extremely happy I did it and will not look back. I believe it also saves the sector shaft that will eventually wear out with big tires. No need for a sector shaft brace and bracket with hydro assist.

 

I run the 1.5 x 7" WTOR stage 2. It was really bad in slow speeds trying to turn while parking. Almost dangerous as it would lock up if I was going to slow and turning the wheel too fast. I installed the PSC Pump and Resi, now it's perfect. Haven't had it off road yet but very happy with it on the streets. My entire front end is new and I was getting bad bump steer on shitty roads, the Ram was a HUGE help in controlling the front end with my 38x15.5's, overall very happy.

 

Agreed a cooler is a must. If you dont have one your box will get very hot. As for the bleeding thats odd. Hell on mine both times ive drained it (new and a fluid change) ive never pre filled the hoses or ram and its self bled damn near instantly and ive never had a problem after the initial fill/quick bleed. I also have a stock coolant resovoir.

 

Save your money and get the PSC Kit. If you try to go cheap you'll eventually spend 2 grand trying to fix it.

 

Well, I sort of agree. Get the PSC setup, but not the kit. I did a whole PSC system for just under $1000. I bought the ram, reservoir, and pump from them (and the pump bracket, and steering fluid). Had the lines made locally (better quality and you can figure out the best way to run them). Tapped my own box, which is stupid easy. Or, for a little more you can have WTO tap your box. I think it is like $125 if they aren't rebuilding it.

If you get a 1.5" ram, you can skip the pump. Personally, I want things to stay cool, so a cooler is a must and I like the res as it helps cool and keeps more fluid in the system.

I mean, if you wanted too, the ram is like $170. Tap your box, lines are around $120 all in. You could have a PSC system for around $300.

 

What about the stock steering gear box. Some say it is too weak. I have the synergy sector shaft brace already also.

I'm still thinking the WTO stage 3 with 1.5 cylinder. Add a cooler and I'm done.

I'm sure PSC is super nice but not going to 40's and it's not THAT bad as it sits. I have to think this will be just right.

Anyone have any compelling reason not to execute this plan?

 

[Tell me this, why should someone add hydro assist?[/QUOTE]

Too many times i was in situations where I couldn't turn the wheel because of rocks or a Prius in the way. If your in those situations then you will realize you need something more. If your not wheeling in those places stick with the brace kit. If your pitman arm breaks then that's just a bad day. I have seen the sector shaft go before a pitman arm, but hey shit happens. As far as the kit being cheap and to save your money, that's up to you. WTO makes a great product with outstanding customer service. PSC makes good stuff, but I have seen a lot of their boxes leak, they did send new ones, but they still leaked after spending 2k. One thing about WTO is they have you measure your steering throw so they can internally stop the ram from over extending. Im not saying PSC doesn't do that, but some have had to pull the PSC ram apart to add internal stops.

 

Really appreciate the feedback guys. I'm still listening. I have to think there are others out there with the same questions!

 

I strongly dislike the sector shaft brace kits. The only thing they do is increase the likelihood of failure. I've seen a couple boxes shear off the frame with no brace. That sucks, but the cost is 4 bolts to fix it. The braces put all the load onto the shaft itself. It's crazy how many broken shafts I have seen this year with people running the brace. In addition, every time this topic comes up, several more people chime in about how their steering box started leaking shortly after the brace was installed. Again, the load is all on the shaft and it trashes the seals and has a good chance of snapping the shaft clean off. In the cases I know first hand, it was not hard wheeling when it happened.

Go check out the price of a new steering box. Only the old delphi boxed can be rebuilt. Hydro assist is the only proper solution. Either you need it or you don't. The brace will cost you more than doing nothing.

For those who think the brace is a good idea, I am developing a muffler bearing brace that you cannot drive without. Provides the support the bearing is missing during hard driving. $150 intro price.

 

We are talking about jeep owners here, someone will buy it!

I have been running a PSC 1.75 8" ram with a Derale 5 pass cooler on the stock chinese box, stock pump, and stock res. The pump leaves a lot to be desired. Off road it is fine unless you punch it getting onto a dirt road and cant correct fast enough and end up driving into the woods looking like an idiot.

A buddy works in heavy equipment so he made me a set of lines, the cooler and fittings ran me about $50, and the ram was $200 something. I am very happy with it considering I only have $300 in it. Tapping the box is extremely simple. If you can use a drill and a tap and have a vice, you can do it.