JT4x4

The Mud Pit => Wrenching => Topic started by: footman on July 20, 2013, 02:27:00 AM

Title: Redneck ram
Post by: footman on July 20, 2013, 02:27:00 AM
With my issues regarding the power steering, I've been looking at my options.  One that look enticing is the stage II Redneck Ram.  Have any of you guys have any first hand knowledge of this product?  Please discuss pros and cons.
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: gearhead1985B on July 20, 2013, 09:22:58 AM
What is the stage 2 system I forgot

 I looked at the redneck ram and then made my own kit I got a deal on a 1.75 Psc ram and tapped my own box and got the hoses made at the Parts store

I got about $200 in my setup
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: Mr Rock on July 20, 2013, 06:51:39 PM
What is the stage 2 system I forgot

 I looked at the redneck ram and then made my own kit I got a deal on a 1.75 Psc ram and tapped my own box and got the hoses made at the Parts store

I got about $200 in my setup

What cylinder  did you use and where did you get it? I've been thinking about do an assist on my rig too.
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: Bill3753 on July 20, 2013, 11:23:12 PM
Big thing to remember when doing this is getting a good cooler on the system and a high volume power steering pump.

I'll search around for the link, but somewhere I saved a website that has cylinders for was cheap, hoses too.  You could essentially order everything you need to build a "kit" yourself.
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: Bill3753 on July 21, 2013, 12:52:19 AM
http://www.surpluscenter.com/hydraulic.asp

This is where you wanna go for fittings and a ram.  I haven't found a cheaper place yet.

What year is your TJ?  In 03, they switched steering boxes to a non-servicable sealed unit with a different mounting pattern.  They are still able to be drilled and tapped for hydro assist, but its more complicated and the box is fairly weak as is.  Only options here is to order a aftermarket upgrade or change the mount on the frame to accept a more common box such as one from a Durango and then drill and tap it.
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: gearhead1985B on July 21, 2013, 06:01:42 AM
What is the stage 2 system I forgot

 I looked at the redneck ram and then made my own kit I got a deal on a 1.75 Psc ram and tapped my own box and got the hoses made at the Parts store

I got about $200 in my setup

What cylinder  did you use and where did you get it? I've been thinking about do an assist on my rig too.
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: footman on July 22, 2013, 04:26:54 PM
These kits will include a modified gear box and a pump and a core charge on both, modified and hydraulic fittings added.  In addition the Stage II kit includes the mounting hardware kit and rod ends.

Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: Bill3753 on July 22, 2013, 05:43:41 PM
What's the price on it?
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: gearhead1985B on July 22, 2013, 09:13:42 PM
I typed more before but I drilled and tapped my steering box myself and then I spent $50 on hydraulic lines from the hydraulic shop and bought the ram for $50 from a buddy who upgraded to 50° steering but when I did my Dana 44 I used a 2" ag ram that I bought for for $80 and I also modded my pump my self
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: Mr Rock on July 23, 2013, 05:36:57 AM
I did the pump mod myself too, it really helped with all the whining my pump was making. There's actually two mods you can do to the pump, one increases the volume (that's the one I did) and the other increases pressure. but these mods aren't for everyone.

If you're looking for a turn key system you can't beat the stage II kit!
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: calvynandhobbs on July 23, 2013, 02:20:28 PM
Dan is selling his hydro assist system off his XJ and going full hydro. I have never priced this stuff out so I don't know if this is a good price or if it would work for you or not, but XJs pretty much share the front suspension with TJs. Just have to cut it down to size.

http://sisoffroad.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17295 (http://sisoffroad.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17295)

Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: footman on October 05, 2013, 04:16:53 AM
All done
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: skibum on October 05, 2013, 12:40:53 PM
What did you do and did it make a big difference?
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: Mr Rock on October 05, 2013, 06:54:51 PM
All done

??? all done what? you can't leave us hanging like this!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: footman on October 06, 2013, 09:02:21 PM
Oh, just finished the installation ;D. 
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: skibum on October 07, 2013, 03:05:47 AM
More details please!!!!!
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: footman on October 07, 2013, 03:33:10 PM
Sorry, my mind is in other places :D.
The install was pretty straight forward.  The only problem I had was the correct fitment of the ram.  The company first told me that I needed to mount the ram to the tierod. So I measured the travel on the tierod and gave them the measurments.   Once I got the ram I quickly figured out that I would not be able to mount it on the tierod (I have the Currie correctlync with Savvy TR mounted above the knuckle) or use that ram to mount to the draglync.  A phone call later and I had the correct ram being shipped.  I still had to do a bit of work to get it all to work.   I got a kit to strengthen the frameside mount and had to cut down both ends of the ram.  The jeep drives really smoothly on the road (pulls slightly to left, need to look into that) but havent had it offroad yet.
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: skibum on October 08, 2013, 08:50:20 PM
Did it pull before all this work was done and when was your last alignment?
Title: Re: Redneck ram
Post by: footman on October 08, 2013, 10:19:48 PM
It was all messed up before I put the ram on, turned one direction not the other, severe DW :o  I just did an alignment before pulling it out of the garage ;D