Converting air to hydro

[gimpyrobb]

Just got my air assist from PCtrans(thanks again Pete!). Been wondering if I were to swap out the seals in it, could I convert it to hydro steering? I would imagine I could use one of my LDS pumps to power it, but I bet I would need to use a different assist cyl. I know there are hydro systems out there that work on the exact same principle, the gears are turning.

 

[ODdave]

One of your lds pumps........would you like to share?

 

[gimpyrobb]

Currently, I only have one in use and one spare if it craps out. If I find more, I will let you know.

 

[phil2968]

As big as the air cylinder is if it was hydro it would have a incredible amount of strength. Enough that if the wheels were buried in a deep rut and were turned things could be bent or broken. So you would be correct in the different cylinder.
Remember the old Ford assit on the F250 of the mid to early 70's. Why not use that kind of valve with a proper hydro cylinder. Check out this link for cheap cylinders.
Surplus Center - Hydraulic Cylinders Pumps Motors

 

[m16ty]

I'm unsure if the part that goes on the drag link could be converted to hyd. My gut feeling says no but I could be wrong. Most air operated valves are nothing like hyd valves and they exhaust to the outside ( that would cause a big hyd leak).

Replacing the cylinder with a hyd cylinder should be easy enough.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Ah, good point, they do exhaust outside. Nevermind.

 

[m816Buch]

Might also try looking for 60's to 70's gm 2 ton trucks for a power assist system

 

[JasonS]

Take a look at Garrison's G21 control valve:

 

[gimpyrobb]

I will be installing the air kit as intended, I was just wondering the possibility. I know the is many people here smarter than I, so I decided to see what everyone said. If the air kit isn't up to par, I will dig deeper.

 

[tm america]

The air assist will still be a big improvement over the armstrong steer you currently have.If you're not happy with it try looking for similar hydro setups on old combines or tractors

 

[colelkhunter]

Gimp, I would say leave the deuce alone. If it handles better then you will want to drive even faster. that is a viscious cycle. you already drive like a madman. Next you'll need a flux capacitor to go back in time.

 

[Westech]

I dont think you can make the air-o-sist fluid. It dumps the air from the cylinder when the cylinder needs to power the other way. Its a two way cylinder. Just leave it as is you be ok.. or if you REALLY dont want it I will take it off your hands for what you paid for it.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Cool, I paid eleventy million dollars for it.







PETE, I might need a recipt.

 

[Westech]

You take a check?

 

[mckeeranger]

Cool, I paid eleventy million dollars for it.

Wow, I can get you a bridge over the Ohio river cheaper than that.
I just need to prin.....I mean find that deed.

 

[3dAngus]

Just out of curiosity, what happens if you lose air from catastrophic failure.
1. Revert to manual steering
2. Excessive play results in minimal or loss of control
3. You crash in a big tree
or. zero impact?

I'm not familiar with air assist steering, but it sounds kinda cool. Also, could the power steering off a A3 be adapted to an A2.

Lots of questions, few answers. Am I dumb? Ans: Yes, but learning.

 

[Westech]

1. Revert to manual steering

and the A3 air o sist is the exact same thing.

 

[3dAngus]

Thanks. Didn't know the A3 was air.
Brings up a follow up question, if you don't mind.
Is there still a power steering pump, with power steering fluid? (A3)

 

[Westech]

read your question/ last post again slowly.......

 

[3dAngus]

Read it slow. Makes perfectly good sense to the ignorant, which I am, thus the question.
The M-105 has air over hydraulic brakes. So, the question is, with air assist steering, does the air assist a power steering pump which has fluid drive to the steering, or is it air alone.