PSC Hydro Assist

[Billyj7175]

I did some searching around and only found a few threads on the PSC kits, some of which were dead ends.

Anyone running that setup that can chime in on how well it works, or more importantly, if it's a reliable system or not.

I'm running a 37" tall tire, and have noticed that it is difficult to steer with the front end lock, and/or you're in a situation with a lot of weight on the front. With the longer wheelbase of the Gladiator, it sure would be nice to be able to turn stop to stop while sitting still.
I looked into the Apex kit, and it just seems like a bandaid.

Thanks in advance!

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[Lunentucker]

No first hand experience, but I've seen and heard good things about the system.
I don't think I'd do it without beefing up the rest of the steering with heavier aftermarket components. Ball joints too. Reason being, you are forcing movement under less than ideal configuration.

The bigger tires and likely increased poke have negatively affected scrub radius. It's not so much about more tire surface on the ground as it is about geometry.

SCRUB RADIUS - What it is and How the Dynatrac PRO 1550 Knuckle Helps Improve Steering on the XD60 - YouTube

 

[WILDHOBO]

I did some searching around and only found a few threads on the PSC kits, some of which were dead ends.

Anyone running that setup that can chime in on how well it works, or more importantly, if it's a reliable system or not.

I'm running a 37" tall tire, and have noticed that it is difficult to steer with the front end lock, and/or you're in a situation with a lot of weight on the front. With the longer wheelbase of the Gladiator, it sure would be nice to be able to turn stop to stop while sitting still.
I looked into the Apex kit, and it just seems like a bandaid.

Thanks in advance!

Following. Hydraulic steering is one of the few things I haven’t yet tackled. I also haven’t decided on what direction to go.

 

[WILDHOBO]

No first hand experience, but I've seen and heard good things about the system.
I don't think I'd do it without beefing up the rest of the steering with heavier aftermarket components. Ball joints too. Reason being, you are forcing movement under less than ideal configuration.

The bigger tires and likely increased poke have negatively affected scrub radius. It's not so much about more tire surface on the ground as it is about geometry.

SCRUB RADIUS - What it is and How the Dynatrac PRO 1550 Knuckle Helps Improve Steering on the XD60 - YouTube

Completely agree. My new steel knuckles and Dynatrac pro steer ball joints are in the garage waiting to be installed.

 

[Billyj7175]

Completely agree. My new steel knuckles and Dynatrac pro steer ball joints are in the garage waiting to be installed.

For sure. I've already got the Steer Smarts drag link and tie rod. I'm going with the Reid knuckles and the MetalCloak Baller joints.

I'm sure the performance will be great, I was just concerned about the reliability.

 

[WILDHOBO]

For sure. I've already got the Steer Smarts drag link and tie rod. I'm going with the Reid knuckles and the MetalCloak Baller joints.

I'm sure the performance will be great, I was just concerned about the reliability.

I also have steersmarts. I went with the mopar steel knuckles because I wanted steering stop adjustments. If you ever decide to go with RCV axles, make sure you choose ball joints that will clear them. I don’t know about metalcloak, but dynatracs do.

 

[Billyj7175]

I also have steersmarts. I went with the mopar steel knuckles because I wanted steering stop adjustments. If you ever decide to go with RCV axles, make sure you choose ball joints that will clear them. I don’t know about metalcloak, but dynatracs do.

That is good info, as I already have RCV's.
Thank you!

 

[JTPatriot]

I can not comment on the PSC system but I did install the Redneck Ram system on my JT. Plus I also have a 5.7 Hemi with the mechanical power steering pump.

All that aside, it made a huge difference while turning. I am really glad I put it on. Last year at EJS I had some troubles turning and always had to make sure the front end was unlocked when turning. This year I forgot sometimes to unlock the front and after the fact was like oh yeah should of unlocked.

I was at that time running 38x13.5 Milestar MT's. I have just switched to 38x13.5 XT's, as for steering components, Rock krawler Pro -X tie rod, could not get the Pro-X drag link to miss the hydro assist ram hoses, so I kept the stock drag link. I do think a steer smart drag link would work, it entails the bow of the tie rod end, pro x is straighter and the steer smart resembles the stock bow of factory. Also running RCV axles but still on stock ball joints.

 

[Rusty PW]

Have a couple of friends with the PSC hydro steer on their Power Wagons. They're happy with the kit. You have to run a bigger power steering cooler that the stock one.

 

[RodRecket]

I can not comment on the PSC system but I did install the Redneck Ram system on my JT. Plus I also have a 5.7 Hemi with the mechanical power steering pump.

All that aside, it made a huge difference while turning. I am really glad I put it on. Last year at EJS I had some troubles turning and always had to make sure the front end was unlocked when turning. This year I forgot sometimes to unlock the front and after the fact was like oh yeah should of unlocked.

I was at that time running 38x13.5 Milestar MT's. I have just switched to 38x13.5 XT's, as for steering components, Rock krawler Pro -X tie rod, could not get the Pro-X drag link to miss the hydro assist ram hoses, so I kept the stock drag link. I do think a steer smart drag link would work, it entails the bow of the tie rod end, pro x is straighter and the steer smart resembles the stock bow of factory. Also running RCV axles but still on stock ball joints.

Totally off topic but I recognize your JT build. I was behind you in the AEV JT on Porcupine Rim @ EJS this past year. Very capable truck!

 

[Metalcloak]

If you ever decide to go with RCV axles, make sure you choose ball joints that will clear them. I don’t know about metalcloak, but dynatracs do.

Yes, our Baller Joints were specifically designed to ensure they clear RCVs... you can see RCVs in this image taken directly from our website...

 

[MaximusTX]

I did some searching around and only found a few threads on the PSC kits, some of which were dead ends.

Anyone running that setup that can chime in on how well it works, or more importantly, if it's a reliable system or not.

I'm running a 37" tall tire, and have noticed that it is difficult to steer with the front end lock, and/or you're in a situation with a lot of weight on the front. With the longer wheelbase of the Gladiator, it sure would be nice to be able to turn stop to stop while sitting still.
I looked into the Apex kit, and it just seems like a bandaid.

Thanks in advance!

I can't comment on the PSC Kit but I am running the redneck ram kit on mine with 42 inch tires and it works good. It is hard to turn the tires when the front end is locked but that is normal on any vehicle when the front end is locked. But when it is not locked it is very easy to turn the wheels.

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[Unkle Luk]

I ran the full PSC hydro assist on my last wrangler, and I can not say enough good things about it. It improved on road driving, but where it really shines is off road with air down tires.

It is on my shortlist to do to the gladiator.

 

[JTPatriot]

Totally off topic but I recognize your JT build. I was behind you in the AEV JT on Porcupine Rim @ EJS this past year. Very capable truck!

That is awesome to hear from you and that you remembered me! Your rig is also very capable and did very well. nicely set up also.

 

[Billyj7175]

Just a quick update after everything is installed. I've got about a 1k normal driving miles on it and I'm really happy with the way it performs. I had some concerns that it might slow down a quick steering response, but that is not the case. The only downside is, when the rpm's drop down to 500 (in gear, idling), it doesn't really add much assist. Just a little bump of the throttle and all is good. It turns the 37's aired down, with front diff locked with ease.

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