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Tools Needed:
- ⅜” & ½” Ratchets
- ½”, 9/16”, ¾”, 1 ⅛”, 12mm, 17mm, 19mm Sockets
- ½”, 9/16”, ¾”, ⅞”, 11/16”, 1”, 1 ⅛” Wrenches
- 7/32”, ⅝” Allens
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Side Cutters
- Grinder
- Torch
- Welder
- Hammer
- Floor Jack and Jack Stands
- Torque Wrench
- Tape Measure
- Drill & 3/4” Drill Bit
- Power Steering Fluid (Royal Purple Recommended)
Installation Notes:
- 1. Read all instructions completely and carefully before you begin.
2. Check to make sure the kit is complete and that no parts are missing. If anything is missing, please contact Trail-Gear at (559) 252-4950.
3. Park vehicle on a clean, dry, at, level surface and block the tires so the vehicle can not roll in either direction.
Installation Instructions:
1. Install clevis ends on cylinder and cut tie rod tubes to
length, eye to eye they should be 45 3/8”. Locktite and
tighten clevis end allen head bolts into ram. Tubes
should be the same length if you are mounting the
cylinder centered on the axle (recommended). Allow
adjustments in and out.
2. Drill steering arms using a 3/4” drill bit. Drill the 2 tapered tie rod holes only. Use a drill press if possible. Use the hole closest to the rear of the truck on the right side steering arm. Cut off front of arm if desired.
3. Install all cylinder clamps and bolts through cylinder mounting plates. Then, with truck suspension at full compression,
position cylinder assembly in front of the axle where it will be mounted. Mount the ram level (when looking
from the front) and slightly behind the steering arm attachment (ideal). See diagram below!
4. Cope cylinder mounting hoop and straight tube to
fit up to the axle. Tack weld in place.
5. Manually cycle steering lock to lock and make sure
tie rods are adjusted and cylinder bottoms out at
full lock left and right.
6. Bolt the new pump and bracket to the stock idler
pulley using the provided hardware. Install the new fan
belt provided with the kit. Note: When removing old
power steering pump, plug off both vacuum lines, they
will not be used with this pump.
7. The cooler can be mounted in two different ways. It can be
mounted with the ties going through the radiator using the
parts provided in the kit, or a custom bracket can be
fabricated.
8. Always mount reservoir so that the bottom of the
reservoir is above the inlet on the power steering pump,
or you will not be able to properly bleed the system.
9. Mount orbital and steering column to orbital
mounting plate.
10. Position orbital assembly on frame rail. Install OEM
steering shaft/U-joint on end of supplied steering
column. Install gussets inside and outside frame rails.
11. Install hoses per diagram below Do not over-tighten hoses as this can damage the fitting.
11. Install hoses per diagram below Do not over-tighten hoses as this can damage the fitting.
- 12. Fill the power steering system with synthetic power
steering fluid. We recommend Royal Purple full synthetic
fluid. When filling the reservoir, do not fill to the top, allow about 1/2" for fluid expansion due to heat. It will
take some time to fully bleed the system the first time.
With the vehicle on jack stands and tires completely off
the ground, engine not running, turn the steering wheel from
lock to lock several times and then refill the power
steering reservoir with fluid. Note, this is done so that the
power steering pump does not get started dry, which can
cause damage to the pump.
Now you’re ready to start the engine and turn the
steering wheel from lock to lock, we recommend that you
run the motor for about 5 minutes at a time during the
bleeding. Allow the oil to set until all the bubbles have
separated out of the oil, then run the motor again for 5
minutes. Repeat this procedure until the oil runs without
foam or bubbles.
13. Start engine and cycle steering to verify that steering cylinder bottoms at full lock in both directions. Check for leaks.
14. Finish welding all brackets. Check fluid level and tension on power steering belt and you are ready to wheel.