Hydro Assist On Road Handling

[Nick21]

I got around to installing my hydro assist setup this weekend, I'm using the PSC / Blaine's kit with 12AN feed & 8AN return, and .210 torsion bar big bore

My question is that the on road handling feel tighter/harder to turn then before, is this suppose to be how it feels?

Its very likely that I did something wrong as my install was based on the many notes I was able to get throughout the forum as I could not find a good direction set. Thanks for your input

 

[Lou]

That’s because you got the 210 torsion bar. It’s a firmer feel.

 

[Nick21]

Ok, just wanted to make sure I didn't mess up on something else. Thanks

 

[mrblaine]

I got around to installing my hydro assist setup this weekend, I'm using the PSC / Blaine's kit with 12AN feed & 8AN return, and .210 torsion bar big bore

My question is that the on road handling feel tighter/harder to turn then before, is this suppose to be how it feels?

Its very likely that I did something wrong as my install was based on the many notes I was able to get throughout the forum as I could not find a good direction set. Thanks for your input

If you watch a guy on a backhoe working the levers to move the bucket, he can NOT tell how hard the ground is or how much resistance the bucket is seeing because there is no feedback in the lever controls. That is a really sucky way to drive a vehicle. So, the manufacturers came up with a way to adjust sensory feedback into the steering wheel by changing the diameter of the torsion bar that gets turned to direct flow inside the steering gear.

Many moons ago, all the aftermarket steering companies sold gears with very small bars so all the customers would brag about their "one finger" steering and get everyone else to buy it. The problem with that is one finger steering is a real pain in ass and tiring to drive on the highway for very long. It just isn't comfortable.

We started experimenting with heavier steering feel several years ago to more replicate the stock feel. What that delivers has nothing to do with the power the system has, just the feel.

If want it lighter, you can send it back and they can put a smaller diameter torsion bar in and lighten it up. Won't affect anything but your perceived steering feel.

 

[mrblaine]

That’s because you got the 210 torsion bar. It’s a firmer feel.

It's really firm the way you do it.

 

[Lou]

It's really firm the way you do it.

Just glad i made it home.

 

[mrblaine]

Just glad i made it home.

Finesse is your friend.

 

[Goatman]

Ford used to make really light (dead) feeling p/s and it absolutley sucked. The much firmer steering used on newer vehicles is vastly better. I'd stick with Blaine's setup. You should get used to the firmness in short order. As he explained, straight hydraulic input gives no feedback. I believe that's the reason the govt requires mechanical connection to the tires.