As a loyal patron of Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, you've already read a series of articles about our Scrambler project. We're hoping they gave you an idea of how we design and build our rigs, but most of all that they got your creativity flowing while sparking some ideas on how to build your own trail rig. Of course we're building a way-cool CJ-8 that we'll hammer on and tour the country with, but it's not just about one Jeep. Most of the work completed on our Scrambler is custom, the parts are high- and low-end, and the fabrication and engineering have been tedious and intricate. But most of the work is not Jeep-specific, so the components could easily be transferred to your own truck or SUV. This installment of our Scrambler build focuses on the Jeep's steering and emergency brake. We installed a reliable hydraulic steering system by PSC and a really cool emergency hand brake by Lokar. PSC offers many hydraulic steering systems for an array of vehicles, and Lokar offers e-brake systems that can be mounted under the dash, on the floor, and on the transmission tunnel. Installing a PSC system is advanced, and on some setups welding is required, while the Lokar e-brake systems are mostly bolt-in but may require some drilling and cutting. Due to the custom frame on our CJ-8, the heavy-duty PSC steering box (steering gear) required welding extended mounting tabs to its two lower bolts.Due to the custom frame on our CJ-8, the heavy-duty PSC steering box (steering gear) requi Most PSC steering systems come with a reservoir and mounting bracket. The guys at Overkill Engineering helped us with this steering system installation and welded tabs to the top of the engines cage to mount the bracket. The bracket is universal and can be mounted just about anywhere.Most PSC steering systems come with a reservoir and mounting bracket. The guys at Overkill Unless a specific bolt-in steering system is used, the fluid lines for the hydraulic system may need to be cut to fit. The lines use compression fittings, which are easy to assemble.Unless a specific bolt-in steering system is used, the fluid lines for the hydraulic syste The fittings will fit easily in the hose if the hose is lightly coated with oil, and this also lessens the chance of damaging the hose or fittings.The fittings will fit easily in the hose if the hose is lightly coated with oil, and this When mounting the hydraulic ram, make sure that the hose fittings clear any moving components such as the draglink, tie rod, and track bar. Fully articulating the front axle with the ram in place is the best way to check the hose fitting clearances.When mounting the hydraulic ram, make sure that the hose fittings clear any moving compone The factory steering pump can be used in most PSC steering systems, but we recommend a new high-performance pump when adding a ram assist. Also, PSC recommends using a power steering fluid cooler with any of the company's extreme-duty systems.The factory steering pump can be used in most PSC steering systems, but we recommend a new The emergency brake we chose for our Scrambler mounts vertically to the side of the Lokar transmission shifter mount that was installed in the Aug. '10 issue. Installing the emergency brake system was straightforward and only required minor cutting of the cables and screwing cable mounts to the bottom of the Jeep's tub.The emergency brake we chose for our Scrambler mounts vertically to the side of the Lokar The e-brake is completely assembled and ready to be bolted to the side of the trans shifter mount. Dependent on the application and amount of room in the vehicle's tunnel, we recommend bolting the e-brake to the side of the mount before installing it on the transmission.The e-brake is completely assembled and ready to be bolted to the side of the trans shifte The Lokar e-brake cables and connectors that attach to the brake come in many different styles, such as Ford, Chevy, and GM, as well as universal custom applications like Wilwood brakes. Cutting the cable while making sure it doesn't fray can be difficult. We used a high-speed die grinder with a cutoff wheel.The Lokar e-brake cables and connectors that attach to the brake come in many different st The vertical trans mount e-brake worked nicely since the interior of the Scrambler had few places to mount an emergency brake due to the rollcage, center console, and twin stick shifters for the transfer case.The vertical trans mount e-brake worked nicely since the interior of the Scrambler had few When installing the cables, make sure they are up and out of the way of any moving components like control arms, and that the cables aren't resting against the exhaust system. We found some old brake line brackets, fitted them with grommets, and then screwed them to the bottom of the Jeep tub.When installing the cables, make sure they are up and out of the way of any moving compone SOURCES Lokar 10924 Murdock Drive Knoxville TN 37932 877-469-7440 www.lokar.com Overkill Engineering Nuevo CA 888-225-0243 www.overkilleng.com PSC Motorsports 11468 FM 730 South Azle TX 76020 817-270-0102 www.pscmotorsports.com By Kevin McNulty Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
