Apex Steering Boost

[dgerb]

I did a little bit of searching, but couldn't find any threads on the installation of a Apex steering boost kit on a 392. The Apex site has a install video but doesn't address the 392. Tried to call and email with no feedback. The typical JL has the air box over the electric steering pump, so it can be pulled from the top after removal of the air box. The 392 has the computer and fuse box over the steering pump which is slightly visible from the top. I'm reluctant pulling the fuse box and computer. Has anyone personally done an install? How did you do it and where did you place the cooler?

 

[jeepguru]

I did a little bit of searching, but couldn't find any threads on the installation of a Apex steering boost kit on a 392. The Apex site has a install video but doesn't address the 392. Tried to call and email with no feedback. The typical JL has the air box over the electric steering pump, so it can be pulled from the top after removal of the air box. The 392 has the computer and fuse box over the steering pump which is slightly visible from the top. I'm reluctant pulling the fuse box and computer. Has anyone personally done an install? How did you do it and where did you place the cooler?

We have installed quite a few of these. We don't pull the fuse box at all, instead we pull the fender or inner liner so we can get to the steering pump. You have to pull a couple lines off it and a few bolts, but it will roll sideways out of the cavity and give you access to where you need to install the Apex assembly.

And below is a pic of where we installed the cooler, just below the condenser.

If you haven't bought it yet, I can give you a forum discount of free shipping.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

We have installed quite a few of these. We don't pull the fuse box at all, instead we pull the fender or inner liner so we can get to the steering pump. You have to pull a couple lines off it and a few bolts, but it will roll sideways out of the cavity and give you access to where you need to install the Apex assembly.

And below is a pic of where we installed the cooler, just below the condenser.

If you haven't bought it yet, I can give you a forum discount of free shipping.

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Have you tied the Adventure kit from PSC yet?

 

[jeepguru]

Have you tied the Adventure kit from PSC yet?

We have, but for the $$, a few more $ gets you the full hydro assist set up. I tested the Apex kit on my 392 in Moab last year. I'm actually going to run it again on my JeepZilla build to do some more real world testing at EJS in April.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

We have, but for the $$, a few more $ gets you the full hydro assist set up. I tested the Apex kit on my 392 in Moab last year. I'm actually going to run it again on my JeepZilla build to do some more real world testing at EJS in April.

Let me know what you think.

I don't think I would have torn my rotator cuff last month with full hydro assist.

I will be out for several months after my surgery next week but I want some better steering when I return.

 

[dgerb]

We have installed quite a few of these. We don't pull the fuse box at all, instead we pull the fender or inner liner so we can get to the steering pump. You have to pull a couple lines off it and a few bolts, but it will roll sideways out of the cavity and give you access to where you need to install the Apex assembly.

And below is a pic of where we installed the cooler, just below the condenser.

If you haven't bought it yet, I can give you a forum discount of free shipping.

View attachment 43919

View attachment 43920

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I already ordered it. I noticed you're in the Phoenix area, I'm in Sedona. What does Doetsch charge to install the kit? I have an early '21 392....

 

[jeepguru]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I already ordered it. I noticed you're in the Phoenix area, I'm in Sedona. What does Doetsch charge to install the kit? I have an early '21 392....

It's about 3-4 hours depending on the fender situation and any unknowns like if taking the lower bumper skid off, having to move aftermarket wiring, etc. So figure around $450-$600. But if we get it done quicker, than you only pay actual time.

 

[dgerb]

It's about 3-4 hours depending on the fender situation and any unknowns like if taking the lower bumper skid off, having to move aftermarket wiring, etc. So figure around $450-$600. But if we get it done quicker, than you only pay actual time.

Thanks!!

 

[@WhiteBronze392]

We have installed quite a few of these. We don't pull the fuse box at all, instead we pull the fender or inner liner so we can get to the steering pump. You have to pull a couple lines off it and a few bolts, but it will roll sideways out of the cavity and give you access to where you need to install the Apex assembly.

And below is a pic of where we installed the cooler, just below the condenser.

If you haven't bought it yet, I can give you a forum discount of free shipping.

View attachment 43919

View attachment 43920

Shoot me a price please

 

[nellynel8512]

I did a little bit of searching, but couldn't find any threads on the installation of a Apex steering boost kit on a 392. The Apex site has a install video but doesn't address the 392. Tried to call and email with no feedback. The typical JL has the air box over the electric steering pump, so it can be pulled from the top after removal of the air box. The 392 has the computer and fuse box over the steering pump which is slightly visible from the top. I'm reluctant pulling the fuse box and computer. Has anyone personally done an install? How did you do it and where did you place the cooler?

Just did it this weekend, took me about 3 hours, Pulled the pump out through the fender well, helped that I have quick release inner fenders from AAL, I just used the install directions they sent and figured it out, mounted the cooler exactly as they did in the instructions. Hardest part for me was taking the pressure gauge off after adjustment, probably should have just pulled the pump back out to do it, and I contemplated just leaving it on, lol.

 

[Earl 392]

Just did it this weekend, took me about 3 hours, Pulled the pump out through the fender well, helped that I have quick release inner fenders from AAL, I just used the install directions they sent and figured it out, mounted the cooler exactly as they did in the instructions. Hardest part for me was taking the pressure gauge off after adjustment, probably should have just pulled the pump back out to do it, and I contemplated just leaving it on, lol.

Any pictures?thanks and what exactly did you install?

 

[EBYCREEK]

Just did it this weekend, took me about 3 hours, Pulled the pump out through the fender well, helped that I have quick release inner fenders from AAL, I just used the install directions they sent and figured it out, mounted the cooler exactly as they did in the instructions. Hardest part for me was taking the pressure gauge off after adjustment, probably should have just pulled the pump back out to do it, and I contemplated just leaving it on, lol.

I did the install about 2 years ago on my 2021 392. I left the gauge on and a year later the gauge started leaking. It was a pain to remove the gauge. The kit did make it easier to steer but it didn't fix the power steering hot light from coming on. I fixed that by adding a fan to the front of the power steering pump. I added the fan after replacing the pump 2 times from leaking. If you get them hot enough they start leaking fluid from the pump.

 

[Rusty762]

We have, but for the $$, a few more $ gets you the full hydro assist set up. I tested the Apex kit on my 392 in Moab last year. I'm actually going to run it again on my JeepZilla build to do some more real world testing at EJS in April.

Curious still on the PSC adventure kit, there is very little information online and it still says new product coming soon. I have had PSC hydro assist on my TJ and LJ and don't like how it drives on the hwy. The PSC adventure kit seems to address the complaints with the Apex kit. Found the video below but its for the cylinder assist kit....

And I found the picture below on the Apex website .

 

[ameldorf]

Curious still on the PSC adventure kit, there is very little information online and it still says new product coming soon. I have had PSC hydro assist on my TJ and LJ and don't like how it drives on the hwy. The PSC adventure kit seems to address the complaints with the Apex kit. Found the video below but its for the cylinder assist kit....

And I found the picture below on the Apex website .

I have the equivalent of adventure kit. Bought in pieces as money became available.

It’s reservoir, cooler, belt driven pump, and gearbox (has ports for hydro ram if ever desired). I also have Metalcloak tie rod, drag link, and sector shaft brace. Run a Fox ATS stabilizer. Also Dynatrac ball joints.

I think the steering is great. Wheel is easy to turn but doesn’t feel sloppy on highway. I don’t rock crawl. Backing/parking camper is a breeze though : ).

Pics of PSC stuff:

 

[Rusty762]

I have the equivalent of adventure kit. Bought in pieces as money became available.

It’s reservoir, cooler, belt driven pump, and gearbox (has ports for hydro ram if ever desired). I also have Metalcloak tie rod, drag link, and sector shaft brace. Run a Fox ATS stabilizer. Also Dynatrac ball joints.

I think the steering is great. Wheel is easy to turn but doesn’t feel sloppy on highway. I don’t rock crawl. Backing/parking camper is a breeze though : ).

Pics of PSC stuff:
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That looks like the right choice for me, my 392 is not a daily and only used in the Sierras on our local trails like Swamp Lake, Dusy Ershim, Rubicon, etc. ONly on 35's now but 38's are on the short list. If I need to add the cylinder assist later I can. What size tires are you running? You have not done any wheeling where you were aired down in the rocks?

 

[ameldorf]

That looks like the right choice for me, my 392 is not a daily and only used in the Sierras on our local trails like Swamp Lake, Dusy Ershim, Rubicon, etc. ONly on 35's now but 38's are on the short list. If I need to add the cylinder assist later I can. What size tires are you running? You have not done any wheeling where you were aired down in the rocks?

35s currently. 38s soon. Hate replacing tires that are still good. I’ve aired down in plenty of dirt/gravel roads. Nothing too serious in rocks though.

 

[jeepguru]

So we're installing an Apex kit right now. Here is a better picture of the access to the pump from the passenger side as well as how we mounted the cooler.

 

[@WhiteBronze392]

We have installed quite a few of these. We don't pull the fuse box at all, instead we pull the fender or inner liner so we can get to the steering pump. You have to pull a couple lines off it and a few bolts, but it will roll sideways out of the cavity and give you access to where you need to install the Apex assembly.

And below is a pic of where we installed the cooler, just below the condenser.

If you haven't bought it yet, I can give you a forum discount of free shipping.

View attachment 43919

View attachment 43920

Shoot me a DM for pricing please I want to order

 

[@WhiteBronze392]

Installed the Apex boost kit today! Thanks @jeepguruIt took me about 6 hours total with beer breaks and checking the smoker. It was not hard but a lot of stuff to remove and a lot of steps. Hardest part for me was removing the low pressure line (my mods made it more difficult) I ended up dropping the sway bay and then it was easy peasy.
I also bent the brackets for the cooler slightly to keep it from rubbing the shroud. I have not removed the gauge yet as recommended but will eventually.
I can’t definitely tell a huge difference when turning the wheels at a stop. Worth the money for sure IMHO

 

[jeepguru]

Installed the Apex boost kit today! Thanks @jeepguru ! Itook me about 6 hours total with beer breaks and checking the smoker. It was not hard but but a lot of stuff to remove and a lot of steps. Hardest part for me was removing the low pressure line (my mods made it more difficult) I ended up dropping the sway bay and then it was easy peasy.
I also bent the brackets for the cooler slightly to keep it from rubbing the shroud. I have not removed the gauge yet as recommended but will eventually.
I can’t definitely tell a huge difference when turning the wheels at a stop. Worth the money for sure IMHO

Very nice! Glad we could help you out on it.

Dave