I asked the same thing and was told that he didn’t think so as the rod was “chrome molly”. I also asked about a hydraulic shop to rebuild and was told there are none left around here. I am open to any suggestions and willing to try nearly anything. If you think it could be welded and smoothed out please let me know. I’ll ask.

How big is this pit?? Pic?? Have you tried to replace the seals for the rod??

When I had mine rebuilt, they said I had some small nicks in my rod and quoted me like $300 to make a new rod. I declined and no issues since.

I found a place that says with the dimensions of the rod they will either look for one in stock or make one. So, I will go to the marina tomorrow and see the rod and measure it. Until then I don’t know the size other than the mechanics comment of “huge”. While I’ve asked for a variety of things to be done, it wasn’t until today that they took the ram off and took it apart. Prior to that he was suggesting Lucas sealer, which nearly everyone has said don’t do or a seal kit. After taking the ram off, he says neither a seal kit nor the Lucas sealer will do any good.

It should be a common rod size. There is nothing special besides the stainless barrel and caps. My hydraulic shop had everything on the shelf for my rebuild.

That would be incredible. I hope you’re right. This is all new to me. So, I am just relaying as I get the information and keep looking to I find a solution.

Shoot, Mayfair rams might be the same size internals. Scroll to the bottom.
https://www.hardin-marine.com/c-1868-steering-rams.aspx

Mayfair
 

I spoke to Hardin today who bought Mayfair and he said he had nothing for me. However, I’ll check again. Until I measure it I’m not sure, but it seems to be in between a 8” and a 9”.

Don't measure it. Take the entire steering ram to the hyd shop and let them measure, make the rod and reseal it

I appreciate the thought, but so far I haven’t found a hydraulic shop near me. The only solution I’ve found so far is to have one made on California. Seeing the measurements they want to have it done, it might be best to send it to them. I am also searching salvage yards and someone who is supposed to have some units in Florida. I will continue to look for a hydraulic shop locally. I agree with your comment, I’m just not sure how to get it done yet.

Latest Update
 

So I went over to the marina and measured a number of items and got pictures. The distance between the centerline of the two hydraulic fittings is 10.5”.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8acd506bc.jpeg
Here are the dimensions of the shaft. Where not noted differently, they are the same as on the drawing.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...4f9ac94fa.jpeg
Here is the picture of the pit. Doesn’t look that big to me, but I am clearly no mechanic
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...f4080cafd.jpeg