Add on hydraulic steering with mismach parts?
 

Need some help for locating my steering rams to right place in the transom. Latham drive bracket, marine machine steering rams with unknown transom brackets, but that is not the problem. Should both cylinders be in the end of its travel when the drive is fully turned? Is that even possible? Or should i just attach the cylinders in the drive bracket when they are in middle of their travel and then place the other end to the transom and bolt it there.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a77085533d.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...5c894da109.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d2e377c046.jpg

That sure is an interesting attachment plate. Knowing nothing other than having installed my own 2 years ago, I would think the correct placement is to put the ram dead center of it's travel.

but feel free to get another opinion.

The center of the cylinder needs to be lined up to the center-line of the pivot pin on the transom assembly. (center of the electric trim indicators)

The rams should be halfway extended when the drive is straight. Ideally you would want everything to be on the same plane as the hinge pins. You just need to make sure there is nothing binding in the steering when trimming the drive up or down or turning side to side. Here some pics on my Pantera. It was not all on the same plane as the hinge pins, but there was no binding. I think the only way you will figure out the best place for the mounts is to mock it all up.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...21f6d9bcbf.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8d79544bc1.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a8b4b86a19.jpg

yikes. Who manufactures that bracket? Whoever thought putting bolts in shear with that much of a moment arm…needs to re-think the design. Smh

Also before you drill the transom, make sure there is nothing in the way in the in the engine compartment.

Latham bracket, should be quality brand.

One important question is that are the shafts chromed stainless steel or just stainless steel? It would be much easyer for me to machine the threads off from the end of the shaft and machine it to rectangular shape, and trill hole thru it for clevis joint.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e73ed4ac3d.jpg

On my outboards with Latham wing plates and Mayfair/ Marine Machine cylinders and pins, cylinders do not extend fully when fully turned.

I don't see that being a good idea at all. It would seriously weaken the ends of the shafts. It will also reduce the length of the rod. Just get the correct rod ends/joints like in my pics.