Can an improperly installed dual-ram hyd. steering system cause accelerated gimbal bearing failure? I installed the system myself, works perfectly, but shortly after the install the gimbal bearing failed (although I had about 200 hrs on the drive by that point) and now, less the 50 hours later, I'm pretty sure it's going again. I'm wondering if the rams are slightly off alignment/height/whatever and that might be causing extra stress on the gimbal? Thanks.

no! gimbal brgs rarely fail unless they get water on them

I agree, don't think the external positioning will play a part in this. Be it your new steering or your old steering, the drive is moving up down left right irregardless of what your using to move it. I'd look internally at condition of parts/shaft running through bearing, bearing seating, engine alignment, water.

Good luck!

Thanks for the help.