I had a hyd. hose go bad, latch assy, and replaced the hoses with the steel braided hoses Gus Glikas (forum member) recommended. The old hyd. oil in the system at that time was thick and formed a gooey mess wherever it seeped or leaked out. In the process of changing the hoses I drained, flushed, and refilled the systems with 11S hyd. oil. The hoses worked great, but after a few weeks my lift cylinders began leaking. It seems the 11S hyd. oil broke down the gooey mess created by the old oil and began seeping past the seals.

I obviously need to rebuild or purchase new lift cylinders. I can't find a rebuild kit and new ones are quite expensive, does anybody know an affordable source for lift cylinders?

 

You could try the pressure reducing valve, the lower pressure (700 psi less than factory) may prevent, or at least reduce, the amount of hydraulic fluid loss from the rams. It may not, however, depending on the leak.

You are correct, those rams are pricey new. Sorry.