A horizontally movable ram and crank drive mechanism therefor for reciprocating the working end of the ram in straight line motion through a die pack for ironing and drawing metallic can bodies is disclosed. The ram is supported by a hydrostatic type bearing support assembly to counteract gravitational vertical deflection of the unsupported working end of the ram. A cardan type crank drive mechanism for converting rotational input force into straight line reciprocating movement of an output shaft is also disclosed.