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1974 K5 Blazer w/Dana 44 steering whoos

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mudwhistle

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Question, I have a 1974 K5 Blazer. I"m looking for some advice. I've been looking around for a cure to the horrible steering on this think. I have found what looks like a cure from offroad design. Dose any one know about this kit?
My truck is equipped with a Dana 44. Someone please help me.
 
I've been thinking about yanking the steering system off of a newer model 3500 Ram and using it. I forget what it's called, but it's similar to hydro. It has a ram down on the axle, with lines running to it. I figure if it can move a Cummins truck around it can turn a Blazer. Something to look into.
 
If you have stockish-sized tires, consider checking the basics:

Tie rod and draglink ends
Ball joints
Wheel bearings

And yes, check the frame for cracks. If it's cracked, ORD among other vendors sell a weld-on reinforcement kit. Regardless, get the bolt-in steering brace to prevent future issues.

Mudwhistle, it'd be helpful to know what you've done so far to address the issue.

Cowboy 80, I think hydro assist on a D44 might be overkill ... especially if the problem is caused by old and worn steering components, more force will just break them quicker :D

-- A
 
eh, the force is on the axle. And it all depends on the 44. Mine is 8 lug and 5.13 gears...

You are right though, the current problem still needs fixed. Which brings to mind another question.

Are you running cross over steering yet? If not, you should do that. It will help relieve some stress as well.
 
All of the above. It tracks true, but it feels really loose, & the turning radious is bad. Were talking a 5 point turn, or I have to drive around the block to get where I'm going.
 
It could be a camber problem. I had a turning radius problem in my 1/2 ton. 4" lift, but no shims. Real bad bump steer to. I grabbed some shims I had laying around and the problem was fixed. Bump steer anyhow. Turning radius still sucked, but that was from 14.50" hitting the frame...
 
I have no idea what shims they were. I would 'guess' about 4 degrees. Like I said, it was just some I had laying around. Don't even know where they came from. The truck has since been stolen and not recovered so I can't even take measurements. :( I'm stupid on alignment info, I just know cheap lifts don't offset camber, and camber affects bump steer and turning radius. Do a search on camber and I'm sure you'll find a tech article.
 
Your turning radius and bump steer will be solved with cross over set up. My burb was WAY horrible. Had a funky pull to the left when hitting the brakes and the turning radius was min 5 point on a cul-de-sac. All this with and the entire front driveline was rebuild, new bearings, ball joint, u-joints, bushings, steering box and Borgeson steering shaft.

Now with the cross over, I can do a cul-de-sac no problem and the funky pulling disappeared. This is without a doubt the best thing you can do to your truck. Truck drives totally different.
 
mudwhistle said:
Question, I have a 1974 K5 Blazer. I"m looking for some advice. I've been looking around for a cure to the horrible steering on this think. I have found what looks like a cure from offroad design. Dose any one know about this kit?
My truck is equipped with a Dana 44. Someone please help me.
Click to expand...

Also depends on tire size and wheel offset, and suspension.

On stock tires and wheels, you should be able to turn without issue. My '85 is more nimble than my smaller cars, stock.

If you have oversize tires and/or low-offset rims (i.e. tire centerline scooted outwards) then yeah, you're gonna have trouble. Add a lift into the mix and the truck can get immovable.

IF that's the case, then yes, crossover can help. Crossover on a stock truck ... I don't think will even fit, never mind help.

We need to know more about your truck before we go pronouncing solutions :deal:

-- A
 
This axle currently consists of a 3" lift kit, Mikey Thompson Classic lok wheels (not sure of the back spaceing ), & Goodyear 33x12.50x15 MTR's. Future plans include 4" deaver leaf spings, I want to stick with the wheels, & go to 35x12.50x15 MTR's. I was also looking in to hydraulic assist to help with the steering. Thanx again for all of your input. I'm grateful for any help. I'm stuck in Orange County, Ca. All most of these people know about is what is referred to as 405 princess's. Obsenely jacked up truck's that well never see dirt let alone any serious off road terrain.
 
Thanx to all of you that made comments. You all got me looking a lot closer at the whole package in the front. Found several different problems. First of all, there is a crack in the frame. The idiot that I bought it from had notched out the frame rail for some headers. The ones that he ended up putting on it don't need clearance. They fit just fine. Also found that the drag link ball joints have excessive play in them. So it looks like I'm going to get to know the front end of my truck very well. I've desided to do the following. First repair the frame rail. does anyone know for sure if it can be repaired. Or dose it have to be replaced. Then I'm going to install ORD's crossover steering kit. At that time I well also rebuild the front axle, & the entire steering system. ( any recommendation's for the best pump to use.) I'm not sure the stock one well do. I have one from a 1972 3/4 ton that looks bigger (heavyduty) I'm also thinking about boxing the frame in. Any thoughts on that? thanx again to all of you.
 
To install crossover you need a 2wd steering gear box as well.

I'd fix all the problems like ball joints or tierod ends that are obvious and check it again before installing crossover. I read a lot of posts on here about loose steering (cause I have the same problem) and I'm not so sure these trucks had great steering to begin with. I've had three different steering boxes on mine and have replaced everything on the front end and a new\rebuilt gear box still has some play in it which translates to about 3-4 inches of rotation on the stock steering wheel before the truck responds.
 
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