78 K5 Blazer front suspension/steering

[Voless]

Got into a 78 Blazer a bit ago. PO had a plow mounted on it. Finally got those components off and trying to get it back to original condition. Not super familiar with front leaf spring setups, Im guessing that is factory on this year, unless it was added with the plow. Question is are there any kits out there you guys have used to improve the steering and ride on these. Not looking for a lift, trying to keep stock height, but everything i see has a lift on it. Came across the idea of a jeep xj rag joint swap to tighten up the steering. Anybody done this? Was gone replace the steering box as well. I'm guessing the years with the plow on stressed the front end, so that was my thought to just run through it all. Not to mention everything looks pretty rough under there. Not looking for showroom but would like it to handle/ride well.

 

[K85 Octane]

Swapping in an XJ shaft helps a lot, but only if the rag joint is already shot. The whole thing goes in. Only a couple, small modifications needed. Starting there will help with everything else. With that plow, there has been a lot of steering stress. (Even without it…) Check the frame around the steering box for cracks. They can be tough to see. Regardless of there being cracks, a good frame reinforcement kit will help strengthen the area.

With that, have someone move the steering wheel back and forth while you climb under and start finding loose/warm parts. Steering and leaf spring bushing can bring the driving suck.

 

[ktmoutfront]

^^^^^^^What he said on the steering. Look for worn out components from the frame down, while someone runs the steering wheel lock to lock.

When you say improve the ride, what are you looking to get away from?

 

[Voless]

Right now I'm mainly trying to clean up the steering, feels sloppy. But since I was already messing around in the front removing the plow components, I figured I should look at the suspension as well. The leaf springs have a reverse arch to them in front, so that got me curious if i should be changing things out from the extra plow weight.

 

[ktmoutfront]

Reverse arc is factory on the fronts.

 

[chulisohombre]

As was said I’d look at everything that moves. Reverse arch is normal, But bushings can let the front wander a lot and the weak stamped spring hangers and shackles can get weak and bent as well. The springs have seen a lot of work with a plow attached. You may want to replace with newer either way if you see the front sits low. Figure out now if you will ever put bigger tires on so you can put a lift in or at least better riding springs if you want to
Keep it stock. I replaced mine with off road design parts and it really helped tighten up the front end. Look at the frame and how much you turn the wheel before the steering box engages or if it moves on the frame. A steering box support will protect that from possibly cracking the frame as well.