'89 R3500 Crew Cab 2wd to 4wd conversion & beyond

[mrk5]

Interesting development. Even though the steering box was not what caused my steering to bind, installing the new box has greatly improved the handling of my truck.

I used to have to drive with a firm grip on the steering wheel because rough patches in the road would make the steering feedback horribly. I figured it was because my 7yr old shocks weren't up to handling the soft springs.

Now I have none of that. Actually feels like the front suspension is firmer. I think the old box was wore out and/or out of adjustment. I think the steering box was allowing the suspension movement to see-saw the steering. Funny I'm going to have to relearn how this truck drives. I can stop bracing for every pothole for starters.

 

[y5mgisi]

Dangit. Now I'm going to have to re read what went on there. Good deal tho!

 

[mrk5]

Successful trail run today.

 

[y5mgisi]

Sweet!

 

[mrk5]

Installed air bumps with much help from ktmoutfront!

(Ignore the rusty shock, damn mag-chloride!)

Only welded up half-way on this side due to a dimple in the frame. We also welded across the top.

Wade pointed out that I should fill the dimple void area with silicon so it won't fill with road grime and rust out. Which is apparently a possibility based on the appearance of the shock.

Driver side fully installed.

Yes, there is room for the steering lines to clear on droop. Do need to add a spring to kinda pull the lines up and back.

The bumps are 2" travel. Plus an inch between bump and plate. That's all I can allow to spare the ram from hitting the engine crossmember.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Looks great, I have been trying not to look at that dimple in the frame myself. I thought about trying to fill it in with weld or cut it and put a new piece in.

 

[mrk5]

Is some of your stuff going to land on it?

 

[Babaganoosh]

The pan hard bar comes REALLY close.

 

[mrk5]

I suppose you could make a filler piece to weld in that would fit flush. Weld it and grind it smooth.

 

[Babaganoosh]

I still need to reset the final location, it was hitting the diff on max bump travel.

Hijack off on your thread, carry on with the excellent updates.

 

[blazinzuk]

Digging the air bumps.

Didn't realize this before but your ammo cans you got from a place 15 minutes from me

I have bought many of those their ammo cans over the years

 

[mrk5]

If I lived that close I would probably have ammo cans everywhere. LOL!

 

[ssyork]

Looking good!

 

[Deuling]

I feel like I don't have said dimple....

 

[mrk5]

I feel like I don't have said dimple....

It's a 2wd frame thing. You wouldn't understand...

 

[jekquistk5]

Dimple

 

[Deuling]

It's a 2wd frame thing. You wouldn't understand...

LOSERS!!!!

lol jk. I did confirm it tonight. k5 has no dimple.

 

[miniwally]

Your truck just got named

Dimples



He he he

 

[blazinzuk]

Yep gotta change the title now

 

[mrk5]

Dear lord.....