crossover steering

[snowdriver]

can someone explain what the advantage to crossover steering is,i just replced the drag link ends and tie rod ends on my 1990 stock driver,as i was doing that small project i was thinking why the crossover,is it a leverage thing or what,and i assume it is needed for lifted and big tired rigs more than it would be for a stocker

 

[72blazerguy]

With stock steering, when your drivers front tire droops, the drag link angle is horrible and you can't steer. Crossover corrects steering geometry (halves the angles). Not needed with stock suspension since you can't droop that far.

 

[snowdriver]

With stock steering, when your drivers front tire droops, the drag link angle is horrible and you can't steer. Crossover corrects steering geometry (halves the angles). Not needed with stock suspension since you can't droop that far.

that actually makes sense,cant believe i had to ask that,and yes on a stocker it is a non issue,thanks for that explanation

 

[nvrenuf]

Longer drag link gives the system more leverage, less stress on the frame and box.

 

[ktmoutfront]

And less bump steer. When the drivers side moves up and down, it will pull or push the steering box. Then the steering wheel will try to turn. Then the frame will get pulled apart. Daily driving w kith small lift is no big deal. More lift and wheeling likes crossover.

 

[6.2Blazer]

A longer draglink does not change the leverage. It's the length of the pitman arm (coming off the steering box) and steering arm (coming from the knuckle) that would do this. From my experience, and talking to others, going to cross-over steering does not provide any additional "power" or leverage to help turn the wheel. The longer draglink just allows you to retain most of the side to side turning radius when the suspension flexed out.