High Steer Breakage

[airemdwn]

Has anyone had any problems running High steering arms on a Dana 60 running 42's? I'm not concerned about the tie rods or ends, im concerned about all the stresses on the tops of the knuckles, anyone ever had failures, or something to watch out for? I run rocks and it isnt a trailered rig.

I really wish they would key those arms somehow instead of just 4 bolts. Id love to run dedenbear but too much$$$ now, I will do hydro assist eventually but for now its just an ARB Box and pump.

 

[cegusman]

Just plate your stock knuckles. They will be strong enough then.

 

[sweetk30]

http://www.wheelindixie.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/D60-Kingpin-Outer-Knuckles-Chevy-Dodge-p-2688.html

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/D60-Basic-Steering-Kit-p-17193.html

 

[cegusman]

Why spend $250 + per knuckle when you can plate it for under $100 if you buy the plating kit. Or a lot less if you make the plates yourself.

 

[jms]

Has anyone had any problems running High steering arms on a Dana 60 running 42's? I'm not concerned about the tie rods or ends, im concerned about all the stresses on the tops of the knuckles, anyone ever had failures, or something to watch out for? I run rocks and it isnt a trailered rig.

I really wish they would key those arms somehow instead of just 4 bolts. Id love to run dedenbear but too much$$$ now, I will do hydro assist eventually but for now its just an ARB Box and pump.

I've seen a driver's side knuckle break, arm was fine IIRC.

 

[munepit]

Where can you get the plating kit? Thanks!

 

[cegusman]

search pirate for dana 60 knuckle plate or something along those lines. One of the vendors makes a kit.

 

[sweetk30]

Why spend $250 + per knuckle when you can plate it for under $100 if you buy the plating kit. Or a lot less if you make the plates yourself.

few good reasons.

#1 and most important. * BLING * BLING *

#2 5th stud hole for better holding the steering arm . some have snaped studs on 4 hole style.

#3 there is 10 lbs more material in the nuckle were it needs it and extra ribs.

 

[Stomis]

few good reasons.

#1 and most important. * BLING * BLING *

#2 5th stud hole for better holding the steering arm . some have snaped studs on 4 hole style.

#3 there is 10 lbs more material in the nuckle were it needs it and extra ribs.

The 5th stud is a bandaid really though. Companies are beginning to r&d and realize that a keyway is the way to go. That way a keyway takes all the lateral shearing force and the studs are just there to fasten it into the keyway.

 

[cegusman]

few good reasons.

#1 and most important. * BLING * BLING *

#2 5th stud hole for better holding the steering arm . some have snaped studs on 4 hole style.

#3 there is 10 lbs more material in the nuckle were it needs it and extra ribs.

#1 blah
#2 Snapped studs are mainly due to them being loose.
#3 plating the knuckle adds the strength in the right places too.



Sorry I can not justify spending $500 on a set of knuckle. I will plate mine and never look back.

 

[cegusman]

Here is the link to the plating kit. $150 a little more than I first said. But a lot cheaper than new $500 knuckles


Here are a few pics of plated knuckles

 

[miniwally]

Has anyone had any problems running High steering arms on a Dana 60 running 42's? I'm not concerned about the tie rods or ends, im concerned about all the stresses on the tops of the knuckles, anyone ever had failures, or something to watch out for? I run rocks and it isnt a trailered rig.

I really wish they would key those arms somehow instead of just 4 bolts. Id love to run dedenbear but too much$$$ now, I will do hydro assist eventually but for now its just an ARB Box and pump.

Ford or chevy knuckles.

Ford plate them and hope for the best, should be okay.

Chevy, run em.

I run all ford stuff and have only broken one knuckle, however I use the stock mounting location for the tierod and have full hydro double ended cylinder.

I have worn out the tie rod taper in the stock knuckles and now run a custom Crane knuckle.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I've seen a few broken D60 knuckles in person on the trail, all were running high-steer.

If I were doing high-steer I'd plate the knuckles or replace them, especially on something that's driven to the trails.

 

[1979jimmy350]

when runnign high steer it is very important to make sure the mating surfaces are clean and paint free, the majority of the load carrying capability of the clamping force is due to the friction between theses surfaces. With good friction and properly torqued fasteners, it requires a lot of load to get to the point where the bolts start to be loaded in shear

 

[ssyork]

Ford or chevy knuckles.

Ford plate them and hope for the best, should be okay.

Chevy, run em.

I run all ford stuff and have only broken one knuckle, however I use the stock mounting location for the tierod and have full hydro double ended cylinder.

I have worn out the tie rod taper in the stock knuckles and now run a custom Crane knuckle.

I busted both of my Ford knuckles running high steer and a redneck ram. I have buddies running chevy's with ram assist with no prob. High steer is a lot of stress on knuckles and the Fords are weaker. And hoping for the best on my steering components is not good enough for me with a 2 and a 3 year old in the back with a 1000 ft drop next to me at Blazer bash coming up. One word Dedenbear. Or run chevy's and just check 'em.
edit- my kids won't be at BB this year, but they go on every other run we do.