Questions on steering after D60 install???

[THRILLBILLY]

I just recently swapped in a Dana 60 in my K5. front suspension setup is 8" superlift springs, drop shackles, e-z inch, crossover steering. I fully rebuilt the axle after I got it from the kignpins to the hub bearings. I adjusted the crossover drag link to have full lock to lock steering, and the gear box is near new. I removed all the air from it after install and have the steering wheel straight now. Now comes the question...

I've never had crossover or a dana 60 for that matter so bear with me. I am concerned as to why the steering is SO responsive? just at idle and sitting in the driveway i can literally turn the wheel with a finger and point the 44's left or right with no resistance at all, almost like it is on jack stands, or driving a forklift... it drives straight down the road but any slight movement of the hand or wrist and the truck is going that way. It doesn't really feel like road walk like how my previous stock steering and 10 bolt felt, just like the whole steering system is on ice! Is this normal or should there be some kind of resistance there where you would have to use a little bit of force to turn the wheel? or am I just blessed with the feel of hydro assist without the ram?

I think I mentioned everything ya'll would need to know to help me diagnose this!

 

[nvrenuf]

First off, crossover alone will make the steering much better. The reason is not just the new (tight) parts but also the added leverage of the long drag link over the short, stock piece. So, in short, it should feel better.

As for the lack of resistance, this could be related to caster. Too much can really change the feel of the feedback in the steering wheel. When I first swapped to 52's I used too long of a shackle and it give it a super easy feel but I had death wobble. After shortening the shackle to get the caster in spec the feedback feel is more "normal". I'd suggest getting an angle finder and check this.

 

[THRILLBILLY]

I did have some death wobble yesterday but that was from lack of communication between me and my friend who was in charge of tightening down the spring plates... I fully tightened them up and voila! DW is gone.

Excuse my newbie ignorance with the next statement but where would you place the angle finder to figure out your caster?

 

[nvrenuf]

Find a nice, level spot to park the truck. Put the angle finder on the ground under the steering knuckle to find your starting point. Next put the angle finder on the flat spot on top of the upper king pin. The difference between the ground and the king pin will be your angle.

 

[nvrenuf]

I just double checked, you want your caster to be between (positive) 4°-8°.

 

[THRILLBILLY]

Thanks man, I've read all about what is "acceptable" caster but never took time to read where to put the angel finder! Anything else I can keep my eyes open for? I have a feeling it's gonna be the extended shackles.

 

[owenst7]

the added leverage of the long drag link over the short, stock piece.

Huh?

The length of the drag link has nothing to do with leverage. The leverage comes from the proportion of the length of the pitman arm to the steering arm.

 

[K85 Octane]

ugg
lost some posts in this one I think

check the caster like others have said
my d60, crossover, assist still has resistance in the steering and 80mph isn't scary in the least