I have a couple questions regarding the steering on my 1970 K10 short bed 4x4. I'm running 35's on it with a 4 inch lift and I'm dealing with slop in the steering. I installed a dropped pitman arm, a new Borgeson steering box and draglink. With the dropped pitman arm the draglink runs parallel to the ground. The steering was great for about 2 months and started to get loose again. I traced the problem to the front joint on my drag link. The rear joint is fine and tight but the front is now loose. I changed it out and got another 2-3 months of good steering before it did the same thing. The pitman arm swings at an angle and I think it's over stressing the front drag link joint. It's got a Dana 44 with open knuckles. I've been using AC Delco Advantage components and I understand that the "Advantage" line of parts is light duty, I'm assuming too light duty for my application. I've looked at crossover steering but I don't think I've got enough clearance between the sway bar and the leaf springs. So my first question is who makes heavy duty components that won't break down under the stress of 35 inch tires? My Second question is can I increase the turning radius? The turning radius on this truck is less than on my 99 F150 longbox. does anyone make a longer pitman arm that will give me more swing on my steering?, Thanks
CK5
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Steering issues
- Thread starter MJB3D
- Start date
How much drop is your pitman arm?
Ideally stight slope from pitman to steering arm.
Is your steering arm raised?
As for turning radius, I find mine is pretty tight. Does the steering box allow the knuckles to hit the stops ?
I wouldn't go to a longer pitman, it will rub the tires on tight right, a normal pitman will rub if drag link is not adjusted correctly.
When you replaced the steering box how did the frame look?
Ideally stight slope from pitman to steering arm.
Is your steering arm raised?
As for turning radius, I find mine is pretty tight. Does the steering box allow the knuckles to hit the stops ?
I wouldn't go to a longer pitman, it will rub the tires on tight right, a normal pitman will rub if drag link is not adjusted correctly.
When you replaced the steering box how did the frame look?
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What sway bar is on it? A '70 wouldn't have had one from the factory.
I have no experience with standard drag link parts lately, I never wore one out before going to crossover on my '70. Moog used to be good, I still hear some recommend their products. Offroad Design has tie rod ends that are very good parts, I don't know if they have HD drag link ends.
You have to look at the steering stops on your axle to see if they are getting used. It could be possible that the stops got adjusted out by someone, doesn't seem to happen much from what I know.
Does it turn the same amount both directions?
You have to look at the steering stops on your axle to see if they are getting used. It could be possible that the stops got adjusted out by someone, doesn't seem to happen much from what I know.
Does it turn the same amount both directions?
OMG these trucks have GREAT turning radius’s. Yeah, something is up.
Most folks will run a raised steering arm on the axle and stock pitman arm. I think steering ends up better and with less stress on the gearbox and pitman. (Rotating a pitman that’s 4” away sucks, rotating a flat pitman is preferred) If the knuckle steering stops aren’t what’s holding you back like others have said, I bet it’s the pitman.
Also, pull the sway bar off and see if you notice. Drive it for a month and see if you care. Then maybe think about crossover.
Most folks will run a raised steering arm on the axle and stock pitman arm. I think steering ends up better and with less stress on the gearbox and pitman. (Rotating a pitman that’s 4” away sucks, rotating a flat pitman is preferred) If the knuckle steering stops aren’t what’s holding you back like others have said, I bet it’s the pitman.
Also, pull the sway bar off and see if you notice. Drive it for a month and see if you care. Then maybe think about crossover.
Burt4x4
1 Ton First Gen
Back to the basics ~ Simple steering wheel slop adjustment to your steering box can removes unwanted slop. Careful too tight and yer box get hot!
First things first, check ALL the joints. Have a friend turn the steering wheel and see where the slop is. Also check the frame that its not cracked and the tie rod ends, drag link. If you are planning to keep this truck, I would HIGHLY suggest crossover steering even with a 4" lift. It drives so much better. When I did the 5" on my M1008, it was almost undrivable on the highway and had horrible turning radius even with a dropped pitman arm. Soon as I went crossover, it made it so much easier and radius was much tighter. They also make tighter boxes with 12:1 ratio steering. Stock is pretty high. With crossover, you will need to replace the box anyways. You won't get tight radius turning with the stock drag link setup.
