stronger steering

[72k5mike]

I have crossover steering on my 72 k5 with the 2wd steering box.

I was wondering if there are any stronger steering boxes that I can use instead of the regular half ton 2wd box. The truck steers fine when driving, but doesnt like to turn the tires at a stand still.

Just throwing it out there.

 

[ryoken]

hydro assist

 

[Ned Kelly]

A stronger box would just pass the stress onto your frame. Then you frame becomes the weak link. The solution is hydro-assist as mentioned.

 

[72k5mike]

Thanks guys, I wanted to shy away from hydro assist.

Ill probably just beef up the frame around the box and suck it up for now

 

[Stomis]

PSC offers better pumps and steering boxes. Its really not the steering box that dictates the strength but rather the pressure the pump puts out.

As said though the be all end all fix is hydro assist.

 

[dremu]

Skinnier tires would help too

-- A

 

[owenst7]

Its really not the steering box that dictates the strength but rather the pressure the pump puts out.

^^This

However, with a new pump and before doing hydro assist, I could turn my 17" wide 40s on pavement with my foot on the brake. I would recommend a new pump, and possibly drill out the flow control valve a bit (I don't recommend any pressure mods though with a stock box).

Hydro assist is surprisingly simple and cheap to do though, and it will make the truck steer better than it did stock in my opinion. In hindsight, I have even been considering putting it on my DD/plow truck that only runs 265s. If you just port the box with caps like diy4x sells, it only takes about 30 minutes to mess with the box, and then it's just welding on 4 tabs (I've even seen clamp-style tie rod mounts) and some quick plumbing.

 

[Greg72]

Find a slightly longer pitman arm for better leverage..... And/or more line pressure into the steering box.... But definitely brace the frame somehow or you'll be sorry.

 

[folkenheath]

A longer pitman arm would give you more travel but less leverage, I think you meant a slightly shorter pitman arm? You can sacrifice travel to get more steering power.

 

[shaun89]

i vote for hydro assist too but if u dont want to, u can do the power steering pump mod people do for hydro assist. one mod. adds pressure, and the other adds volume. i did both to my pump. http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/powersteering.html

 

[Greg72]

A longer pitman arm would give you more travel but less leverage, I think you meant a slightly shorter pitman arm? You can sacrifice travel to get more steering power.

Exactly...SHORTER!

Listen to the smart guys, not me.