What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Tighter steering

xblaxermnx

xblaxermnx

Registered Member
Joined
May 31, 2004
Posts
62
Reaction score
0
Location
In a state of flux
OK, so I have a 4 in lift, 33 in tires. I know it wont corner like a vette, but the steering is kinda loose and when I panic break it pulls bad to the left. When I lift the front suspension off the ground, every thing seems tight. What have you guys found to tighten up the response and controll of your rigs?
 
i have the same lift/tire combo as you, and believe me your steering wont get much better unless you spend some dollas$$$. i make 5 point turn arounds on streets.

for the pulling, check your brake pads to make sure one side isnt wearing more than the other...also check to make sure your leaf springs/shackles line up to your frame, then make sure all that lines up to your shackles.....etc
 
So you don't have a raised steering arm or a dropped pitman arm? If you don't I'd suggest getting a raised steering arm, get that draglink back to horizontal. You might also want to brace up your frame, either weld in/bolt on or both. Check your frame for cracks behind the steering box. Also check your wheel bearings, that was the culprit when I had brake-steer. Balljoints can cause that too. TRE's, DLE's, etc. Lot's of things to inspect. Leave the truck on the ground, have somebody crank the wheel back and forth while you look for movement.
 
I recommend all he said too.....

in addition you could get a raised steering arm...

I have a drop pitman arm that is good for 4-6" if you wish.... sell it to ya cheap :wink1:
 
pvfjr said:
You might also want to brace up your frame, either weld in/bolt on or both. Check your frame for cracks behind the steering box.
Click to expand...

Do this either way. It improved my steering a lot and now I don't wory about cracking the frame.
 
ahh, yes, i look forward to going to the trusty painted option someday too when i can spare 30 cents for a rattle can. :D just kidding. i need to get one of those too.
 
I went from 12" of lift and stock steering with every correction (raised arm, dropped pitman, "Z" shaped draglink) to ~5" of lift and crossover

Good lord it was like going from a shopping cart to a vette in comparison.

X-over, if you have the $, is the way to go. Otherwise, try to get the draglink horizontal and correct using either the pitman arm or the steering arm

Mike
 
colbystephens said:
ahh, yes, i look forward to going to the trusty painted option someday too when i can spare 30 cents for a rattle can. :D just kidding. i need to get one of those too.
Click to expand...
Nah, the frame patch wasn't important. It was all about the Gloss Black. Honestly, have you ever seen such a beautiful frame rail? :laugh:
 
well, when my bumper was missing on the front i did paint the two horns sticking out from under the core support and they might have posed a bit of competition. :D
 
If you can't afford the x-over steering, then at least get the raised arm or dropped pitman other people have mentioned. I had 33's on when I installed my 4" lift and installed the arm at the same time. Besides having to adjust the draglink to account for the raised arm, the steering felt the same pre-lift as it did post-lift. Still not like a slot car, but same as stock.

The closer you can get the draglink to parallel with the ground the better your steering will be. I had to shorten my drag link up a few turns because the raised arm put the drag link closer to the box. without adjustment it took the steering gear off center so I had only 2 turns of the steering wheel in one direction and 4 turns in the other direction. This made for really tight turning to one side and wide as school bus turning to the other.

either option you choose you have to adjust the draglink to account for the changes made.
 
Thanks for all the input, One question I have what is involved with a cross over steering upgrade? Is it something a mediocore shadetree mech do? What is involved?
 
ZooMad75 said:
I had to shorten my drag link up a few turns because the raised arm put the drag link closer to the box. without adjustment it took the steering gear off center so I had only 2 turns of the steering wheel in one direction and 4 turns in the other direction. This made for really tight turning to one side and wide as school bus turning to the other.

either option you choose you have to adjust the draglink to account for the changes made.
Click to expand...

Not meaning ot hijack, but he may want to know too. How do you adjust your draglink? Because I have the same exact problem, and it sucks!:mad:
 
i don't have proper language, but there's two bolts on a sleeve on the drag link - loosen those and then turn the sleeve - this will shorten or lengthen the drag link. tighten up the bolts and you're done. pretty easy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom