Why wont it turn?

[kernel87]

I've got a fullsize chevy with a dana 60 front with high steer. I'm using the factory steering box with a swapped in sector shaft, late model dodge pitman arm and OTT Industries steering arms. When turning the steering wheel, at full "lock" it doesn't even come close to the stops on the knuckle. It's equal both ways, so the drag link is adjusted. With it unhooked it will turn all the way to the stops, so it's not binding. What gives?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Is your frame cracked and/or do you have a steering box brace?

 

[k30bb468]

Sounds like the drag link is to short.

 

[kernel87]

No the frame is not cracked, and yes it is braced. If the drag link was too short would it not be unequal turning left and right?

 

[k30bb468]

With the draglink unhooked, center your steering box , now point your front wheels straight ahead. Does the drag link end line up with the pitman arm hole ??

 

[kernel87]

Yes, and this is why i am confused

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

It could be that some of your steering is being used up in the springs and bushings.

If this is the case, your steering box would be bottoming out before the steering stops when you have the resistance of the ground.

 

[kernel87]

I have set it up with the wheels off the ground.

 

[k30bb468]

Pitman arm too short ???
I'm not familiar with the use of the dodge arm
Kind of hard to diagnose with out seeing your set-up/more info.

 

[tRustyK5]

Short pitman would cause that...

Which hole on the steering are are you using for the drag link?

Just went and looked at my X-over so we have some ref numbers here. I got mine through ORD and they provided a superlift pitman arm that works quite well. I have 6.5" from the center of the sector shaft to the center of the DLE. Drag link is at the outer hole on the steering arm. Center of the king pin to the center of the outer hole is also 6.5" so there is a 1:1 ratio pitman travel to steering arm travel.

Rene

 

[6.2Blazer]

Short pitman would cause that...

Which hole on the steering are are you using for the drag link?

Just went and looked at my X-over so we have some ref numbers here. I got mine through ORD and they provided a superlift pitman arm that works quite well. I have 6.5" from the center of the sector shaft to the center of the DLE. Drag link is at the outer hole on the steering arm. Center of the king pin to the center of the outer hole is also 6.5" so there is a 1:1 ratio pitman travel to steering arm travel.

Rene

Exactly what I was thinking and going to ask/suggest.

 

[kernel87]

When I get home I will have to get out the tape measure. I know the pitman arm is longer than the jeep one I originally tried (cause I thought that was the problem), and the drag link is on the outer hole on the steering arm. I'll see if I can get some pics as well.

 

[ryoken]

x eleventy on the short pitman.....

 

[kernel87]

Anyone have pics of their setups? I got some measurements and the pitman arm is approx 6", but it is already partially over top of the tie rod, so it really cant be any longer. The steering arm is 7 3/4" from center of king pin to center of dre, but I don't see how it can be any shorter and still fit the tre and the dre cause they are already pretty close to eachother and the knuckle. I wont be able to get any pics of mine until this weekend.

 

[tRustyK5]

Have a look at Ryoken's reply. It has the pic of the ORD arm with two holes in it. It seems to me the problem is with a 6" pitman and a 7 3/4" arm...

Rene