how much "Z"

[salrod00]

i have a 84 swb stepside and wondering how much Z do i do to where i dont have to modify my steering shaft or what ever the bar is called coming out of the steering column to the gear box on the frame.

[N2TRUX]

Not enough to be worth while. If your going to do a Z and not mod the steering shaft, your looking at the wrong way to lower it.

Take a look in the Suspension forum. There is a LOT of info there on this topic. Here's a thread that might be of interest- LINK

[STOCKISH]

I agree, if you're not going to mod the steering you might as well just run spindles and springs or spindles and bags.

[salrod00]

the truck is going to be bagged. i have the cab off to do the suspension work. i just dont know how expensive the steering shaft components gonna cost. kinda on a budget.

[staggerd86c-10]

Im not sure if "z" the frame and stuff like that really goes with "budget" most of the time those projects are exstensive and require either a lot of fabrication or money. how low do you really want to go?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by staggerd86c-10

Im not sure if "z" the frame and stuff like that really goes with "budget" ....

Thank you, that is exactly my point.


I understand your concerns over doing it on a small budget. If you can not afford to buy the Borgesen joints to do the steering correctly, then a Z is not in your budget. If you can't afford to do it right, wait until you can.



It amazes me how recently there has been a trend toward people Z'ing their frame because its a "cheaper" way to do it. Unless you have the skill, and tools to do it yourself, it's not a cheap solution. Please note that a poorly done Z is essentially creating a vehicle that is unsafe to drive.

[salrod00]

i can do the work on the bags. thats not the problem .tools and fabrication is something that i got and have done. never done a Z or checked into it . thats why my concern is the steering shaft. about roughly how much they cost to get one made. as far as how low i plan to lay rockers.

[N2TRUX]

Sorry if I came off as presumptuous, I just hate to see a truck cut up by those that aren't capable. Since you have the ability to do the work, let me suggest some time spent in our Suspension forum as this topic has been covered many times.

Take a look here for the most common used joints-www.borgeson.com

[dv8customs]

The necessary joints and Double D shaft will run you about $200

[OJOE]

you might look up mike nutts build. we did a 3'' z on his 69 frame with no problems on steering but it was close.

[salrod00]

thanks guys for the suggestions. and thats not as expensive everyone makes it seem to be.... now the fun part begins . it snowed pretty bad out here last night so 28* degree weather isnt to nice.. so i will load pics of progress as i go.

[copperchevy]

A 1 3/4" "z" will work with your stock steering, but you will only be laying frame. This was done to this truck.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by copperchevy

A 1 3/4" "z" will work with your stock steering, but you will only be laying frame. This was done to this truck.

Thanks for sharing that info. Do you have any pics of the Z?

[johnboyon20s]

Originally Posted by copperchevy

A 1 3/4" "z" will work with your stock steering, but you will only be laying frame. This was done to this truck.

yup keith at nfamusairsuspension did a 1.75'' z , notched the upper arm for the stock steering, and modded the lower arm with 8'' pipe and 2 '' deep, its also got stock ac/heat.

[salrod00]

well thats not a bad look also. just debating on going the extra mile and laying rocker or just frame.

[smashingchuck]

Ken there is a build thread on FSC.

[copperchevy]

Keith at www.nfamusairsuspension.com did the work on that truck.