57’ 4x4 Steering help

[Bridgeman57]

So the late 70’s axles seem a little off when turned hard right. They max out real quick. Not sure if that was a thing back in the day haha. Do I need to move steering box back towards cab or adjust everything? I’m getting ready make a big order. Bushing, joints, steering components, stock brakes Disk/Drum

[mongocanfly]

what do you mean by max out, are the knuckles hitting the stops on both left and right turns?.. or are you having issues with the tire hitting the steering box?

[Bridgeman57]

Knuckles seem to be fine. The tire is hitting the tie rod end on drivers side. I’m thinking steering box is gone? And everything needs refreshing

[mongocanfly]

i had a similar issue when i put GM axles under my IH and tried using the GM 4x4 steering box...i wound up using a mid 80s GM 2wd steering box mounted inside the frame and had to do crossover steering

[Bridgeman57]

Which company did you end up going with for the crossover? I found a bunch of kits but they are upwards of $400. A steering box would probably be around $1460 for a reman from Napa.
Do you have any pics/ part #s by chance?

[Bridgeman57]

How did it drive on pavement? I won’t be taking my truck on any real off roading. Some back roads for hunting but no real flex of the suspension. It will mostly be a DD. Don’t want to sink a bunch of money into the steering unless it will be smooth on highway

[mongocanfly]

$1460 for a reman steering box?....thats crazy...i got mine at oreillys
all my crossover stuff came from ord..its not cheap..but i had little alternatives..
i requires changing the pass side knuckle to a flattop knuckle and comes with the tie rod and ends
not on the road yet, but ive driven them before and they handle great
i wont bog your thread down with my pics,
but go to my IH build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=750501
and look at post #220..thats with the 4wd steering box,youll see the same issues you have..
then jump to post #285 and youll see the flattop knuckle installed
then look at post #310 and youll see how i mounted the 2wd box inside the frame rail and the crossover steering rod...i had to put 2 offset bends in it to clear the LS oil pan

[Bridgeman57]

Did you only have to move steering box inside the frame because your oil pan? Just got off the phone with ORD and he said I shouldn’t have to move it. I understand I might.
Im sure I can find a Dana 44 knuckle here pretty easy. Did you buy there’s or get it done on your own?

[mongocanfly]

the reason i had to move the steering box to the inside of the frame was for right turning clearance...a right turn was impossible because of the tire hitting the box...i sent ORD pics of what i was facing and thats when they said to use the 80s 2wd box and mount inside the frame...the 4wd box outside the frame would not clear
the 2wd box arm moves side2side...the 4wd box arm moves front2back, so the 2wd box works better with the crossover steering tie rod
i got the knuckle form ORD

[Kula57]

look on the 47-59 forum. 1-ton of fun is building a 4x4 w/cross steering (pics) may be helpful moving you in the cross steering direction.

[Bridgeman57]

Thank you!

Originally Posted by Kula57

look on the 47-59 forum. 1-ton of fun is building a 4x4 w/cross steering (pics) may be helpful moving you in the cross steering direction.