Bolt in steering rack

[68GMCCustom]

I've been thinking about this as my current steering gear box really needs replaced....but since I want to wind up with a complete new IFS I'm not sure spending money on this as an interim solution and then selling the parts later for a considerable discount when I finally add the IFS is a good idea for my project dollars. I've done enough of the upgrading some parts only to pull them out later for a bigger/better upgrade already!

[Custom 68]

lol yea I know what you mean. I usually try to do things right and once. I dont have the money or time to try different things. I have already pieced together new upper a-arms and a coil over design I did so this seemed next. I like to drive mine so anything I do I hope for an improvement in that department. Good luck.

[eightbanger]

Looks like we never did get any complete instal and test drive info on this from the guys who purchased.

Rob, I also couldn't find your R&P listed on RideTechs Tru Turn page.

[aggie91]

I posted install pics in our thread of the '82 we used Rob's kit in. It works great! We had no issues at all. Even though we had front bags, we really only ran it as a static drop. The truck had no on board air at all. We just set up at ride height and drove the crap out of it.

I plan an doing the same thing we did on the '82 in the '65 I have.

[theastronaut]

I bolted mine in place yesterday and had zero problems at all. The bracket fit the crossmember perfectly. I haven't started on steering linkage yet, but the parts/instructions included look like they'll do the job just fine.

[wraprail]

The miracle of Resurrection!

[iceship]

So what is the price of the brackets..

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by iceship

So what is the price of the brackets..

Which brackets are you asking about?

If it is the one from the No Limit kit, then those are not available separately. Rob sells his as a complete kit.

[iceship]

I have gotten a rack and pinion. I was just hoping to get a bracket to mount it. . .

[robnolimit]

This is true, we only sell it as a complete package. The rack we use starts life as a late model Chevy Truck rack, but then we have a re-builder do some heavy mods. Getting the geometry right is important to us. If we sold the bracket separately, no rack would fit, and you would have endless struggles, calling and posting all of the complaints. Nobody wins in that case. Sorry but that's the honest answer. Thanks for understanding.

[JustLiveIt]

Rob,

I'm assuming this kit would work with both the stock setup and the full Hotchkis front kit?

[robnolimit]

Yes, this will work with the TVS kit

[Mjminino]

Bringing up an old thread, I know, sorry.

I just bought this kit from you and realized I have my motor mounts in the front two holes.

On post 298 you mention the correct hole locations.

Just so I understand correctly the 7/8's hole is where the front bolt hole in the mount, then front mounting hole is in the frame, the back mounting hole is going through motor mount and the frame and the back motor mount hole is untouched. Is that correct? it'd look something like this?-----> . [O . .]

From left to right:
1. Front bearing mount hole
2. 7/8's hole for DD shaft
3. Back bearing mount hole (going through frame and motor mount)
4. Back motor mount hole (untouched)

Then you welded on the front of the motor mount (which would be the [ in the pictogram above) to the frame for stability???

[robnolimit]

Originally Posted by Mjminino

Bringing up an old thread, I know, sorry.

I just bought this kit from you and realized I have my motor mounts in the front two holes.

On post 298 you mention the correct hole locations.

Just so I understand correctly the 7/8's hole is where the front bolt hole in the mount, then front mounting hole is in the frame, the back mounting hole is going through motor mount and the frame and the back motor mount hole is untouched. Is that correct? it'd look something like this?-----> . [O . .]

From left to right:
1. Front bearing mount hole
2. 7/8's hole for DD shaft
3. Back bearing mount hole (going through frame and motor mount)
4. Back motor mount hole (untouched)

Then you welded on the front of the motor mount (which would be the [ in the pictogram above) to the frame for stability???

Yes, that will work fine.

[Mjminino]

I went with Rob's suggestion and got a 32" universal Ididit column. Now every steering and suspension aspect of the truck is new.

Finally got everything installed. It looks great and I am happy.

Here are a few pictures.


Very good quality.



I had to cut the excess stud off the LCA U-joint

All mocked up.

Getting excited at this point.

Getting EXTREMELY excited now!

Hole for steering shaft, which i still need to weld the front lip.



All done!!!!!!



It caught me by surprise when the power steering lines (3 pieces) were 104$ from Napa. (2 pressure hoses and the low pressure fitting)







Here is a little video of it working. excuse the language, flaming river sent huge set screws. Which I have since gotten corrected.

'66 C10

[Custom 68]

That looks great! Nice job on the install. I'll be curious to see how it drives for you.

[Mjminino]

Yeah, me too. My alignment guy is on vacation until this weekend.

[Custom 68]

Originally Posted by Mjminino

Yeah, me too. My alignment guy is on vacation until this weekend.

Have you had a chance to get her on the road? I'm excited to hear your thoughts.
Thanks
Dave

[Mjminino]

The steering is very tight and very responsive. overall I am very happy. My alignment guy said I have no room for adjustment on the tie rod ends; It is within spec though. He said if the sleeve had more threads on rack side (longer) he would have had more adjustment, but currently think it is bottoming out.

[Custom 68]

That's great. I'm glad it's what you expected keep up posted as you get a few miles on it.

[wildmanaaron]

Any updates? Comments, concerns etc. especially for the 73-87 trucks....

[robnolimit]

Originally Posted by wildmanaaron

Any updates? Comments, concerns etc. especially for the 73-87 trucks....

Please be aware. These kits were designed for 63-72 C10's. The 73-87 lower control arm, LCA bushing and shaft, and upper frame rail profile are ALL different. Although these kits have been installed on 73-87 chassis with some mods and swapped parts, this was NOT there intended application. Just want everyone to be aware of this BEFORE they proceed with the swap.

This kit was designed to fix the STEERING issues of 63-72 C10's. There is a definite performance and drivability limit to the OE spindle/geometry, and the majority of it cannot be fixed with bolt-on or upgrade parts. At some point, you have to 'walk-away' from the OE design and replace it. Please plan accordingly. Thanks.