Better Push-Pull Steering?

[BigSix]

Got my Dodge 60 installed. At first I was going to do crossover but elected to stay push-pull. So I got a chevy arm for the top of the driver king pin and hooked up my drag link. I can steering to the stop easily in 1 direction but turning right doesn't want to go quite as far. I can get it there but it seems like the drag link joints are maxing out. I have a couple thoughts on how to fix this. Currently my rag joint and steering box are completely inline - I could unbolt the captain fab adapter and tip the box down a little (on the side that attaches to the rag joint). I figure this way the pitman arm will stay flatter and not max out the joints at full turn right?

My second idea was to see if there are just ball joints that have more flex than the stock chevy stuff? That would be my ideal so I could leave the box where its at and not drill another set of holes in an already old frame.

Here are some pics to give you an idea.

[b454rat]

Looks like you need a spacer under the stock arm. The draglink should be close to parallel as possible to the ground. Another idea is the pitman arm might not be long enough. The pitman arm and steering arm should be the same length, from eye to eye if you will.

[BigSix]

Originally Posted by b454rat

Looks like you need a spacer under the stock arm. The draglink should be close to parallel as possible to the ground. Another idea is the pitman arm might not be long enough. The pitman arm and steering arm should be the same length, from eye to eye if you will.

I thought about spacing up the arm on the axle but wasn't sure if that is an accepted method? Dropping the pitman arm an inch seems like it would work too. Thoughts on which is better?

[86454k30]

You have 2 options:
1)Skyjacker is the only one who makes a dropped pitman arm..CA50 is the part number
I have had them on a couple trucks, imo it seems they wear the splines out of them
2) 3" steering block...rough country is the cheapest and good quality at $53.00

Either way you definitely need one of them.

[BigSix]

Originally Posted by 86454k30

You have 2 options:
1)Skyjacker is the only one who makes a dropped pitman arm..CA50 is the part number
I have had them on a couple trucks, imo it seems they wear the splines out of them
2) 3" steering block...rough country is the cheapest and good quality at $53.00

Either way you definitely need one of them.

Thanks!

I guess I could also do a crossover setup. Would need a passenger side arm, steering box, pitman arm, and drag link. Probably about $400-500 said and done. Thoughts?

[86454k30]

I would put a steering block in it and call it done. Unless you are off roading the truck and getting crossed up I don't feel you need crossover.

[b454rat]

No sense going crossover for a driver. With a low lift might not work anyways. Cheaper and easier to put the block in.

[BigSix]

Not really offroading it - but would like to go out from time to time. Would the block or the drop pitman hinder flex steering ability that much? The block makes me think those studs could shear - is that just in my head?

[BigSix]

So I just went out and put the truck on its feet instead of in the air. Things leveled out fine - steers to both sides great - drag link is flat. But with full flex I am going to lose some steering to one side. Not sure what to do but deep down I think just run it and not flex crazy. Drag link is nicely flat now so I don't know if I want to do anything about it until I flex and it drives me crazy lol

[dieseldude4bt]

If your drag link is parallel with the spring it will be just fine mine has had no problems and they all lose some turning when crossed up any way.

[BigSix]

Originally Posted by dieseldude4bt

If your drag link is parallel with the spring it will be just fine mine has had no problems and they all lose some turning when crossed up any way.

Appreciate it - looks parallel to me!

[DWilbur]

Skyjacker makes a drop drag link. I have one I'm not using.