Flat top knuckle link

[mudslider]

I remember there being a thread or link that told me what make, model, and year for my 1983 jtruck to convert it to crossover steering. I think that Ill need from the flat top out of a 1980's chevy half ton but I wanted to confirm it. doe anyone have the link? Thanks

[Tad]

Sorry, forgot that info when you sent the PM.
75-77 FSJ and GM front axles from what I can recall (probably others too).
I think the link you are talking about has "keylime" or something in it.
There's also one of our own in the Archives under suspension and steering.

In a nutshell (for cross-over) you need the passenger side flat top, milled and tapped, along with the studs, cone washers and a high steer arm. After that is just fabbing up the correct type/length draglink.
http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/flatop_knucles.html
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=58435

[mudslider]

So all the Jeep components like brakes and hub will swap over? Also dana parts from 70's model trucks dana will fit an 1983 J10 dana 44? As long as it has the flat top Ill be good to go, no matter brake setup?

[Tad]

Yep, swaps right over.
Your just changing the knuckle, you keep all your current stuff from the knuckle on out.
It doesn't even need to be a knuckle from a truck, it can be a knuckle from a wag/chero/Jtruck or GM rig of those same years, as long as it's a flat top.

[mudslider]

Great, I got one more. The driveshaft angles. I have my pinion with an angle finder at 0 degrees. My t case is not at that angle, the tcase is pionteddown in the back. how do I need to fix this? or can i pitch the front end up? how do the angles need to be done with an angle finder?

[Tad]

Let's back up a second PJ so we are on the same page.
Questions:
The drivetrain (engine, trans and transfer case) is installed, bolted down and all mounts are in good condition?
If so there's not much you can do about the position (you can but I'm not sure it's worth the work).

Your front axle is in position with the SOA perches in place but the perches are not welded on yet?
Follow the instructions: http://members.cox.net/ttsfabworks/Perch%20Install.JPG
You can rotate the pinion up about 2* on a FSJ front axle, but no more than that, you'll get into caster issues if you go to far.

As I understand this you are going with 4" springs on top of the SOA?
If so, you are probably into a custom high angle front driveshaft, possibly the rear also depending on the wheelbase and those angles.

[mudslider]

The drivetrain (engine, trans and transfer case) is installed, bolted down and all mounts are in good condition?
The motor,trans and tcase are mounted solid. I could be wrong from memory I think I was low by 4-6 degrees according to the yoke.

Your front axle is in position with the SOA perches in place but the perches are not welded on yet? Yup, exactly. Everything just sitting in place. Thanks for the link.

As I understand this you are going with 4" springs on top of the SOA?
You are correct again.
the rear driveshaft is already in. I have some pinion angle to take care of, but its brand new.

Thanks for the help

[getlost4x4]

okay i'm confused now.

yes or no.

1978 D44 waggy.

flat top knuckle for cross over possible?

i thought it was the right knuckle on these axles.:confused:

[Tad]

getlost,
Most of the 78's will not have flat tops, but I have seen a few, probably 77 builds that were titled as 78's.

PJ,
A pic would help.
My 208 is from a Dodge but probably not that much different other than running a front flange instead of a yoke. I'll check but as memory serves me my front is up about 2*, 4-6 seems like a lot.
Any chance you can reposition the drivetrain?
When I built my crossmember setup I pretty much just tried to keep the fan at the same vertical angle as the radiator.

[mudslider]

Sorry for the delay, I dont have a camera unfortunately. I think the cab floor tunnel might give me the clearance Ill need to level it out, I can do that. Thanks.