Line on a Steering Mod?

[ibnfe]

This has been an ongoing search for me for some time now. Here's the plan: SOA on the front and custom springs in the back. Here's the problem: http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/mad.gif I can't find anybody who makes a crossover steering conversion! I've seen it on a few trucks and really like the way it handles and all, but can't find a source for the FSJ. Anybody have any ideas? Also, I can get the flattop steering knuckle outta the junkyard no problem, but will that knuckle off a 70's Chevy with a Dana 44 fit my Jeep Dana 44? If it will, then 3/4 of my problem is solved. I could always do a trial fit, but I'd rather know ahead of time! Anyone else run into this or tried it? Thanks.

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If my Jeep can't get me where I want to go the way it sits, then I need to modify it some more. After all, Jeeps owners can do anything!
'85 Grand Wag
360 gas hog, stock for now
Beefed 727
new gears n goodies
35x12.50 BFG's
Custom Flares!
Be gentle, I'm gettin' there!

[River Beast]

Kenall gave me the info on my steering mods, and I ran with it and made my own... but you may only need a drop pitman... I've a friend that uses a drop only and he has no problems.


To answer your question on the knuckles...YES...Dana 44 knuckles are interchangable. This alternative (I think) is what Fulmetal did... I beleive he used Dana 44 knuckles from a pre '76 GM axle and again made is own crossover type steering.

My link is in my sig below... click the link to the SOA page on my site. I fabbed a 'Z' Bar link with no crossover using 2 complete draglinks... (THANKS KENALL)

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Todd
78 Wagoneer, "River Beast"
360/TH400/QT
Dana 44's locked w/ 4.89's
39.50x15x15 Super Swamper TSL's
7" SOA in front-7" Rear Shackle Inversion Mods
4" Skyjacker Softride
3" Trailmaster Bodylift
My FSJ site: http://www.geocities.com/spazz4life (http://www.geocities.com/spazz4life)
My E-mail: monster_fsj@hotmail.com
"If you can't stop...SMILE as you go under!"

'93 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban...a.k.a. "FSJ Hauler"

[This message has been edited by River Beast (edited January 28, 2001).]

[Charly]

High Steer is a great thing, it puts the tie rod on arms above the springs (on a SOA)and the drag link angle flattens considerably (essentially eliminating bumpsteer).

It is NOT the same thing as crossover steering (this puts just the drag link above the springs). High steer gets your tie rod up and out of the way (protected by springs).

The flat top knuckles and custom arms are the keys to a good high steer set-up.

Here's some good pics of a Waggy 44 in a YJ wih high steer:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000804.html

BTW, the knuckles from 74-77 FSJs are flat top as well, but the left hand side isn't already drilled for the arms (Chevy's have the stock horseshoe steering arm there already. This arm will have to be removed, and the stud pattern mirror imaged on the right hand side knuckle.) The right hand side Chevy knuckles are actually available on 73-77 GM 1/2 tons. And the left hand side knuckle was used well into the 80's.

The arms are sold by many aftermarket companies and run from $150 to $300/pair. You can make your own too.
http://www.garlic.com/~junmike/
http://www.foothilloffroad.com/
http://www.extremegearoffroad.com/
http://www.tricountygear.com/products.htm

Good luck,

Charly

[fulmetal]

I will agree with everything that Charley said about the cross over steering. You do not have to have the custom tie rods made if you have acess to the right tools. It is actually an easy mod. I have a link to some photos to makethe job easier.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=187566&a=11248759