Anyone running a bigger/different steering system?

Vcmike · Sep 9, 2014

My setup is a PMF 4.5" and RuffStuff 1.5" dom tubing y link. The measurements are nearly stock but the tubing is making the difference and it contacts the passenger side spring about halfway turning to the right. Any ideas to correct this? I have the Pro Comp fd400 pitman arm Trevor sells and am thinking of using the bigger drop fd600 but am not sure how it will affect the steering. Is anyone running something similar? Ive attached some pics that hopefully show the problem. Thanks!

Vcmike · Sep 9, 2014

Vcmike · Sep 9, 2014

Pic 3

m j · Sep 9, 2014

you need a crossover setup. I am in the same boat.
knuckle requires machining and a custom arm. TMR in Canada was doing them

http://www.tmrcustoms.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=143_262&products_id=2145

Vcmike · Sep 9, 2014

So wasting my money on a 6" drop pitman arm isn't gonna cut it? I just wanna drive my damn truck! Lol

m j · Sep 9, 2014

doing the crossover gains you some steering feel, but adds more bumpsteer if you are still using the ridiculously short OEM trac bar

m j · Sep 9, 2014

body lift? oh wait no intercooler to mess with.. how was the fan and rad hose realignment?

Vcmike · Sep 9, 2014

It has a body lift which I'm not a fan of but it's a hassle to remove. I have the PMF adjustable track bar as well. Everything seems to line up ok? It's a gasser as well, unfortunately.

m j · Sep 9, 2014

that trac bar is too short, as it just bolts in to the factory locations, which are too short.
the trac bar should be the same length and angle as the drag link

Hotrodtractor · Sep 9, 2014

Yup - you need a top steer arm added to that knuckle. I have one one my SAS'd Dmax - its a real slick setup.

Obsledpuller · Sep 9, 2014

Sky Off Road Design also makes a high steer kit for this problem.

http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=FORD-CSKBJ-97

m j · Sep 10, 2014

Obsledpuller said:
Sky Off Road Design also makes a high steer kit for this problem.

http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=FORD-CSKBJ-97

that link is for SD stuff not an OBS, edit- I was looking at the image, the first one was SD there are OBS ones there as well

Greger96obs · Sep 10, 2014

I don't know if you found a solution yet? Just an idea i had,i think it would work?To create some space between the spring and the tie rod.Could you add a mini spring pack to your springs to make them thicker? They come in like 2.5" but if you didn't want that much lift you could take some leaves out? Just an idea?....

Vcmike · Sep 10, 2014

I haven't yet but I do appreciate all the suggestions. I would switch back to the stock setup for now but my knuckles are reamed for the Chevy ends. I got a few ideas I'm kicking around ill let you guys know how I make out!

NotStock · Sep 10, 2014

We talked on the phonne a bit and now seeing your pics, I see what you were referring to a little better. Possibly try a small bend in the lower portion of the upper Y link to add more clearance but not affect length too much. It will make adjustments more difficult though so keep that in mind. I also second a high steer setup with that much lift. These trucks steering system isnt conducive for large lifts. Also, I dont believe the FD600 arm is a 6" drop nor is it designed for the sector shaft size on your truck.

Vcmike · Sep 10, 2014

NotStock said:
We talked on the phonne a bit and now seeing your pics, I see what you were referring to a little better. Possibly try a small bend in the lower portion of the upper Y link to add more clearance but not affect length too much. It will make adjustments more difficult though so keep that in mind. I also second a high steer setup with that much lift. These trucks steering system isnt conducive for large lifts. Also, I dont believe the FD600 arm is a 6" drop nor is it designed for the sector shaft size on your truck.

It was a little hard to describe my issue over the phone, thanks for the help though! I'd like to add that this issue wasn't caused by the lift if this comes up in anyone's search in the future, it was the steering system I built. I couldn't be happier with the lift pieces from Trevor, that was the smoothest part of my whole build up. Even with 200k miles on my truck everything bolted right on as promised.

Vcmike · Oct 30, 2014

Superlift extreme drop pitman arm solved my problems for now. Eventually I will swap over to high steer but I just wanted to drive the damn thing. Steering works well, no dead spots or weird stuff.