Before/After pics of steering linkage

[DB_1]

Here's the old linkange, F-150 style linkage that I bent off roading.

 

[DB_1]

New Performance Unlimited drag link and tie-rod installed.

I went with the trail proof tubing on the drag link and Race proof tubing on the tie-rod and went with the stage 2(cro-moly) rod end upgrade.

I also got the tie-rod-over-knuckle kit which i'll do when I
make a higher mount for the track bar, otherwise i'll have nasty bump steer.

 

[white96x]

wow! like night and day....looks awesome

 

[Felix]

Wow Dave, I didnt know your truck would still fit in your garage. You pulled out of the drive as I was pulling up this afternoon. That defenately looks better than the stock set up stearing.

Now if your going to throw that old linkage away you will have to let me know when. So, I can swing by at night a pick it up off the curb.

 

[DB_1]

Thanks White96x

Yeah Felix, I still have a few inches to spare in the garage. You can have the old linkage, I cant go back the tapered tie rod ends now that I drilled the knuckles out.

Easy on that tranny buddy!

 

[Felix]

Hehe, Thanks just got another christmas gift twards my D44 Swap!

Today was the first time I have had it to the lower desert on the new tranny. I must say it drives better now than it did when I first bought it 2 years ago. Come February I am getting that new over capacity trans pan and larger cooler.

 

[Jefe]

You got misalignment spacers on the drag link? Doesn't look like it. I'd think you'll need them with the straight link once you start flexing.
And if you do, how'd you manage bolting both links to the knuckle (with only one heim using a spacer)?

 

[DB_1]

The rod end on the knuckle side of the drag link is sitting on a spacer, on the bottom side of that is the rod end of the tie rod sitting flush against the knuckle.

The pitman end of the drag link is a larger spacer with a flared head where the bolt is, rod end, spacer then pitman arm.

They say not to use a spacer between the tie rod and the knuckles unless absolutely necessary. I'll keep my eye on the rod ends and look for any contact. I cycled the steering and so far it looked good.

 

[DB_1]

Hey Felix...it's malted hopps and bong resin.....LOL

 

[Felix]

I never can remember that saying.... I figured you would catch it, thought.

Thanks for the correction.

 

[DB_1]

I love that movie, the best of the bunch Chris Farley and David Spade made together in my opinion

 

[Jefe]

I don't have spacers on my tie-rod. They should never be necessary.
I do have spacers on both ends of my drag link, and even then I'm near maxing out the heims at full flex.
My spacers take a 1/2" bolt vs. the 3/4" bolt w/o a spacer.
Right now the drag link and tie rod attach to different points on my knuckle, but I want them to use the same point, since as is, the steering box maxes out before the axle. Trying to figure out a 'right way' (ie no questionably safe ghetto fabing) to put it all together with one bolt.
I'd love to go hi-steer, but my credit card needs some R&R

 

[DB_1]

Yeah Jefe, i forgot what your steering set up was like exactly. So you have the drag link and tie rod bolted into seperate holes? Also, did you have to have a custom length drag link made or did it bolt up in stock form?

 

[Jefe]

Its all custom chromoly tube, just like yours is now.
Yeah, for whatever reason my pass knuckle has a place for two TREs, so I used one for the tie-rod, and the other for the drag link.

 

[RangerX]

Originally posted by DB_1
Hey Felix...it's malted hopps and bong resin.....LOL

Hey Felix, who's Brian???

 

[DB_1]

Jefe, how are the on road manners with your set up?

Mine feels tighter and a whole lot smoother but with a bit of bump steer because the drag link and track bar are a bit out of line but nothing too bad.