The Black Hole

[gmanpaint]

From what I can recall, the GM flat tops should work, but just in case, measure the I.D. of the holes. Pretty sure you need them to be 7/8". I'm not positive about the Waggy, but I would think they need to be reamed to 7/8". Best to research that answer.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Thanks guys.

 

[gmanpaint]

Hmm....15% off everything sale this weekend. Curious about this set up over the stock F-150 set up I already have.

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/PANKIT.html

Outside frame bracket for full width, weld on where needed, adjustable, seems like it would work well with the steering set up I already have.

Instead of reaming the knuckles for the 1 ton TRE's, just drill em out and use these?

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/INSSTEER.html

 

[turboexplorer]

Instead of reaming the knuckles for the 1 ton TRE's, just drill em out and use these?

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/INSSTEER.html

That's what I did with my knuckles. Worked well and a bit easier. I did ream my pitman arm though.

 

[gmanpaint]

That's what I did with my knuckles. Worked well and a bit easier. I did ream my pitman arm though.

How did you install them into the knuckle?

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Very interested in this too. Can you install one of these in the pitman arm if you don't have a reamer bit?

 

[Xeek]

forgot about those! saw a build thread on pirate a long time ago where someone used them. i think they just slide right in like the camber bushings?
if these are really that easy i think i may end up doing them to

 

[gmanpaint]

I was kinda thinking they could use a tack weld after dropping them in. Think I read on someones SAS thread they used these, but they had gone sloppy after some time.

 

[gmanpaint]

Very interested in this too. Can you install one of these in the pitman arm if you don't have a reamer bit?

I wouldn't. Drilling the Pitman arm gives it symmetrical strength. Best to use a
Drill press, and a good carbide bit.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Ok, thanks. Another question, I was at the local junkyard yesterday and found a 1984 Chevy Blazer, it had flat top knuckles with high steer arms that wrapped around to the back. Question is, the knuckles are drilled and tapped for the high steer already, can I use the knuckles and just get high steer arms that are straight and use them. Yard wants $30 each for everything included (knuckles, spindles, rotors, etc...). Sort to high jack with questions.

 

[turboexplorer]

How did you install them into the knuckle?

I drilled them out on a Mill so they were perfectly drilled. These then slide in just very gently tapping them in. Then you just put your tie rod in and tighten it down. If you look they are split. So when you tighten the tie rod end with its taper it forces it open which then really bites the knuckle. So they kinda self lock in when the fit rod is tightened. I also installed them with the split in the insert facing the front of the truck. That way when the steering is pushing and pulling on the knuckle its always doing it on a full side of the insert instead of on the split part. They have been great. Ruff stuff said they have bad really good luck with them and had no issues.

I used these because I wanted to go to a tie rod on top of the knuckle. And if you team them this way and measure it you don quite have the full taper engaged. Also in the future you have the option of going to heims or redoing the setup etc. Ill find the post in my build thread that shows me drilling the knuckles.

 

[gmanpaint]

Question is, the knuckles are drilled and tapped for the high steer already, can I use the knuckles and just get high steer arms that are straight and use them.

Pretty sure you can. The High steer arms can be found new over on Pirate all over the classifieds for cheap if you want new.

I drilled them out on a Mill so they were perfectly drilled. These then slide in just very gently tapping them in. Then you just put your tie rod in and tighten it down. If you look they are split. So when you tighten the tie rod end with its taper it forces it open which then really bites the knuckle. So they kinda self lock in when the fit rod is tightened. I also installed them with the split in the insert facing the front of the truck. That way when the steering is pushing and pulling on the knuckle its always doing it on a full side of the insert instead of on the split part. They have been great. Ruff stuff said they have bad really good luck with them and had no issues.

I used these because I wanted to go to a tie rod on top of the knuckle. And if you team them this way and measure it you don quite have the full taper engaged. Also in the future you have the option of going to heims or redoing the setup etc. Ill find the post in my build thread that shows me drilling the knuckles.

Good to know, thanks for sharing.

Was kinda worried they would waller out after time.

Either way I am ordering a few of em tonight before the sale ends. 15% Discount code is PATTY.

Just trying to figure out what else I need from them!

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Cool, I haven't gone on Pirate much because their kinda immature over there. I'll give it another shot.

 

[gmanpaint]

Track bar kit, TRE knuckle inserts, & brake line tabs are ordered and getting ready to be shipped! Got free shipping (savings vs ship charge) using the coupon code. Woot!

Next up for ordering will be the coils, buckets, and seats.

Still trying to decide if I really need to truss the F/W 8.8 or not. Probably should.

Another probably should order, is a new set of axle wedges for the D44.

 

[turboexplorer]

Here is a few pics of drilling the knuckles.

And reaming the Pitman arm.

I thought I had some of the inserts in the knuckles but I guess I don't. All the picks have the tie rod mounted so you can't see the inserts.

 

[gmanpaint]

Nice!

Too bad the price of the reamer keeps jumping higher & higher. :thumbdwn:

I need to find one to borrow when the time comes for it.

 

[turboexplorer]

Think I paid $90 something for mine from summit when I ordered my winch. But was nice with the mill, super control of its speed and pressure and used a half bottle of cutting oil. I also actually had to have another pitman arm reamed back here in Salt Lake to move the high angle tre to the top of the pitman arm so the tie rod would clear it at full stuff. So its been used twice.

 

[Xeek]

I know you have/had access to thaat great shop, pluss you own the reamer. Would you be interested in reaming a pitman for me when i get to that stage on my build? Prob will do my knuckles same way you did, i can handle that at home.

 

[gmanpaint]

Yep, $100 is going rate these days. A few years back they were half that.

 

[crazyflights]

Greg I would forsure Truss the FW 8.8. Artec makes a really nice Truss for 179 pizza I think they have a 15% off sale till 4th or 6th? If not I think Pirate4x4 is a 10% of code.
http://www.artecindustries.com/88-MODULAR-truss_p_294.html

I will be ordering one for my Explorer very soon.

I have 1 for my 14 bolt and it fits very nice!