Hi there everyone. I've read a lot of posts from this site and you seem like quite a smart bunch. I'm hoping someone here can help me.

I have an 87 Ramcharger with 10" Chevy lift springs in the front. In case anyone was curious, they botl right in, but relocate my axle about 2-3" farther forward. Right now I have a Dodge 8-Lug D44 in it. I have purchased a Dana 60 dually front end from an 80's chevy and found someone to swap hub assemblies with me. I plan on making crossover steering when I install the axle, and was also considering a "trial run" on my Dana 44 which I plan to use 'til next winter (need time to save up money for good gears, locker, etc.). I need to replace my steering box right now. I know ORD's crossover kit, when used in a chevy, requires a 2wd steering box. If I'm making my own crossover steering for this "hybrid" can I use a dodge steering box? I need to get a new box right away, just dont want to be stuck buying another next winter. If I make the crossover steering for the 44 can it be modified to bolt up to the D60? I am also installing a homemake panhard arm kit this weekend on the D44.

btw, I don't plan on using this truck for any serious rockcrawling. More for mud/trails/sand. Also it is driven on the street very little.

Originally posted by MissBigTires
I need to replace my steering box right now. I know ORD's crossover kit, when used in a chevy, requires a 2wd steering box. If I'm making my own crossover steering for this "hybrid" can I use a dodge steering box?

Sure, we do this kind of thing all the time. Just need to use a side-to-side swinging box, doesn't really matter what it's off of (I've personally done Chevy Caprice box steering Jeep D44, Dodge Dakota box on Ford D44, Toy box steering D44, Toy box steering backwards D60, and a few other weird ones) as long as the directions match up.

If I make the crossover steering for the 44 can it be modified to bolt up to the D60?

Probably; depends on what you use for it. We do similar pretty frequently, and Chevy D44 and D60 crossover, crosses over, more or less, but the axle end parts all are different (obviously).

Is there a box you would reccomend for my application? Is is a good or bad idea to go for a box with less turns lock to lock than I have right now? I've heard boxes that have less turns are weaker. It's hard to get this info out of the parts store guys. They don't even want to sell my 8-lug wheels.

I'm pretty sure that with the dodges you just take the box you have now, swap pitman arms, and bolt it to the frame in place of the cast bracket ( the one that lays the steering box on it's side )
( and potentially you will need to trim the x-member for draglink clearance)

Originally posted by MissBigTires
Is there a box you would reccomend for my application? Is is a good or bad idea to go for a box with less turns lock to lock than I have right now? I've heard boxes that have less turns are weaker. It's hard to get this info out of the parts store guys. They don't even want to sell my 8-lug wheels.

Get a 2WD steering box....(I prefer the 4 bolt saginaw) and get a arm for the pass. side knuckle. Get a custom made draglink and your rolling....:beer: :beer: