Hey there guys. I am new to the whole lifted 4x4 scene coming from low fast cars. I am mechanically inclined but do have some questions. First off the truck in question is an 81 Chev half ton, its list looks something like this:
-rebuilt 454
-Turbo 400 w/ shift kit
-Corporate 14 in the rear
-Corporate 10 in the front (I am pretty sure its a 10)
-6-7' Suspension lift and 2.5' body lift

First off. The pitman arm and adjoining joint has a bit of play. Would it be wise to get a drop pitman arm or would a standard replacement be fine?

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g69/tgermuth/IMG_1557800x600.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g69/tgermuth/IMG_1558800x600.jpg


Next question. The previous owner made up his own custom front leaf spring hangers. Do they look safe in your opinion?
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g69/tgermuth/IMG_1559800x600.jpg

3. The driveshaft. Currently it has a half ton driveshaft in it, which is just about too short with the lift. That and the u-joint in the rear diff doesn't quite fit properly. I have heard that people got the 1 ton driveshaft shortened a few inches and it apparently works. Would this be a wise idea or do I have any other options? I would probably need to measure the length I need as well...

4. Steering box Linkage. I am not sure but the flange looks pretty bent out of shape...would you consider this a bad thing?
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g69/tgermuth/IMG_1560800x600.jpg


Really sorry for the HUGE post and lots of pictures guys but I really hope you can help me out. Thanks again.

Trevor

As for the flange, you might just get a new rag joint on your steering, or upgrade to a Borgeson joint. The shaft is supposed to be "bent" that way.

as for the stock pitman arm, its probably as tight as you can make it. you may want to consider a new drag link, then tighten the bolts on the box, tighten the front leaf spring mounting bolt, and weld a stop to keep it from moving front to back and wearing out the leaf spring mount.

A lot of people just go straight to crossover steering, which uses a 2wd box, and then put hi-steer arms on the knuckles. your knuckles arent designed for it, so that would be an additional purchase. Looks like the PO bought stock in steering stabilizers. Check the balljoints, and grease the feck outta them.

Driveshafts.... you may want to simply have one made. call the driveshaft shop of your choice to get instructions on how THEY want the measurements made. Jesse at High Angle Driveline can set you up at a reasonable price with quality parts.

The PO made shackles for the front springs. they are stronger than the stock ones. make sure the spring doesnt hit the frame on compression. If it does, put a 1/2 longer shackle in there, but no more, or it wont steer worth a damn.


Overall, you didnt get hurt too much. I would ditch the body lift, and fix the fan shroud or itll get hotter than a 3 peckered billy goat. Enjoy it, break it, upgrade it. Its like a low, fast, car but its not low, and its not a car. it could become fast, though.

Thanks a ton for your time and adivce.

Drag link! That is the name!!

Anyhow the pitman arm has some play to it and the drag link has a bit as well. Both nuts are tight, just joints worn out. Both upper balljoints are toast as well.

Where you say "tighten the bolts on the box" are you talking the steering box? I also read that I should really look into a steering box brace for this year truck as well.

"Tighten the front leaf spring mounting bolt" Here you are just saying to x2 check and make sure all the bolts are indeed tight?

Welding a stop, you are talking about doing this to the custom front spring hangers that I took the picture of correct, or the front OEM hanger?

Might just be me but when you say "fix the fan shroud"....can you see it is broken in the pics?


I really really thank you for your help thus forth. I have read lots of the information posted in the FAQ and such on this forum and there is lots of information around. If you know of any other helpful links or info around I would love to hear them. I am up for reading for hours and hours to learn what I need to.

Trevor

Anyhow the pitman arm has some play to it and the drag link has a bit as well. Both nuts are tight, just joints worn out. Both upper balljoints are toast as well.


Im willing to bet the pitman arm isnt too loose. maybe the steering box at the frame, or the internals, but not the actual pitman arm.


Where you say "tighten the bolts on the box" are you talking the steering box? I also read that I should really look into a steering box brace for this year truck as well.
Yes, make sure the steering box bolts are tight. You can also get a nut behind a couple of them to make sure the bolts dont back out. Yes, you probably should also get a steering box brace.

"Tighten the front leaf spring mounting bolt" Here you are just saying to x2 check and make sure all the bolts are indeed tight?

Not just doublecheck. the front spring eye bolt and bushing gets beat out by the constant push/pull of the steering arm. Thats the biggest issue that nobody catches.


Welding a stop, you are talking about doing this to the custom front spring hangers that I took the picture of correct, or the front OEM hanger?

The stop would be welded at the head of the bolt on the outside on the front spring hanger, not the shackle at the rear of the front spring. This bolt moves when you steer, if the bushing is worn out, like explained above.


Might just be me but when you say "fix the fan shroud"....can you see it is broken in the pics?

No, i cant see that its broken. but, you did get a truck with a body lift. part of the problem with a body lift is that the guy installing it never takes the time to lower the radiator, nor do they take the time to fix the fan shroud. the shrouds are generally beat to shit from an overeager owner. this wont let the engine cool very well.


I really really thank you for your help thus forth. I have read lots of the information posted in the FAQ and such on this forum and there is lots of information around. If you know of any other helpful links or info around I would love to hear them. I am up for reading for hours and hours to learn what I need to.

Trevor

Dont worry. One day, you will pass this info on to someone, or some kind of info to someone... it all pays back. have fun with it.

Im willing to bet the pitman arm isnt too loose. maybe the steering box at the frame, or the internals, but not the actual pitman arm.

I was wrong sorry, just both ends of the drag link. Im dumb.


Yes, make sure the steering box bolts are tight. You can also get a nut behind a couple of them to make sure the bolts dont back out. Yes, you probably should also get a steering box brace.

Will do.

Not just doublecheck. the front spring eye bolt and bushing gets beat out by the constant push/pull of the steering arm. Thats the biggest issue that nobody catches.

Never knew that, excellent information to know. Thanks a million.



The stop would be welded at the head of the bolt on the outside on the front spring hanger, not the shackle at the rear of the front spring. This bolt moves when you steer, if the bushing is worn out, like explained above.

Ok I think I get it now.

No, i cant see that its broken. but, you did get a truck with a body lift. part of the problem with a body lift is that the guy installing it never takes the time to lower the radiator, nor do they take the time to fix the fan shroud. the shrouds are generally beat to shit from an overeager owner. this wont let the engine cool very well.

Ahh fair enough. I havent driven it since I bought it, but I have been told it doesnt go over 180F. I am fixing the balljoints, steering play, gas tank, and driveshaft issue first.

Dont worry. One day, you will pass this info on to someone, or some kind of info to someone... it all pays back. have fun with it.


Thanks. Alot.


Edit - I suck at that :P