Hey all, looking to convert my '79 f250 to crossover steering. My ford has the dana 44 up front. I'm trying to find the cheapest way to do it. I've read something about an inverted "t" setup but, all this is new to me. I've never had to mess with something like this before. My truck is lifted 6 inches but, the previous owner decided to make a homeade draglink so the steering is pretty loose. I was just going to buy the adjustable draglink from skyjacker and call it good but, I'd like to take this truck on some highway so I figure I should spend a little extra and do it right.
Can someone link me to a write up/parts list to achieve this? Or post it here. I'm in the process of moving so I will probably have a buddy do the conversion for me but, he said he needed a write up or something and I haven't found one that has the same setup as I do.
Parts: pitman arm, drag link, flatop knuckle machined/drilled and tapped w/3 new studs/ cones and nuts, crossover arm, matching tie rod ends. While you're at it change the ball joints and tie rod.
the f250 knuckles are flattop, so you need the passenger side one machined flat, drilled and tapped
then a steering arm for the passenger side
never done an f250 so dunno if the box will work
What are you guys changing the pitman arm to? My highboy has the 79 F250 box, and will be getting a GM D60 soon, I didn't want to swap it in without crossover, if I can use the old box it'd be one less thing to do. I don't need highsteer, this truck is more DD/towrig.
The new pitman arm looks just like the one that the '76-'79 F-150 4x4 box uses but it's indexed for the F-250/350 4x4 box. No need to change the box JUNKIE, just the arm.
I just sent 406YJ one, maybe he can post a pic of it.
OK...you made me drag my ass out and look at my '79 F-250 and this will not work. The cheaper 'T' steering won't work on this truck with leaf springs, it would be fine with coils.
Can I get some more info on the cheap way? I just need say a 1979 ford f-150 stock pitman arm reindexed to fit my box and that link for the rest? Is there a link that maybe explains this route in better detail? Sounds like what I want.
Can I get some more info on the cheap way? I just need say a 1979 ford f-150 stock pitman arm reindexed to fit my box and that link for the rest? Is there a link that maybe explains this route in better detail? Sounds like what I want.
You can do T style if you use stuff from a newer straight axle F350-- the drag link from an 86-up F350 has bends to clear leaf springs. I've run this on my straight axle leaf Bronco till I can afford high steer.
You can do T style if you use stuff from a newer straight axle F350-- the drag link from an 86-up F350 has bends to clear leaf springs. I've run this on my straight axle leaf Bronco till I can afford high steer.
I'm guessing you are running an '86-'98 Dana 60 or maybe a Dana 44 you spaced the mounts out. If so the passenger side spring is 3" further outboard than a '79 F-250 Dana 44. I think the '79s spring will hit the drag link. I have both to compare and measure and it would definetly hit the way I measure it. If you got it to work how about some pics?
I'm running a 78-9 Supercab leaf 44 w/ 32" spacing; I think the extra arch from the Chevy 52's allow the drag link to clear. It is extremely close though, I have to keep the adjusters clocked down or they will hit the leaf. Paired it with a Blazer tie rod that I have since sleeved after bending it several times. I'm currently shopping for high steer.
Post build pic:
Wow, that is close but, heh, as long as it works. :beer:
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