Need datsun steering help - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Samurai202 · 07-16-2004, 12:08 AM

I have a 1978 Datsun with a dana 30 fron 4x4conversion. It has a basically stock style steering set-up with a drop pitnam arm. Anyway the steering absolutely sucks. It takes a ton of cranks to get the tires to turn and it doesnt feel like the tires are all the way turned. Anyway I am wondering if there is a better then stock steering gear box, something with a better ratio????Or maybe I need a new steering gear box? Any suggestions? Maybe a nissan?

Edit here are some pics

TRed · 07-16-2004, 10:38 AM

I have a suggestion, post some pics! I am sure we could work out the details of your steering, but lets see it first.

Samurai202 · 07-16-2004, 08:11 PM

I added some pics, but I forgot the specs so here we go
Dana30 front
dana44 rear
Built buick V-6
buick turbo350 with hurst shifter/kit
married toyota transfercase
unknown suspension lift
some sort of body lift
36x12.5 TSL bias ply's

TRed · 07-16-2004, 08:26 PM

i need to see the steering arangment please. looks neat, i would paint it though.

Samurai202 · 07-16-2004, 08:41 PM

It really is just a standard steering set-up. Nothing fancy. The only thing that looks out of place is the steering box. But here is where the drag link attaches to the pitnam arm:

Here is the steering gear box:

I didnt snap a picture of the tie rod cause it's straight and normal. No hysteer or anything. The drag link has a slight angle. My problem is it just doesnt feel like I have the full turning radiaus, also the amount of revolutions to get there. It does have an aftermarket steering stabalizer I wonder if it could be to short or to long maybe????

Samurai202 · 07-16-2004, 08:43 PM

also come to think about it, it does have a body lift so the must have extended the steering shaft somewhere......I wonder if that has anything to do with it......

TRed · 07-16-2004, 09:55 PM

Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the system for loose or wasted components. Looks like you can save the steering, if it is the box, see if they are available and maybe buy one. Looks like it can work again to me.

07-16-2004, 12:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
Samurai202 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Member # 9869 Location: OREGON COAST Posts: 254	Need datsun steering helpwith pics I have a 1978 Datsun with a dana 30 fron 4x4conversion. It has a basically stock style steering set-up with a drop pitnam arm. Anyway the steering absolutely sucks. It takes a ton of cranks to get the tires to turn and it doesnt feel like the tires are all the way turned. Anyway I am wondering if there is a better then stock steering gear box, something with a better ratio????Or maybe I need a new steering gear box? Any suggestions? Maybe a nissan? Edit here are some pics Last edited by Samurai202; 07-16-2004 at 08:08 PM. Reason: add pics

07-16-2004, 10:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
TRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Member # 12100 Location: Priskitt AZ Posts: 1,168	I have a suggestion, post some pics! I am sure we could work out the details of your steering, but lets see it first. __________________ Quote: Originally Posted by randii if you're a Pickle, rolling down the trail in a Smurf, dispensing bowls of dicks. FWIW, I don't want to see pictures of that, either! Randii

07-16-2004, 08:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
TRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Member # 12100 Location: Priskitt AZ Posts: 1,168	i need to see the steering arangment please. looks neat, i would paint it though. __________________ Quote: Originally Posted by randii if you're a Pickle, rolling down the trail in a Smurf, dispensing bowls of dicks. FWIW, I don't want to see pictures of that, either! Randii

07-16-2004, 09:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
TRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Member # 12100 Location: Priskitt AZ Posts: 1,168	Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the system for loose or wasted components. Looks like you can save the steering, if it is the box, see if they are available and maybe buy one. Looks like it can work again to me. __________________ Quote: Originally Posted by randii if you're a Pickle, rolling down the trail in a Smurf, dispensing bowls of dicks. FWIW, I don't want to see pictures of that, either! Randii

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07-16-2004, 08:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Samurai202 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Member # 9869 Location: OREGON COAST Posts: 254	I added some pics, but I forgot the specs so here we go Dana30 front dana44 rear Built buick V-6 buick turbo350 with hurst shifter/kit married toyota transfercase unknown suspension lift some sort of body lift 36x12.5 TSL bias ply's

07-16-2004, 08:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
Samurai202 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Member # 9869 Location: OREGON COAST Posts: 254	It really is just a standard steering set-up. Nothing fancy. The only thing that looks out of place is the steering box. But here is where the drag link attaches to the pitnam arm: Here is the steering gear box: I didnt snap a picture of the tie rod cause it's straight and normal. No hysteer or anything. The drag link has a slight angle. My problem is it just doesnt feel like I have the full turning radiaus, also the amount of revolutions to get there. It does have an aftermarket steering stabalizer I wonder if it could be to short or to long maybe????

07-16-2004, 08:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
Samurai202 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Member # 9869 Location: OREGON COAST Posts: 254	also come to think about it, it does have a body lift so the must have extended the steering shaft somewhere......I wonder if that has anything to do with it......