Skyjacker
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Central,IL
Skyjacker
Well I installed my Skyjacker suspension lift yesterday and I ran into a problem with the steering. They sent me a dropped pitman arm and draglink but the problem is the ball stud on the draglink is hinting the housing. I called skyjacker and They told me that I have a Dana 44hd and what they gave me is for the light duty and they don’t make anything for my 44hd. Has anyone else ran into this problem and how did they fix it. I have some crappy drawings to show what im talking about. The truck is a 1978 F250 and the lift is a 6in skyjacker.
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From: Rep. of Texas
I would say the best way to fix it is crossover steering. That will also significantly reduce bumpsteer.
If you didnt want to do that because of cost, then you would probably have to get a new drag link fabricated, or DIY.
If you didnt want to do that because of cost, then you would probably have to get a new drag link fabricated, or DIY.
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From: Central,IL
I just dont understand why they didn't make a steering arm with about 3 more inches of rise. What is the diff between the light duty 44 and the Heavy duty 44. Is it possible to take the steering arm off a light duty dana44 then put it on my 44hd.
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From: Central,IL
Now im totally lossed. I just called 4 Wheel Parts and they said Someone swapped axles in my truck because ford used ttb in 1978 not the solid axle like I have. I'm getting really aggravated with these people considering I spent $3900 on lift,tires,and gears that they said was for my truck.
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From: Rep. of Texas
Proeliator has a 79 i think. He went to crossover. He kinda had to.
Other than that I dont know of anyone with a HD44 in a 250 with a lift 78-79.
The only two options that I know of are having a new draglink fabricated or installing crossover steering. Id go crossover steering no matter what.
Other than that I dont know of anyone with a HD44 in a 250 with a lift 78-79.
The only two options that I know of are having a new draglink fabricated or installing crossover steering. Id go crossover steering no matter what.
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From: Central,IL
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Post Fiend
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From: Oregon
It can be done for pretty cheap if you do the work yourself. With your year you don't have to change out your steering box which makes it easier. Your pretty much into it the cost of the dropped pittman arm, steering arm, and linkage. $200 is a good ballpark figure. Ivan and I both have pics of our x-over in our galleries that you should find helpfull too. Also, if you search its also been covered several times in length. I can't believe 4wheelparts told you that about your axle 
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
Mine cost me about $200. I paid $50 for my steering arm and $50 for the drop pitman. I looked around and got really good deals on those, otherwise you can pay close to $100 each for them. The DOM for the link cost me $35, the tube ends were $10 each and then about $40 for the tie rod ends. It was really easy to build and far less expensive than the "kits".
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From: Central,IL
Do I need a new pass side knuckle or do I keep mine and can I keep the pitman arm that I ordered from skyjacker part# FA325. Id also like a site that shows how to do this. I didnt wanna to do the crossover at first but know I cant wait to do it.
Last edited by fearfactory; Apr 1, 2006 at 05:54 PM.
Posting Guru
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From: Coal Country, ND
Pertaining to putting crossover steering in a 78-79 F250 with a DANA 44, I know that you lucky guys running a Dana 60 up front can find a new cap for the passenger side with a "tab" for a steering arm on it in which to attach the new drag link to, but what about us 44 guys? (Don't say find a 60, I'm not ready for that yet)
I'm pretty good a fabbing stuff and be thinking more about going x-over but I haven't seen a solution yet.
I'm pretty good a fabbing stuff and be thinking more about going x-over but I haven't seen a solution yet.
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From: Central,IL
uuuhhhh,so what your saying is I wont beable to do a crossover with my Dana44
damn I got all happy for nothing, that sucks. I was at my freinds drinking telling him how i fixed it
damn I got all happy for nothing, that sucks. I was at my freinds drinking telling him how i fixed it
Posting Guru
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From: Coal Country, ND
I think you missunderstand what I was saying. I'm not an authority on X-over, but I don't think that I've seen it done on our 44HD trucks, but I've seen it on alot of 60's.
BTW my 79 250 has 4" Superlift springs up front with a Skyjacker adj. draglink and I don't have your problem to your extent, but my rod ends are slightly angled. I think that I just need to loosen the jam nuts and adjust a little to get them straight, but I'm sure you've explored this option.
BTW my 79 250 has 4" Superlift springs up front with a Skyjacker adj. draglink and I don't have your problem to your extent, but my rod ends are slightly angled. I think that I just need to loosen the jam nuts and adjust a little to get them straight, but I'm sure you've explored this option.
Last edited by unrulee; Apr 1, 2006 at 09:33 PM.
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From: Central,IL
Yea ive tried adjusting the draglink but it doesnt help at all. I dont even think you could hit a pothole without it bending or breaking. It would prob work if the draglink didnt need to attach from under the steering arm,but im just gonna see what I can do with the cossover. Ill try and find my camera software and take a few pics of whats going on.