pitman arm
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Do you have power assist steering? Is it in good working condition? If yes, do you have to keep it? I ask this because after lifting trucks, the best way to retain fill lock to lock steering, (during suspension cycle), is to convert to crossover steering. The factory did a fair job for steering, but failed to consider the "lift kit" factor. Many guys really like the "power assist" (here is where I get criticized), but for a well articulating truck, it does'nt work so well, steering becomes limited during suspension flex. anyway if you do have powerassist, you could sell some of your good components (help offset the cost of crossover). Eventully you will go to it, especially if you lift your truck more. Just some food for thought.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
75F350 has very sound advice, definitely something you'll want to consider. Crossover with a power steering box is far more friendly to lifted trucks.
That being said check www.broncograveyard.com or www.ntwonline.com for drop pitman arms.
That being said check www.broncograveyard.com or www.ntwonline.com for drop pitman arms.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Plenty of info here on FTE. Do you have a d60, or a d44? This is important to pruchase the correct arms at the knuckles. FYI, I have made crossover conversions using the stock tie rod, and zero mods to the factory steering knuckles. The factory tie rod already has a hole where the hydro-ram is mounted. This hole will be used to attach the new drag link, once you have replaced the power steering box. A new box that sweeps from left to right will be required to facilitate the crossover. Keep in mind, all of your existing steering components need to be in good "road worthy" condition. That being said, the next step after new box install, is to fab a new drag link. This will tie the box to the tie rod, and you now have a crossover steering system. As you find a greater demand for more strength, then you can modify, or add to this system as you go along. This keeps you from throwing a bunch of dough down, all at once. This also works for d44, and d60's alike. The next time you are in a parking lot, just take a peek at any super duty, Every one comes from the line with this style of steering. Worth lookimg at anyway. Oh yeah, make sure the owner knows you are just lookin, before you start pawin all over his baby.
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I have two F250 high boys one is a 71 and the other is a 74. The 74 has a control valve and a power steering ram. It's similar to the power steering put on early mustangs. It's quite problematic. Lots of steering slop in the center and significant bump steer. (Steering wheel jerks righ or left when hitting a bump). The 71 has a power steering box. It works flawlessly. No bump steer no slop at the top.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: at my house
Ivan has some pics of the crossover setup in his gallery for a look. Also I have a couple of pics of my crossover on the 70 highboy with a 4in lift in my gallery. I used the 2wd PS box, custom draglink and a Hi-steer arm off a seller on ebay. No complaints here. My drop pitman arm and draglink are from bulletproof steering.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
man thanks guys for all the help this is def the way to go i have decided. because i plan on going higher anyway how much did this cost for all the parts ????
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: at my house
My crossover setup
Hi-steer arm 50.00
draglink from BP around 250-300 Has 3/4in heims on both ends
BP's extreme drop pitman arm 110.00
3/4in drill bit 15.00
New drill... HAHAH
My draglink killed the budget because I have no metal working skills, welder or torch. I'm sure it'd be alot cheaper building it yourself. You also have to figure in a PS conversion. Again if you obtain all the parts from the junkyard and other places and fab it in using one of the writeups for the conversion available on the site you'll be golden.
Hi-steer arm 50.00
draglink from BP around 250-300 Has 3/4in heims on both ends
BP's extreme drop pitman arm 110.00
3/4in drill bit 15.00
New drill... HAHAH
My draglink killed the budget because I have no metal working skills, welder or torch. I'm sure it'd be alot cheaper building it yourself. You also have to figure in a PS conversion. Again if you obtain all the parts from the junkyard and other places and fab it in using one of the writeups for the conversion available on the site you'll be golden.
