better steering setup?
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better steering setup?
I recently bought a 71 f250 with a 79 hp44 in the front and the guy put the 79 power steering on it. The truck also has 16/35x16.5 boggers on it and when i bought it the power steering pump was somewhat shot and i put a new one on it. Then i took it offroading and now that pump is pretty shot. so im looking to do some upgrades to the steering setup. so i can turn these wide tires and not keep blowing pumps. The options i am considering are crossover steering, hydraulic assist or maybe trying to adapt the saginaw pump cuz i herd that one is better. I would prefer the cheapest route but ill do what i have to so i can stop worrying about the steering. opinions would be appreciated on which way i should go thanks.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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For all that it is worth, I run 39.5" Boggers, a Saginaw pump, and a crossover. The crossover is one of the best mods one can do. The bumpsteer goes away, and the turning radius is maintained, even throughout suspension cycles. Got relly tired of the truck not turning when it flexed a little. I believe you are on the right track. Think you should try the crossover before you go to the hydro assist. 35" tires will turn pretty easily with the crossover.
Just my $.02.
Just my $.02.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
I had to Fab my own bracket for the pump, so I suspect that you will have to do the same, this means that any year should do. It was a pretty easy install. I was even considering using the box from the donor bow-tie. It was a 2wheel drive, so a crossover would have been possible for that. Your 79' box will accept a new pitman arm that will accomodate the crossover, without changing the box. ( I just learned this from Kubota Orange, on this site )
I am running D60's front and rear, both stuffed with Detroits, and 5.13:1 gears. Front has 35 spline chro-mo inners, and outers, and the rear has 40 spline chro-mo shafts. Guys on this site are not too crazy about the rear 60's, but I have no troubles with mine, I have thrown some money at it to make sure it survives, but I drive my truck like a "rental", I mean, it never sees anything but abuse.
You can find plenty of Crossover arms, for the knuckle of your D44, provide that it is a flat top style. It will require removal, and some drilling, so you can bolt up the arm. See the drivers side, and imagine a mirror image of that on the pass. side. A couple of hose ends, that you can actually make yourself, and you will be in business. Good luck.
I am running D60's front and rear, both stuffed with Detroits, and 5.13:1 gears. Front has 35 spline chro-mo inners, and outers, and the rear has 40 spline chro-mo shafts. Guys on this site are not too crazy about the rear 60's, but I have no troubles with mine, I have thrown some money at it to make sure it survives, but I drive my truck like a "rental", I mean, it never sees anything but abuse.
You can find plenty of Crossover arms, for the knuckle of your D44, provide that it is a flat top style. It will require removal, and some drilling, so you can bolt up the arm. See the drivers side, and imagine a mirror image of that on the pass. side. A couple of hose ends, that you can actually make yourself, and you will be in business. Good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Your 89 is going to have this bumpsteer problem until you decide to install a 'solid axle swap'. You truck is equiped with a TTB front end, and bumpsteer is common. If it has been lifted, then the problem will get worse, especially if the lift kit was purchased without a drop pitman arm. The individual tie rods must be parallel to the I-beams, and travel evenly throughout suspension cycles. If they are not even, the 'toe' will change at different rates, and bumpsteer occurs. Another contributing factor is that shackle design that your truck was born with. It was a poor design at best. These trucks work better with a shackle at the rear of the spring, and not the front.
In order to get your problem under control, you may inspect all of your steering components for wear, and make sure the toe is properly set. If it it lifted, then be sure that you have installed the correct pitman arm for the lift that was installed, and your problems should minimize.
In order to get your problem under control, you may inspect all of your steering components for wear, and make sure the toe is properly set. If it it lifted, then be sure that you have installed the correct pitman arm for the lift that was installed, and your problems should minimize.
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