cross over steering
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: canada
cross over steering
hey there guys i just recently purchased a dana 60 front end out of a 95 f350 with cross over steering, as for my 76 f250 high boy i have the old pitman arm steering, just wondering what i could do to make my front axle steer, do i need to remount a steering box? does anyone have any pictures of what they've done anything would be of great help as my trucks apart in the drive way lol
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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Two things, actually more than two, but first of all, ,you will have to change the box. You need a box that can swing the pitman arm from left to right. this will require a sector shaft that points straight down, and not out of the side of the frame like you cuerrently have.
Then you will have to understand that the donor axle acctually has an "Inverted T" design steering. this means that the drag link attaches to the tie rod and not to the knuckle like a typical aftermarket crossover steering would do.
Once you change the box, even the Inverted T steering is aceptable and provided you dont have a crazy mad lift kit, your angles will be alright and the steering will still be better than any push pull design.
Next thing is how are you going to bolt up the axle under the truck? Have you measured the spring pads yet?
Measure the frame under the truck, and then measure the pads on the donor axle and you will see what I mean.
Then you will have to understand that the donor axle acctually has an "Inverted T" design steering. this means that the drag link attaches to the tie rod and not to the knuckle like a typical aftermarket crossover steering would do.
Once you change the box, even the Inverted T steering is aceptable and provided you dont have a crazy mad lift kit, your angles will be alright and the steering will still be better than any push pull design.
Next thing is how are you going to bolt up the axle under the truck? Have you measured the spring pads yet?
Measure the frame under the truck, and then measure the pads on the donor axle and you will see what I mean.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: canada
i measured the pads on the doner axle there a 3 inch pad only thing different is where the pads bolt to the springs it looks as if i am going to have to take off the pads and re weld them to the right spot does this sound right?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
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yes this is close to what I was getting at. However, If I am not mistaken the D60 from 96 does not have the spring perch cast into the diff. The frame width on your early ford is going to place the driver side spring right on the outside of the diff, and you will have to get very creative with making a perch. Moving the pad in I do not believe is going to be as easy as you think.
The pass side is gravy, but the driver side is gonna get interesting.
The pass side is gravy, but the driver side is gonna get interesting.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
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From: St George, SC I-95
Most people mount the leaf spring outboard of the frame rail when using a newer model D60. This means you must fabricate some sort of front crossmember to atatch the front of the spring and then use a rear spring hanger (like found on the rear of the truck) to atatch the spring in the rear. This allows you to use the stock spring pad...or close to it..instead of making some weird booger welded side of the dif spring perch. I know Pro did this but he isnt on here anymore. Others have as well but I cant give you a name off the top of my head.
