Turning Radius
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 489
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From: Western Kentucky
Turning Radius
Our trucks have the turning radius of a semi. This hasn't bothered me until I starting pulling a 30' gooseneck. So I got under my truck and turned it as sharp as I could and measured the distance from the tire to the spring. This was 2", so I measured and cut 1.5" of each bump stop. Man it turns much sharper now, but I took just a little too much. 
At its sharpest turn, the back of the tire will rub the spring. I may drill and tap the end and put a bolt in or see if I can weld a little tip. I think 1 - 1.25" would have been enough. I had a Chevy years ago that had bolts that I took out and worked great.
At its sharpest turn, the back of the tire will rub the spring. I may drill and tap the end and put a bolt in or see if I can weld a little tip. I think 1 - 1.25" would have been enough. I had a Chevy years ago that had bolts that I took out and worked great.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I would be worried about jamming the steering gear.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
I was wondering about the steering stablizer shock as well. It would be nice to turn shorter.
Greg. Have you looked at all the steering parts with the wheels turned all the way? Any more thoughts on this?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
I don't know much about Welding, but I was told our bump stops are Cast iron, and welding is pretty hard to pull off with that and still be strong? Not sure.....maybe somebody can shed a little more light on that subject
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2008
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Welding cast iron isn't a problem at all. I weld things made of cast iron all the time at work. The problem comes with cast iron gets old and "rotten" or has been hot and cold alot of times such as an exhaust manifold. Welding am old cracked exhaust manifold is just wasting time because it won't hold long no matter how good a welder you are. Anyways I wouldn't think the bump stops would be any trouble to weld at all. Just my 2 cents.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 40
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I do love the idea of being able to turn sharper though. I'm used to driving short wheel base trucks all my life. I've given up on parking in between two vehicles unless I have a straight shot. Otherwise I just park out by myself. That way I don't look like an idiot pulling up, backing up, turning, backing up again......and so on
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 489
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From: Western Kentucky
I just got back from hauling hay. The turning radius made backing a lot easier. I turned my steering from all the way and checked everything. I don't see anything binding and the steering stablizer looks OK. It is only an inch or so, but you can really tell it in the turn. I thing I am going to drill and tap the end of the bump stop and put a bolt in there for adjustment. I wish I had cut it at about 1" and no more than 1.25" so a bolt should work good.
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Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
I just got back from hauling hay. The turning radius made backing a lot easier. I turned my steering from all the way and checked everything. I don't see anything binding and the steering stablizer looks OK. It is only an inch or so, but you can really tell it in the turn. I thing I am going to drill and tap the end of the bump stop and put a bolt in there for adjustment. I wish I had cut it at about 1" and no more than 1.25" so a bolt should work good.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,241
Likes: 1
From: Powder Springs, East TN
Greg please keep us informed on this because if it doesn't cause any major steering problems I am going to start getting the front parking spot at walmart! I know I miss my ext. cab short bed when it comes to working a trailer around.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 461
Likes: 1
just subscribing to make sure I keep up with the up dates.
Barring any negatives, I may do this. The traffic engineers in my town seem to think U-turns are the best way for traffic to flow.
Can you post some pics for those of us who like to be real sure we're cutting the right thing?
Barring any negatives, I may do this. The traffic engineers in my town seem to think U-turns are the best way for traffic to flow.
Can you post some pics for those of us who like to be real sure we're cutting the right thing?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 5
From: West Tx
I'm kinda curious how this would work with the front end weighted down or on uneven ground turned at full lock... I know my 305's would rub on full lock on uneven ground.
On a side note, Have ya'll seen how tight the 'big boy' Dana 60 wide front axle turns on the 05+ 450 and 550s? They cut almost 45* in either direction which makes for a really small turning radius... Then again, I like driving my 'bus' haha
On a side note, Have ya'll seen how tight the 'big boy' Dana 60 wide front axle turns on the 05+ 450 and 550s? They cut almost 45* in either direction which makes for a really small turning radius... Then again, I like driving my 'bus' haha
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,158
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From: Paramount, Ca
Wow, I have been complaining at how big the truck is when turning. I have to turn on my street everyday and it gets to be a pain if people are waiting. Sometimes I just go over the edge of the sidewalk to hurry, not the tall curb just where it comes down for the ramp.