Hi this is my first post here, cool site! Anyways, i just finished a power steering conversion on my 76 highboy using a 78 4x4 PS box, but in order to be able to steer equally in both directions i need an adjustable draglink, measures out to about 15 inches on center, the stock non adjustable draglink is only 12.5 inches. Does anyone have a list of part numbers to do this or am i going to have to ream out my steering/pitman arms to be able to use an adjustable chevy draglink like i was originally going to do I have searched all the conversion threads and all that is mentioned is to cut and weld the draglink. Unfortunately that is illegal in Canada (and pretty much anywhere else IMO) and will fail the inspections we have here. Any info would be appreciated!

 

6.5" Lift System · 1978 Ford 1/2-ton F-150 Pickup 4WD · Superlift · www.superlift.com about half way down the page they have a adjustable drag link listed, superlift was the only one I ever knew that made one but Im sure others have, your local 4x4 shop can probably get a better price than that

 

I forgot to mention my truck is not lifted, so a dropped drag link wont work, and that is also for a F150, the steering is crossover style in those trucks. Thanks for the help though!

 

Skyjacker make one for fords however it is offset & adjustable, the part # is "SDL250" it might work or not. you may have to build your own from parts. maybe make one from some rod ends & Some DOM tubing???

Good luck!
RW

P.S. you didn't notch your crossmember did you??? I'm facing the same
Dilemma, to notch or not.

 

Any reason you do not just convert to crossover steering? I mean event though you do not have much lift, why try to build a decent steering system? Even if you build an inverted "T" system. you would be way ahead of the push pull design.
You would have to change the pitman arm so you can clear the crossmember, but you really have a bunch of room. You have more than a stock 78/9 truck.
Do yourself a favor, and dont spin your wheels with the antique steering design.

 

Check my gallery for pictures of my custom adjustable draglink.

 

where did that bracket come from?? the cast/Forged one holding the steering box???

 

Its from a '70's Dodge 4X4. The box can come from the Dodge or an '80's Chevy van, depending on which type of fittings you like, o-ring or compression.

 

Thats a beautiful truck, and please dont take this wrong, but for the same amount of work, why not mount the box like this:



and complete the crossover upgrade? The advantages of this steering off road during heavy suspension cycles is far superior. The longer drag link minimizes negative steering wheel feedback (bumpsteer) and drives so much better.
All in all, the amount of effort is ver similar to build either set-up, but the advantages to the x-over are so much greater.
Perhaps the fabrication to convert a D44 makes it more difficult, but the option of inverted "T" is still superior to the push pull design.
Keep in mind, I am not criticizing your work, it looks awesome, just questioning the use of push pull.

 

Understood. I did that setup 13 years ago to eliminate the ram assist after swapping in a D60 and didn't know any better at the time. I went to a local wrecker and looked for something that was similar to my old setup but with a full power box and found that to be a easy bolt in swap. Over the next few years I got more and more into wheeling, especially rock crawling so I was surrounded by some seriously capable trucks and learned more about it. My buddy with a Blazer was always complaining about his steeering; bumpsteer, not turning when flexed out, etc. I never understood his whining until I drove his truck. It sucked! It tried to change lanes at every little bump on the highway and didn't turn for crap in the rocks. I had never experienced any of that and my truck doesn't even have a stabilizer. 80 mph with 2 fingers on the wheel, no problem. Turning the 38's with 1 finger while sitting in place, no problem. Turning when flexed out, pretty darned good. Note that I mounted the box as far forward as possible so the draglink is alot longer than on the typical push pull.
I guess the point is that I was young, dumb, in a hurry and it was pretty cheap with junk yard parts (I originally lengthened a stock Dodge draglink). I know better now but don't really see the need to change it, especially since the truck is mostly a dd nowadays. Your setup sure is nice though.

 

Well those are very kind words. Everyone is really nice tonight. Maybe i was getting used to the flame fest on another site, and everyone just seems so much nicer by comparisson. I was not discrediting your build, I was only suggesting that an alternative might be appropriate. You answered everything without exception, and now knowing that you performed that upgrade this many years ago is indicative of your desire to better a poor design. Hats off to you. You have a great looking truck. Thank you again for the kind words.
Hope to see your ride in person by the way.
I have an office close to the Harley store off of Camino Capistrano..........
We should meet for lunch some time......

 

Thanks for all the replies, but im really suprised no one has found a combo of ford based parts to make an adjustable DR. I fully realize the benefits of crossover steering (built some offroad trucks) but this is a bone stock truck, and i had the 79 f250 box. It was a easy swap, didnt cut either the rad support or the crossmember. In hindsight i would go with a crossover setup next time, but i figured it was pointless on a truck that only gets used for driving around town, i have a built EB for trails. Besides i was shocked to learn that no one offers an adjustable DR like a chevy/dodge one. Oh well its done now and it is still 100% better than the stock assist crap!

 

I am steering stupid, but what about these guys?

Welcome to the Genuine Bullet Proof Steering System Solution!

 

How did the box end up that far ahead ? You should have been able to use the stock '77.5-'79 drag link.

 

I didnt cut the crossmember, the existing steering box bolt holes in the frame lined up with the newer box, and since the box fits just right between the X member and the rad support, and doesnt hit the spring at full lock, it was good enough for me. Im not sure if it matters but this box came off a 78 ford crewcab 4x4, maybe its different? I honestly figured that moog or some other manufacturer would offer an adjustable DL, since its a pretty important part in order to do a proper alignment. Every other truck with this type of steering uses an adjustable DL. Oh well! My EB uses 1 ton chevy steering, i guess this truck will too!