Need some Creative Steering help. (2 Viewers)

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Need some help with a unique steering problem.

The rig: FJ40, SUA with small-pattern knuckles, "classic" Saginaw PS conversion, and front axle moved forward about 2.0 inches.

The problem: want to change the pitman arm to a longer one for improved steering, but have a problem with interference between the pitman arm and the drag link.

The only way I can figure to fit a longer pitman arm is to move the drag link behind the axle tube, using the cross-over steering arms from 4x4 Labs:

4×4labs Frombe Steer – High Crossover Steering System | 4×4 Labs

Can anyone think of another solution??

Thanks!

Alan

 

[awp_cruiser]

I vote ditch the forward saginaw and go 60 box or scout box.

I know, no help at all!

Andy

 

[spotcruiser]

What's the issue with your steering as it is now, Alan? Do you feel that you are not getting full travel out of the steering box?

 

[Mace]

What exactly is "improved" steering?

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

To get a better turning radius Todd.

What's the issue with your steering as it is now, Alan? Do you feel that you are not getting full travel out of the steering box?

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Thanks for the reply Mace.

Looking to improve the turning radius. A buddy said that using a longer pitman arm would help in this regard. The current 'arm on the PS gearbox is 5.0 inches from (hole) center-to-center.

-Alan

What exactly is "improved" steering?

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Oh, just more "project creep," of course!

-Alan

I vote ditch the forward saginaw and go 60 box or scout box.

I know, no help at all!

Andy

 

[D'Animal]

If the steering limiters on the axle and knuckle are hitting, how can you improve the turning radius?

 

[spotcruiser]

Yea, are you running out of pitman arm travel before hitting the steering stops?

 

[Mace]

Thanks for the reply Mace.

Looking to improve the turning radius. A buddy said that using a longer pitman arm would help in this regard. The current 'arm on the PS gearbox is 5.0 inches from (hole) center-to-center.

-Alan

If the steering limiters on the axle and knuckle are hitting, how can you improve the turning radius?

Yea, are you running out of pitman arm travel before hitting the steering stops?

This is important. If it is your steering stops limiting your turning radius then there is nothing a longer pittman arm can do for you. Might want to make sure you are not barking up the wrong tree.

Assuming that it is not the steering stops. What steering arms do you have on there right now? A 5" center to center Pittman arm seems pretty darn short.

You can also shorten your Knuckle steering arms (Hysteer or not??)

It is a balancing act between the length of the pittman arm and the length of the knuckle arms. They should be matched.

Did you want to improve your turning radius on the street? Off road?? How close do your tires get to rubbing on the leaf springs?

If you have a locker in the rear, swapping for an arb would do your steering wonders. Much easier on components as well.

 

[Tapage]

If you have a locker in the rear, swapping for an arb would do your steering wonders. Much easier on components as well.

good shot here Mace .. or even if you have front auto locker .. a open diff definatelly improve your steering ratio ..

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Thanks for the replies!

I put all the parts back on today, jacked the tires off of the floor, and tested the turning.

Yes, the steering stops on both sides are limiting the turning. The steering stop bolts are adjusted .75 of an inch out. Is it safe to run without the steering stops?

Admittedly, the front tires at this point are getting close to hitting the leaf springs. No way to prevent that, short of installing wheel spacers or a wider front axle.

The rig is using stock steering (knuckle) arms, and does run auto lockers front and rear.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Alan

 

[D'Animal]

No it is not safe to run without steering stops. You will begin to break Birfs since they are allowed to move beyond the optimum angle they were designed to operate at.

 

[Mace]

If you upgrade to longs, you can turn your steering stops in for tighter steering.

Stock birfs, you are not going to enjoy the longevity.

 

[Tapage]

allowing a huge turning ratio ( with no steering stops ) won't hurt king pin bearings too ..? now I don't have steering stops but my ram it's doing that job .. ( thought )