Steering Upgrade/Overhaul Help

[jtstretch]

I'm wanting to beef up the steering linkage and am unsure what's available to do so. been reading a lot but it gets me goin to rabbit holes I'm not wanting to venture into. Basically this (new to me) FJ40 has a 4" lift (springs/shackles). it doesn't look like they (previous owner) changed any of the steering except for power steering after doing so. the steering is sloppy and wondering a lot. is there a kit available to this i can get or if i have to piece it together that's ok too. would like to use the factory stabilizer bracket as well. i see some pitman arms and tie rod ends have an extra port for it but my current one does not or what are other options? would a drop pitman arm help with the steering as well? beefier knuckle arms? is a high steering kit available to me with the factory knuckles? i don't plan to spring over if i am able to do these upgrades without it.

 

[vfrer]

What kind of power steering?

 

[pb4ugo]

We need to see pics of your power steering conversion. There are a lot of different setups folks do. You may just need to get the steering geometry right. A 4" lift can effect caster which would make the vehicle wander. Tire size info would be helpful too.

 

[jim land]

What year is your 40 ?
Post pics of front suspension, shackles, and steering box


For high steer arms you need 79+ knuckle

 

[jtstretch]

We need to see pics of your power steering conversion. There are a lot of different setups folks do. You may just need to get the steering geometry right. A 4" lift can effect caster which would make the vehicle wander. Tire size info would be helpful too.

Ok cool. 1972. I’m not sure the type but here is a picture of the unit SBC conversion. I’m completely new to this still so I’m learning as I go. 35x1250x15 tires. Wheels are 15x10 I believe.

 

[jtstretch]

What year is your 40 ?
Post pics of front suspension, shackles, and steering box


For high steer arms you need 79+ knuckle

1972 and just posted pics....will that 79 knuckle fit this axel easily?

 

[jim land]

With those shackles, just start with 6° caster shim and a drop pitman arm

 

[jim land]

PS box look weird and is angle too much

 

[Shark56]

This cut out and whole area looks a little suspicious. At minimum will need more support. That cross piece is an integral part of the frame.
Definately will need caster correction shims.
Some more pics of the steering box mounting will be good. Kind of a different angle than normal for the box mounting.

 

[jim land]

1972 and just posted pics....will that 79 knuckle fit this axel easily?

Yes and you get disc brake at same time

 

[jtstretch]

With those shackles, just start with 6° caster shim and a drop pitman arm

what size drop arm?

 

[jtstretch]

Yes and you get disc brake at same time

there is disc all 4 wheels already. where is a good place to get the knuckles? probably need to get lucky and find them used i would imagine

 

[Pighead]

the steering is sloppy and wondering a lot.

Your running 35"s? What's your toe-in? Try more

 

[pb4ugo]

I agree with Jim. The PO hacked my Crossmember in a similar way. It was a nightmare. I patched it a few times but eventually, I had to replace the whole crossmember and adapt Scout/FJ60 steering. You could at minimum use a drop down pitman arm and caster shims. You'll need to measure your current caster angle then figure out what angle caster shims you need to correct the steering. Proper caster will help eliminate wandering. Have someone shake the wheel back and forth and watch for movement in the steering links and especially where the crossmember has been cut. Maybe even start the vehicle and turn the wheel lock to lock and watch the box and crossmember while its under power. You likely wont have to go to hi steer.

 

[jtstretch]

Your running 35"s? What's your toe-in? Try more

yes 35s, and I'm not sure of the toe-in. i haven't got that deep yet, that's why I'm here asking Qs... if i need to change things around I'm good with that, just want to make the right decisions the 1st time.

 

[jim land]

there is disc all 4 wheels already. where is a good place to get the knuckles? probably need to get lucky and find them used i would imagine

Pic of your front caliper

 

[jtstretch]

Pic of your front caliper

 

[Mr. Green]

Had similar setup before changing recently.
4”, extended shackles, 35’s on 15”, manual Saginaw conversion, etc. Previously also had lots of wander but doing a bunch of toe in corrected the wandering. So did confirming all the joints were tight and not worn in steering linkage. Much better road manners after.
Your pitman arm angle is not level. A drop arm helps but a level arm still works, just has more bump steer due to angle.
Fix one thing at a time before shotgunning or body off restoration type rabbit hole.

 

[jim land]

Factory front brake from latter fj40 is a big upgrade compare to this aftermarket kit you have

I see you don't have steering stop and probably more dangerous PO hack , maybe you should get it to mudrak or other land cruiser specialist

 

[jtstretch]

Factory front brake from latter fj40 is a big upgrade compare to this aftermarket kit you have

I see you don't have steering stop and probably more dangerous PO hack , maybe you should get it to mudrak or other land cruiser specialist

do you have a link to a kit or are you talking about the 79 knuckles?