73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: Zac.richardson1 on October 31, 2016, 06:34:32 pm
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After I put the 6inches of lift under my 85 GMC Sierra it turns most of the way to the right but barely turns to the left. I was told to adjust the drag link but I'm clueless on the topic. Some help would greatly be appreciated
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http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=33146.msg281950#msg281950
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Looks like my problem. Thanks for the help
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Your drag link should be level when your truck is sitting on the ground. Bedazzled has a 4" lift and a dropped steering arm ( the arm on the axle). You can also get a dropped pitman arm for the steering box. If your drag link is at an angle, you will get bump steer. The sharper the angle the worse it will be.
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I talked to a guy at rough country and he suggested a adjustable drag link. What do you think? Here's the link: http://www.roughcountry.com/adjustable-drag-link-6619.html
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Raised arm at the knuckle is good for 4-5, I have about this with just a slight angle on the drag link and Zero Bump Steer.
All my ballpoints are tight and proper preload.
Like said if you needed more than the dropped pitman arm added might do it.
The adjustable link says 4-6, no idea as far as durability goes tho.
Probably cheaper than both the others.
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Adjustable link is ok, geometry can still be off, but much better then it probably is now, best is a raised arm, followed by drop Pittman...actually best is crossover steering, but that's probably outside of this discussion.
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^^^^
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I talked to a guy at rough country and he suggested a adjustable drag link. What do you think? Here's the link: http://www.roughcountry.com/adjustable-drag-link-6619.html
Have you set it correctly first? BTW the stock drag link is adjustable
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I thought it was but I couldn't find anything on how to adjust it. As for it being set correctly, no. It turns way more to the right then to the left or vise versa I don't really remember l. What I do know is that the wheels aren't turning all the way and the drag link is no where near straight like it should be. The lift kit I bought had a new steering arm, but no pitman arm. Should I get a pitman arm? If yes what kind of pitman arm and how far of a drop? Where do I buy? Thanks
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When sitting on the ground the drag link should be level(as stated earlier) if it is not place a small level under the drag link an measure from the bottom of the drag link to the top of the level. That will tell you what size drop pitman you need.
As to adjusting a drag link- remove 1 end(not really necessary unless you are hitting the bumps top on one side only.) you need to find the center of the steering box- turn wheel all the way to left or right, count the turns while turning the wheel the opposite way, divide by two and turn the wheel back that number, mark it somehow in case you knock later. Now with the two bolts on the sleeve of the drag link loosened(and bolted back up, adjust the drag link so the box is centered and the wheels point straight ahead. Use channel grips to twist the sleeve on the drag link.
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The drag link is being a pain in the and won't come off. Beat on it for about 2 hours and it hasn't budged any... i didnt have a level on hand so i made due and it seems to be inbetween a 6-8 inch drop. does this sound about right for a six inch lift?
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Why are you beating on the drag link? What do you need a level for? The drag link does not need to be leveled with a level. If the angle is too excessive either put the correct steering arm on, use a drop pitman or use the offset drag link. I prefer the steering arm and a straight drag link for ease of adjustment.
If you are trying to remove it, take out the cotter pins and castle nuts. Strike the steering arm and the pitman arm where highlighted in the pic or use a pickle fork. do not hit the drag link or the threads on the ball stud.
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I'm trying to find what size pitman arm I need
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If it's a 6-8" drop, then you probably need a 2" drop pitman with a 4" raised steering arm. You don't need a perfectly level drag link, but anything with more then 2" of drop affects steering.
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It came with an aftermarket steering arm. It's only a little bigger than the stock steering arm maybe 2inch rise. Would a 4inch rise on the steering arm still be good?
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Please post a pic of the arm.
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Where is the best place to buy
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I've only seen one size. Then a block under it which I don't recommend. Try the arm and see how it improves your steering.
Check the site store then internet search.
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Got the new 4in steering arm in Saturday and it helped ALOT. There is still about a 2in angle on the draglink. Should a new pitman arm be mandatory or just bought asap.? Haven't got it on there to check cause I messed up the threading beating it off with a hammer, yes I hit the bolts with a hammer, stupid I know.
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2 inch rise is fine, anything more you'll see the steering issues come back
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put on the new draglink and steering arm but I still don't have full steering. Why?
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The more level the better as the drag link goes but don't lose sleep over it. Some bump steer is only annoying, lots of bump steer is dangerous. My take on the bent drag links is they need to be made illegal. An extreme angle between the two ends is always going to be an extreme angle even with a bent bar between them. Bring one end up and the other is stationary (simply put) and the distance between the ends changes, with a bent bar you get the same bump steer as you would if you used a straight bar between them. Solid is solid.
As far as not getting full lock to lock steering...that could be many things. Jack the front up and swing the tires while watching everything, see what may may be interfering. Then look at the bottom of the steering knuckles on the rearward side, there you MIGHT find a couple of bolts screwed into the axle housing and acting as stops for the steering arc. Doubtful but you might get lucky. Mine had them and making the turning radius slightly sharper was easy; but that's another thread.
If you followed Viles instructions on setting the steering box to center there shouldn't be any steering related reason why they won't turn lock to lock. Maybe hitting the oil pan? Toe set seriously poorly? The steering on a K truck is certainly not complicated. Steering wheel, steering column with associated parts, steering box, pitman arm, drag link, steering arm, 2 knuckles and a connecting rod. Not really much to it.