73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Highs (Raising/Lifts) => Topic started by: Drobbs 85 on December 25, 2007, 10:34:52 pm
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I plan on getting a Tuff Country 2 or 3 inch lift kit for my 85 K10. I cant decide whether to get the 2 or 3...Would I need a drop steering arm or anything with the 3 inch lift or would I be fine without it? Some have told me that my steering would be out of whack and it would wear quicker If I didnt get it..? Also would the axle wrap be worse with the 3 inch? Those two things are keeping me away from the 3 inch..I know you guys hate blocks but I just really dont have the money right now for some rear springs or shackle flip..Thanks.
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I have heard that you don't need the arm until 4". It is true you can adjust the steering with the drag link. I did this on my 84 K 10. When I got it it had 2" blocks in the back and 2" box tube made from angle iron welded to gether to make tube in the front! Can you say caveman? I took it out and put two rear positive arch springs in place of it. I then adjusted the wheel strait with the drag link. Before this it took and acre of land to turn right and none at all to turn left. After I adjusted it it is equal both ways.
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I never had the need for a drop steering arm for anything 3 and less....Its nice to have...But any time u do a lift u should make sure Ur brake lines are up to par...Thay might look good on the outside but not on the inside...And if u ever wanted to go past 3inch lift...u would be ready to go
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Ok guys thans for the help, I got my lift and installed it this weekend. Blazin, now its doing the same thing that you described. When the wheels are straight my steering wheel isnt straight, it also wont turn as far to the right as it will to the left..Wheres the drag link and how do I go about adjusting it?
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What size lift did you put in? The drag link connects the Pitman arm to the steering arm. If you went more than 2Inch lift you should change the steering arm.
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I put a 2 inch on it..
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Blazin...?
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All you need to do to adjust the drag link is turn the adjuster sleeve on it. Loosen the clamps on the sleeve and rotate it with the wheels pointed straight ahead. When the steering wheel is close to straight test drive it and fine tune it from there until your steering wheel is straight ahead when going down the road. This won't set your individual toe so if your total toe is off you'll need to set that by having an alignment done. Adjusting the drag link will get your steering wheel pointed in the right direction but if you have insufficient toe out on turns and your total toe is correct, replace the steering arm.
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Ok I got the clamps loose but just how did yall go about turning it? I've tried and it wont budge..Sorry, dumb question I know
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soak it with penetrating oil. Then where the split is in the sleeve take a tapered chisel in the space between the two tie rod ends and smack it in there with a hammer. This will help spread it open a little. You can put a little heat on the sleeve also but the correct tool is this (http://www.mytoolstore.com/astro/7802.jpg) autozone sells a similar one. Also a brake spoon or just wedging something in the groove and rotating it will work if it's not seized too bad.