Dana 60 Steering

[AKMark]

First a Poll, yeah, I'm sure of the way it will go but want to get it out there.

I've sourced a D60 and another 14FF I'll be using for my swap. So now I need to get the steering figured out.

If I go the cheaper route, I will be bracing the steering box so that it doesn't remove itself from my frame, and probably purchasing a special drag link from superlift, (link here (http://www.superlift.com/accessories/draglink.asp)) that is shaped kindof like an S that allows the stock steering box to be used and no other mods to the steering will be required. This however will probably give me some bumpsteer, but I'm used to it.

Second, more expensive, but probably better in the long run is crossover steering. I don't have the money for a HI-steer setup at this time as that almost doubles the cost and yeah, I don't have that kind of money right now. I've found the following kits,

Off road unlimited (http://www.offroadunlimited.com/ProductCart/PC/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=425&idproduct=29)

Black birds custom trucks (http://www.blackbirdscustomtrucks.com/index12.html)

ORU's is about twenty bucks more, but they definitely have a good reputation for a decent product. Never heard of Blackbirds before, but someone told me to check them out. I see BB has free shipping on online orders, in the lower 48. I'll probably try to call both companies tomorrow and see how they'd ship up here and how much they'd charge for it.


My mind is about 80% made up that I'm just gonna pony up for crossover and do it now instead of later. But I'm open to other thoughts on how to do this. I have sourced a 2wd steering box, so that's not an issue. Let me know what you think. If you know a cheaper way to get crossover, I'm all ears. It's just got to be strong.

[AKMark]

Found another one.

Sky manufacturing. (http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/chevy_gmc.htm)

I almost might be able to afford their hi-steer kit, but we'll see.

[Advent]

Why do you need high steer? Unless it's one of the good behind-the-axle ones, it's going to really screw up your on-road handling.

Anyways, the 3 crossover companies you listed are all pretty decently known. ORD seems to have a flawless reputation, Sky is pretty well known in the Toyota world, and Blackbird offers a military discount IIRC.

[AKMark]

I don't need Hi-steer, but it's still a nice system. Just ideas.

Thanks for the input!

[AK20]

I would definetly do x-over now, period, one of the single greatest upgrades you can do for a lifted Chevy. I would however look really hard at the setup from Offroad Design rather than the two you already listed, for a couple reasons...

1. You know two people who have been running this setup for sometime now with out issues, ie Kevin and I.
2. Proven reliability with their parts, can't speak for BB, heard both good and bad on ORU.
3. One of the main differences I notice is the studs for the steering arm, ORU doesn't list these as part of the kits, BB does but not Chromo, ORD uses ARP Chromo studs...pretty improtant to make sure that bad boy stays were it should...

Plus the ORD setup looks the beefiest of the three IMO, most expensive at $445, but they say you get what you pay for so.

EDIT: You posted the Sky link while I was typing, heard nothing but great things about Sky, this would be my second choice personally.

[AKMark]

I'm just throwing out what I've found or heard of.

I knew you and Kev ran the ORD setups, but wanted to know what's the difference.

Getting it here in a timely manner so that I can get these axles under the K-5 as soon as possible so I can iron a few kinks out prior to shipping it. I may have to drive it from Oakland to Beale which is about a three and a half hour drive if you can do 70 on the interstate.

[naturalbornmudder]

Blackbirds really gave troubles to AJ when he was doing his 1 ton steering/brake upgrades. I cant find the thread but it was a ridiculous situation that I think he never did get resolved to his satisfaction.


I may have to drive it from Oakland to Beale which is about a three and a half hour drive if you can do 70 on the interstate.
:fishslap:
:troutslap:

:slap:

[AKMark]

Whatever happened to the guy who didn't want his trailer in Oakland? :D

I still want to be able to drive this thing down the road safely, and yeah, D60 baby!

[ChevyKev]

ORD is tha absolute best way to go in my opinion.

Blackbirds - I wouldn't buy anything from after the way they treated AJ. Nate didn't give the situation justice when he said it was "ridiculous" it was more like criminal. Again, I won't buy from them and strongly recommend no one else do either... unless you just want to get taken.

Steering box reinforcement - don't simply plan to do this if you go the cheaper route. My box ripped off the frame even with the crossover set-up. reinforce it up front, regardless.

[AKMark]

Okay, so I guess I better call ORD and get this thing ordered.

What do I need to get to reinforce the box?

[naturalbornmudder]

Kev's right. I didnt give the situation justice. AJ dealt with blackbirds in a professional decent manner and they jerked him around over and over until hehad to get nasty. I think you got the point, avoid them.

As for bracing the steering box, Kev has a good plan for it. I have done it before with some plate welded to either side to strengthen it up , and drill out the holes to larger diameter and sleeve it with some tube to help with the compression stabilization.

[AK20]

Okay, so I guess I better call ORD and get this thing ordered.

What do I need to get to reinforce the box?

For reinforcement I just used the weld-in brace kit from BDS, picked it up at Cherokees in town for $60 check it out here (http://www.bds-suspension.com/php/ProductDetails.php?rid=1&acc=23), BDS's site says over a hundred bucks...so I don't know if they've went up or what, might be worth checking into in town if your pressed for time.

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/8/8/Picture_021.jpg

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/8/8/Picture_024.jpg

[78calico]

I dealt with ORD when I did my D44 crossover. They machined my knuckles and sold me a pitman arm. I was happy with their service but the arm wouldn't work for my application. They know Chevy's better than Fords so you shouldn't have to worry about that one. I will be purhasing my D60 Highsteer arms from ORD or SKY but the links I'll be fabbing.

[AKMark]

For reinforcement I just used the weld-in brace kit from BDS, picked it up at Cherokees in town for $60 check it out here (http://www.bds-suspension.com/php/ProductDetails.php?rid=1&acc=23), BDS's site says over a hundred bucks...so I don't know if they've went up or what, might be worth checking into in town if your pressed for time.


I spoke to Kev and he had a good idea on reinforcement using a piece of the frame from the truck donating it's steering box.

[AKMark]

I ordered the ORD Dana 60 crossover setup yesterday.

They said they'd ship it Priority Mail no later than Tuesday, maybe by Monday.

[ChevyKev]

I spoke to Kev and he had a good idea on reinforcement using a piece of the frame from the truck donating it's steering box.

except Kevin was wrong. The 2wd frames are different than the 4wd frames and I do not think the 2wd frame piece will work. Although our other donor truck should work.

[AKMark]

Okay, so we got parts one way or the other. If we need to go and buy some metal to make this thing pure beef, no prob.