How to achieve tighter steering?

[YellowTruck]

87 Chevy v30 with 6inch lift, Dana 60 rear end, and 38.5” boggers. Ever since I got the thing it’s had extremely loose steering. 45° of play either direction. Replaced the steering box a while back but it really didn’t help. What are some things I should try replacing to help tighten up the steering and make for a more enjoyable driving experience?

 

[Shorty81]

Well.. From past experiences, the 6" lift and 38.5 boggers are not conducive to tight steering. Aftermarket steering boxes are garbage. Hit or miss. Do you have the correct steering arm to your lift??

 

[nvrenuf]

I agree, a lot will depend on what steering correction pieces you currently have.

 

[Radiohead]

And whether or not there's a crack in the frame where the steering gear bolts on.

 

[bucket]

A lot will also depend on if there is loose/worn components as well.

While a helper rocks the steering wheel back and forth, look underneath for slop in anything and everything.

 

[Vbb199]

Make sure the leafs are tight and their bushings aren't broke down also, that'll cause the whole axle and leafs to move side to side

 

[Kurnacopia]

Look at the Steering shaft and see how worn the rag joint is. This design allows a lot of slop no matter if new or not. Check out this Jeep steering shaft hack. It replaces the Chevy shaft with a Jeeps shaft which has no rag joint. I am doing this now to my 78 Cheyenne 4x4.

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[77 K20]

And whether or not there's a crack in the frame where the steering gear bolts on.

And even if the frame isn't cracked it is still flexing. ORD sells braces that help strengthen and reinforce the frame up there.

https://www.offroaddesign.com/steering/steering-box-braces-frame-repair.html

 

[wlwarnke]

After checking/fixing and issues, then crossover steering. I also made a receiver hitch for the front of my K5. It’s handy for all receiver hitch type purposes (cargo carrier, recovery point, backing trailers into tight spots), but it also ties the two frame rails together very well to prevent flexing.

I only have 35s but my 16 year old daughter and wife have no issues driving down the highway.

 

[SquareRoot]

After checking/fixing and issues, then crossover steering. I also made a receiver hitch for the front of my K5. It’s handy for all receiver hitch type purposes (cargo carrier, recovery point, backing trailers into tight spots), but it also ties the two frame rails together very well to prevent flexing.

I only have 35s but my 16 year old daughter and wife have no issues driving down the highway.

 

[wlwarnke]

Don’t have any pics of the hitch. I’ll try to remember to take some after work. Everyone knows what crossover looks like.

 

[1990suburban2500]

I dont love the idea of grinding anything on my steering assembly, im wondering if a different bolt with a longer shoulder might work. I know Borgson makes replacement shafts but their like $350 or something insane. How much better is the cross over steering, is it work the money? Ive got a V2500 on 33's, super mellow and i like it that way, do lots of highway miles and the play in the steering wheel is exhausting and dangerous.

 

[Kurnacopia]

I have the frame support welded on but will be adding this as well. It uses torsion across the mid cross member for support instead of relying on just frame stiffness:

Bolt In Steering Box Brace for '67-72 GM 4WD Trucks

The straight axle GM trucks are notorious for frame cracks in the steering box mounting area. This kit is designed to prevent that problem by eliminating the frame flex caused by increased steering loads like lifts, big tires and off-road use.

www.offroaddesign.com

Look at the following:
Rag Joint
Frame cracks
Bad steering gear or needs adjusting
replace rag type with jeep steering type - google that
get rid of non radial tires

 

[wlwarnke]

I dont love the idea of grinding anything on my steering assembly, im wondering if a different bolt with a longer shoulder might work. I know Borgson makes replacement shafts but their like $350 or something insane. How much better is the cross over steering, is it work the money? Ive got a V2500 on 33's, super mellow and i like it that way, do lots of highway miles and the play in the steering wheel is exhausting and dangerous.

You must have like 2” min lift to be able to run crossover.

If you’re running stock (flat springs) then you also shouldn’t really have severe bump steer.

Crossover isn’t going to fix any looseness in your steering.

My buddy told me he checked and inspected everything but still had loose steering.

I helped investigate, we found a cracked frame and worn column bearings.

If you steering is sloppy. Check it all from rooter to tooter. Something is bad.

I now have Crossover and Hydro Assist and absolutely love it.

 

[wlwarnke]

Totally forgot about pics. Then remembered pics but not what to take them of and couldn’t find this thread. I’m old, gimme a break.