Steering Box Question - 2wd to 4wd conversion r3500 Crew Cab

[Skyfall]

Hello all...

I read this thread about the steering boxes (https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/squarebody-steering-box-id-and-interchange.3991/) and I noticed how similar the 2wd and 4wd steering boxes are.

My question is:

If I purchase a dropped pitman arm from someone like ORD and place it at the correct angle, can I use it after I swap in a straight axle into my 1991 r3500 in a push/pull steering configuration? I want to install a GM sway bar which is why I'd opt for the bump-steer prone push/pull steering.

I've spent hours researching the Crew Cab 2wd to 4wd swap and can't seem to find an answer to this one.

Regards,

 

[bucket]

The two boxes use a different sector shaft.

What axle are you installing? What springs are you going to use? What are you going to use the truck for?

 

[Bennyt]

Will it bolt-on? It should but if I recall, arent the tie rod mounting pad angles different which might cause a bind?

What size tires are you planning on running? On my K5, I bought the parts to do crossover steering but never did as I wanted to retain the sway bar. I figured the benefit of a sway bar on a 90% street driven outweighed the bump steer. I never felt the bump steer was that bad and I ran 33's, 35's and 37's.

The best would be to do crossover and build a new sway bar. Probably cost $500 or so in parts plus fabrication. I'd contact swayaway and/ or ORD.

I'd also look at the ck5.com website.

 

[bucket]

The reason I was curious about specifics was because crossover steering is simple and cheap with a 2wd box and a D60. And even for 100% street use, the sway bar is completely not needed, unless the springs are very soft and/or the rig is top heavy for whatever reason.

I've said it a bunch here over the years and I'll say it again too, lol. Most anyone that says they need the sway bar for street/highway use, has not actually ran without one to see how it is.

 

[Skyfall]

Thanks to all of you for engaging in this discussion~!

I am planning on running a Dana 44 or Corporate 10-bolt from a K20 or K30 truck or Suburban. I am still trying to find one.

This truck will be a road queen and not my daily driver. I've previously owned/restored 3 square body trucks, this is my first crew cab and first 2wd.

I am going to install 6" of lift, 15x14 Bart wheels and 35/16/15 Super Swamper Boggers. If it was a daily driver, I wouldn't do this, but it isn't so I am going with the look I want versus comfort. I ran 36" Mickey Thompson MTZs on my last truck (1985 Suburban) and they rode like a car.

If I can use my steering box and an dropped pitman arm, that is what I'd prefer to do, bump-steering issues and all. I can always upgrade in the future.

---
Bucket, I believe what you are saying about the sway bar 100% --You are right, I've never driven one of these trucks without it. I have driven one without steering stabilizers and experienced the death wobble at 35 MPH...never doing that again.
---

Regards,

 

[Skyfall]

Here are a couple pictures of my '85 Suburban.

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[bucket]

Here are a couple pictures of my '85 Suburban.

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That's a familiar combination!

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[Skyfall]

Nice Suburban!

I think I have all of the information that I need, but I have one more question. Is $515.00 a good prince for a used Dana 44 front end (with 4.10 gears to match my rear) out of a 1979 K20? That price includes shipping. I have seen prices all over the place. I just want to make sure I am in the ballpark

Thanks...

 

[bucket]

Nice Suburban!

I think I have all of the information that I need, but I have one more question. Is $515.00 a good prince for a used Dana 44 front end (with 4.10 gears to match my rear) out of a 1979 K20? That price includes shipping. I have seen prices all over the place. I just want to make sure I am in the ballpark

Thanks...

It used to be a $100 axle. But getting much harder to locate these days since the scrapage rate has been so high. If shipping/delivery is involved, that seems reasonable to me.

 

[Skyfall]

Thanks again...

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[Craig 85]

I would agree the price seems good for a D44 with shipping. I don't know your budget, but if you do the cross over steering, ORD has a sway bar for that set up now.

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[Rusty Nail]

Dude.
Look at it this way - you found one FOR SALE!
$500 with shipping is a great deal - any day.

 

[Skyfall]

I placed the order for the axle today today.

I will take a look at the sway bar / steering setup from ORD. I may go that direction. Thanks for the information.

Regards,

 

[PrairieDrifter]

You definitely won't need a sway bar with a crew cab long box truck lol. A blazer or a short box would be the only trucks I would consider a sway bar on, but even then depends on springs and stuff as said above.

 

[Skyfall]

I've read a lot about the rear spring hangers on a 2wd being lower than a factor 4wd (2", IIRC).

Based on that, my question is:

If I install the all of the front hardware and 6" springs can I effectively level the truck with 5.5" rear blocks? I don't mind a slight lean on a truck that long, but nothing over 0.5" to 1.0".

I've researched this and haven't been able to get it straight. Hopefully, one of you can tell me the answer.

I can't wait to get this project under way.

Regards,