Steering Correction

[Brysonsproject]

I'm working towards installing a 4 inch lift on my 1978 K20 and just wondering which option to go with between a dropped pitman arm and a raised steering arm. (I've heard the raised drag links are junk). Also, I've heard that with a 4 inch lift I probably wouldn't to lengthen my driveshafts, but would it we smart to put in a 1 inch driveshaft spacer on both driveshafts just to be safe?

Thanks!

 

[SquareRoot]

I'm working towards installing a 4 inch lift on my 1978 K20 and just wondering which option to go with between a dropped pitman arm and a raised steering arm. (I've heard the raised drag links are junk). Also, I've heard that with a 4 inch lift I probably wouldn't to lengthen my driveshafts, but would it we smart to put in a 1 inch driveshaft spacer on both driveshafts just to be safe?

Thanks!

What's a driveshaft spacer?

 

[Brysonsproject]

What's a driveshaft spacer?

like this...? https://www.customwheeloffset.com/s...t=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=

I'm assuming a lift is when you'd use one because it effectively lengthens your driveshaft right?

 

[Craig 85]

K20 I'd go with a steering arm, it will level out the drag link better than the pitman arm. I've done 3 truck that way. I never needed to add to the drive shafts on a 4" lift. I would rather lengthen a drive shaft than run a spacer. The spacer would make the U-joints bind sooner, especially in the front as you have created a steeper angle on the drive shaft.

These were 4" lifts on my old trucks. No modification to the drive shafts. On the one truck I did a 6" on, I did have to modify them.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[bucket]

Craig is spot on. Go with the steering arm for a 4 inch lift and skip the spacer. The spacer "can" be beneficial with the longer trans/adapter/case combos used in the 80's, but may cause binding with a shorter combo like what was used in the 70's.

 

[VAL]

I've never heard of a spacer for the rear shaft, only the front. Huh.

 

[Old Guy Bill]

I’ve got the drop pitman with a 4” lift kit on my ‘78 K20, it all came together from ORD. The link is at a fairly steep angle, I haven’t gotten to drive it yet, but I’ll evaluate the steering when I do and make any changes and or adjustments then.
When it come to driveshafts you can’t just guess. TC, and pinion angles, along with the slope of the driveshaft all matter.. U-joints can only function properly with things correct.

 

[Grit dog]

Confirmed, 4” lift squarebody, OE driveshaft length is fine. Possibly save for some extreme articulation.
I’ve got 5” front lift now and the front spline engagement is slightly suspect. 6” lift, a spacer or preferably longer front driveshaft is necessary.