1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

Completely rebuilt ground up as my highschool project 6 years ago. Been sitting in garage last 2 and i need my weekend warrior back! I recently swapped out my front and rear axles because 3 years ago i rolled my rear end, crushed spring perches, demolished drive line, etc. Being an idiot.. And my front end was closed knuckle with drum brakes, and had custom steering block made and the whole steering would shift and clunk and I never felt comfortable driving it. So I had another truck, 1977 Chevy that I robbed the axles out of. Ended up moving shock mounts and spring perches, found that out the hard way. Then got the front end up and axles are different diameters so had to have new u bolts made for the front. Now I'm stuck with my steering problem, wich is my main concern at the moment. I have raised steering arm coming off axle, and I have dropped drag link I think you call it. My issue now is that the steering arm on this 1977 axle is now farther away and with steering wheel and tires both straight, and adjustments out as far as the can go, I'm still way far away from where I need to be. The only way I can get it hooked up Is to have the steering turned all the way. I need help to get this the safest, most reliable setup. I will post pictures when I can, have my truck in storage elsewhere from where I live. Any suggestions to my steering dillema? I thank you in advance for your time and response!

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

Probably time for crossover steering

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

Crossover is a must or drop it down to a reasonable height.

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

x2

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

CORRECTION!"My issue now is that the steering arm on this 1977 axle is now closer and with steering wheel and tires both straight, and adjustments inas far as the can go, I'm still way too close to where I need to be. The only way I can get it hooked up Is to have the steering turned all the way." I just looked at it today and I'm way backwards!!! Sorry guys!! Thanks for the replies. I've always thought about crossover but I wouldn't know how to order it or it it would be any better. And having to change out the pass side knuckle to flat top. Would rather avoid unless 100% that's the best way to go. I eventually plan on dropping it to 8 inch lift to loose the shackle lift in the front and blocks in the rear but I can't until my 40's are worn they where a lot of money!

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

With just a 4"-6" lift and stock drag link assembly I feel like I'm getting "out" on the threads farther than I'd like to be. With more lift that should be worse. Tell us more. You are just now for the first time installing the '77 axle under your '69? Are you sure the steering box is centered? I've never used a drop drag link. But it looks to me like yours is missing it's rear link and you are trying to mate it with the factory rear link. You'll have to buy a new drop link. But, I promise cross over steering is surely going to be worth it. I don't see not doing it as an option with what you have. You will have the steering to go with your lift. It will be equally great for the 8" lift

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

I agree with Tim, double check that the steering box is centered. I think crossover steering would be almost a must with this much lift.....

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

The axle I took out was factory axle and the distance of threads was not an issue, it was the angle that was the issue before. Now with this 77 axle, the angle appears good but I need a shorter end piece with right handed threads. And with crossover, how would you order it for a 1969 with a 1977 axle only. And what are the official benefits of crossover vs standard steering on my truck.

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

Crossover steering for a 69 or 77 should be the same. The advantages are:

- far superior leverage for the steering box. When you lift it this much the angle creates a real leverage problem, which is compounded by the larger tire size.

- Bump steer is a huge problem when lifted this much. Imagine what happens to the steer wheels when the front suspension is compressed. The will turn to the right.

Crossover steering will solve both these problems. For a 12" lift I would not think twice about it.

Keith

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

cross over steering will reduce but not eliminate bump steer. you will need to get a flat top knuckle so it can be drilled to except a steering arm. depending on the axle you have, you can get the right knuckle.

Dwayne

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

+1 I agree with all the others here. Crossover is definitely a must at 12"

Re: 1969 gmc 3/4 ton 12 inch lift, 40x15.5 tires... Steering help please!
 

To just throw it together this way and bother with cross over later, you'll need a complete end to end drop drag link. What you have is a mix-match. I don't why what worked when or how, but what you have now in that picture will not work if your steering box is at center of full-lock right and left and that is how it lines up.
Your '69 originally had a steering box, drag link, and steering arm/knuckle that was of a different design. I don't know what was changed when. All I know is what you have now.