The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Power steering snafu 1952 GMC Burb

So I installed power steering kit...all hooked up and working, but turning radius is laughable...so I shorted the piece that bolts to the spindle and had it professionally welded. Turning radius is still a joke. I am seriously thinking of putting the stock steering back. Also, I am running a Sid Drapal dropped axle and disc brakes. Any advice on how to make the turning radius better? If my results are typical, why is this product even on the market? THanks !

Who made the p/s kit?

You put a bunch of mismatched parts together and got a predictable result- - - - -a steering system that doesn't work. You're sort of like the mother with the ugly baby- - - -you grew it, now learn to love it! Welding on any part of a steering system is dangerous to you and everyone who has to share the road with you- - - - -I hope the vehicle in question is something that only gets driven on and off the trailer at car shows!
Jerry

The original steering has stops. Usually an adjustable bolt that hits a cast spot on the spindle. Or bolt on the spindle that hits the axle. If you don't go from stop to stop, figure out why. Power steering just makes it easier to steer. It has nothing to do with stop to stop geometry. So it has to be the dropped axle or brake install. We are assuming you used a kit that adapts a power steering box to operate the tie rods. We don't know what the drop axle or disc brake brackets have done to the steering stops. We don't know if you done a S10 frame or what other things you have done. Modifying/welding without analyzing has led you nowhere. SO:

1. Check the stops
2. Did the drop kit mess up the stops?
3. Did you mess up the stops?
4. Are there any stops?
5. What IS stopping the wheel from turning sharper? Jack up front end and observe.
6. Post some good pics using the new attachment manager at bottom of each post.
7. Slow down, give info and we can figure this out.
8. If you don't even know the name of the part you had welded, it's possible you need to stop trying to fix it for now.
9. Contract Sid at Droppedaxles.com. Nothing on the website about turning radius except some possible modifications on some vehicles by torching and bending spindles and/or other parts?
10. He is a member here as "drapal". Has not posted for 4 years.

He will accept your phone calls. Number is on his web page.🛠

Having installed a disc brake conversion on a dropped axle, I would say that it is doubtful that the axle drop would affect the steering stops.

The disc brake conversion can cause serious problems with the stops- the aftermarket caliper mounting plate can hit the factory stops, limiting your steering considerably. My conversion did exactly that.

Check those cadmium mounting plates- I'll bet they are hitting the steering stop on the axle (they aren't supposed to touch it). If you remove material from the mounting plates to provide clearance for the stop (the little steel angle piece that is held by the kingpin retaining bolt), you might find that the caliper hose fitting becomes your new steering stop (and that's a lot worse than a large turning radius). Then you'll have to remedy that. It's a real bummer. I am still sorting mine out. It has nothing to do with the drop though...

Shortening the steering arms (if that is what you are referring to that you had welded) is a bad idea.

Update on my post....kit was a basic one from what was Chevy Duty...used 1987 steering box. Not hitting stops...or any components from disc brake kit. The limit is in the box it seems. I shortened the steering arm like another poster had done to give better turning ratio. The welding was performed at a top rated shop here in Columbia, Owens Welding. BTW Bartamos, The part I had welded is the steering arm that connects the drag link to the pitman arm. forgive me for not keeping my terms straight. You said, Power steering just makes it easier to steer. It has nothing to do with stop to stop geometry. actually , it seems that the steering components can and do limit stop to stop geometry. But I could be wrong. A poster from England had recommended shortening the steering arm as something he had done to his. I did ask others who are reputable builders about this before I had the steering arm shortened by 1 inch. It was years ago that all of this was done and this project was put on the back burner for 5 yrs or so. Now I am ready to get it on the road.

Smitty,
The piston in the box is bottoming out, both ends. I would have thought something needed lengthened instead of shortened. Like the Pitman arm. These kits have always been OK. No turning radius issues I've heard of. What do the folks, that have advised you, say is the reason? I don't think a steering box would be the limit unless the drop screwed everything up. Did anybody without a drop have this issue? Going to take some more googling by you maybe. Too many variables to cypher without seeing it all together. Not worried about the welding. Welds are stronger than the parent material from a pro. That is a non issue in your case. Hope you can figure it out or just don't turn sharp.

Thanks Bartamos..I will try and attach some pictures in the next day or so...

Did someone recommend an '87 steering box? I have a '75 box on mine and have a decent turning radius on my '49 3100. It isn't as nice as the old manual setup, but still not bad.

The current kit from Classic Parts of America wants a 68-76 box. CPP says 69-87. There are 1.standard, 2.quick and 3.variable ratio boxes. I believe that quick ratio boxes will give more turn. Some boxes have internal stops that are tighter than others. Some are adjustable. Changing the pitman, idler, drag link, steering arm or other components not part of install instructions is not a good idea. The 68-76 is a Camaro style quick ratio 2 1/2 to 3 turns. Maybe a 68-76 would be better. After 76 GM went metric on the fittings. Do you see axle/spindle stops? How far are you from landing on those? You should be utilizing them. The kits are designed to not loose turning radius. I am zoning in on your 87 box, as you are also. Can you get a 69-76 and a new steering arm?

It was one of the years recommended for the kit.

Hey Bartonos, Thanks for the effort in helping me figure this out...I can get another box and a steering arm...Might be worth a try. Pics later, I have been working too much!

Smitty, your in for it now! You spelled his handle wrong. Look out, he's coming to get you!

I plead old age !...

...........and we were getting along so good. Two letters wrong in one word? Conspiracy!!!! Collusion! Libel. Now I'm going to tell you to do stuff that is all wrong. Wait! ......that is what I always do.
The moderator will take care of you.

Ha! This is more fun than FB...or the HAMB ! I was typing before morning coffee kicked in..hehee...I will be so happy when this is all behind me and I can actual turn my Carryall around a corner...

Better stick with old age. The post was at 7:37 Pm.......and you edited it "for spelling" ????

Well, excuses won't work..It won't happen again!