The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Steering question/ opinions

working on my 55.2 gmc 3/4 ton

converted to 73-87 power steering box. I'm not to happy with tire clearance when turning right. What has anyone else done to help this.

or.... looking at rack and pinion conversion, but only see half ton kits. what is the difference between the two? I was thinking that the axle is slightly larger which would mean just a larger set of brackets to be fabbed up. anyone?????

Looked at the kit for factory location steering box but engine clearance is an issue with my LS conversion.

Just looking for opinions and ideas. All are greatly appreciated.

No matter who tells you so, rack and pinion is a very bad idea with a straight axle. The steering column gets pretty iffy when you use slip joints.

Hey! I got both. Questions and opinions.

There is probably a pretty simple solution if I knew what your actual problem is.

1. Need to see pics of the box you have now. Show me how it is mounted and how linked to steering arm and to column.
2. Need detailed explanation of "not happy with tire clearance". Does it rub or not? What is the min clearance now? pics.

EDIT: I see in another post you have a Saginaw box mounted to outside of frame. That is what you want. Just hook it up. The tire clearance has nothing to do with that steering box. It has to do with the size of the tire and the knuckle stop adjustment. Depending on clearance to what??
Changing box type will add problems.

I have the same set-up in my 49 3600. I installed 1 1/2" wheel spacers which corrected the problem. Some will claim that this will wear on the wheel bearings but I have over 20,000 miles on it with no issues.

Wheel spacers get one further from center point steering, which puts bigger load on wheel bearings and other suspension parts, makes it harder for wheels to return to center in a turn, power steering will obscure the problem somewhat. Even so, GM has been doing this for years on half and 3/4 ton trucks, puts larger load on tie rod, too.

Ed

yes I have the Saginaw box from a 75 to 87 truck. (read my question) and as stated the tire rubs it badly. Keep in mind that my truck is a 3/4 ton. so tires are a lot bigger than most 1/2 tons.

I'm already spaced out at least 3/4 inch on each side with my hub conversion. And no way just adjusting the stop will help. I would have to replace the bolt with at least an inch longer one. and this might stop the rubbing but not the seriously reduced turning radius.

I'm also not worried about wheel bearing wear. the hubs and bearing are 7klb trailer hubs. they are rated a 2x what the factory ball bearings were.