Off Road / 4x4 OffRoad discussion, along with 4x4 events and information.

Lift kit/Steering box issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 18, 2011 | 03:00 PM
  #1  
steelblitzkrieg's Avatar
Thread Starter
DTR Detective
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 10
From: Antioch, Ca
Lift kit/Steering box issues

Posted this in the 3rd gen section, but then realized it'd probably be better here.

Called a local suspension shop to inquire about a 4" lift with 35's or 37's.

He refuses to do them on 3rd gens because the steering boxes can't handle the lift and increased tire size, says they fail within a year or so and there is no way to reinforce them properly to prevent it.

He had one customer who switched out to a new axle with king pins to solve the issue. Also said a high steer (?) would remedy it, but nobody makes them for 3rd gens.

Said Borgeson makes a lot of reinforcement kits, but even they don't solve the issue.

Thoughts?
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2011 | 04:45 PM
  #2  
hi-boost's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
have you looked into a sector shaft brace? i have a "defiant" brand on my truck and run 35" Nitto's on some 20" wheels (really heavy wheels and tires) and have no issues with the steering box. just a thought
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2011 | 06:56 PM
  #3  
Texan1983's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 1
defiant doesnt seem to be around anymore. anyone have a website?
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2011 | 12:00 PM
  #4  
sdntive's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Imperial, CA
Try these guys
http://www.pscmotorsports.com/vehicl...full-size-p-u/
I have the 3" carli lift running 37" on stock rims, was running 35" for 3 years before going to 37" no problems, my next purchase is their steering box and stabilizer.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2011 | 10:56 PM
  #5  
cbrahs's Avatar
Chapter President
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,375
Likes: 7
From: misplaced Idahoan stuck in Albuquerque, Roughneckin on RIG 270
they are full of crap. install a steering brace on it and a double shock steering stabilizer and run it. My last truck was lifted from day 1 (36 miles on it) with a 6" lift, then went to 9". had 37x13.5x20 tires, then went to 39.5 IROCS, then went back down to a 37x13.5x20. had over 110000 miles on it. I did replace the box but only due to leaking on from the teflon seal on the top adjuster nut. I did have a steering brace with dual steering stabilizer. at 100k miles I did the steering upgrade and that is when I replaced the box. I never had any problems. Did ball joints at 95k miles just because (they were not even worn out) with XRF units.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 02:40 PM
  #6  
steelblitzkrieg's Avatar
Thread Starter
DTR Detective
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 10
From: Antioch, Ca
Thanks Cbrahs.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 09:17 PM
  #7  
cbrahs's Avatar
Chapter President
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,375
Likes: 7
From: misplaced Idahoan stuck in Albuquerque, Roughneckin on RIG 270
Originally Posted by steelblitzkrieg
Thanks Cbrahs.
forgot to mention adjustable track bar!
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 11:57 PM
  #8  
Riverbound's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim Hills
Im going through this now. at 90k I am replacing the steering box and adding the brace.

I had my truck lifted the day I picked it up from the dealer. first lift was super lift 6.5", then messed around with custom 9" and a 12" lifts. There were alot of issues with the 9and12. I eventually tore everything off and went back to a 6.5" lift. During the period of the 9and12 I had a LOT of issues with the steering, death wobble, etc.. When I went back to 6.5 (Pro comp long arm) no more issues but the damage to the stock steering box was done. ran it that way for 40k miles. and now am finally fixing it because it was getting real loose. The shop that has my truck drove it today and said it drives better then ever (they have done all the service work for 40k miles). If you are going to do the lift make sure to do the steering brace first and make sure to do a dual steering stabilizer set up......you will be fine.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2012 | 05:48 PM
  #9  
geohockey14's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: toronto ON
http://www.solidsteel.biz/
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2012 | 07:00 PM
  #10  
1buck4me's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: northern california,
i am doing a 6" superlift on my truck. I also have a steering brace on my truck. I also live in antioch. Who did you talk to? I have a good friend who owns a off road shop here.
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2012 | 02:01 PM
  #11  
steelblitzkrieg's Avatar
Thread Starter
DTR Detective
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 10
From: Antioch, Ca
Sorry, I didn't see this sooner.

4 Wheel Drive Specialties in Concord.

I used them in the past on my old 1988 2500 Suburban.
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2012 | 01:33 PM
  #12  
strtlegal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Just an FYI if your box does crap out on you, Dodge has come out with upgraded steering box that is much more beefier then your stock unit..

The gear box's are a weak link but I wouldn't let it detour you from your kit.

I think he is reffering to Caril's ball joints that look like a king pin and a Carli High mount steering stabilizer...
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2012 | 04:51 PM
  #13  
steelblitzkrieg's Avatar
Thread Starter
DTR Detective
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 10
From: Antioch, Ca
Ordered PCS steering box brace and N-Fab Nerf Step Bars today. Went with Gloss Black on the Nerf since the truck is black.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 12:03 AM
  #14  
1buck4me's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: northern california,
nice. I just got my lift done. You should check it out. I did the n-fab pre runner light bar up front. I just need to get the 9" lights for it. I only put my 6" lights on for now.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 12:05 AM
  #15  
1buck4me's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: northern california,
the psc is the same one i have. I got mine from American offroad. That is my buddys shop i was telling you about.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:14 AM.