Steering issues in my 68 4x4!

[Butch's 68]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the site and this forum and found you all through searches while trying to find a part and info and I'm sure you all can help me. I have rebuilt 4 70-72s in my life, all 2wd and about 4 yrs ago found an almost all original 68 4x4 so I snagged it. I have been restoring it slowly when the army said it was time to go and I couldn't take it w/me where I was going so I sold the truck to my dad who continues to restore it. He noticed while moving it arround that it turns tight to the right but needs a country mile to turn to the left. He replaced all the steering linkage and it still did this. He discovered the steering arm had been broken and welded back up and figures that's the issue. I'm not so sure but I have never dealt with 68s or the 4x4's. I know it's got the factory Dana 44 closed knuckle in it and I'm looking all over the junkyards to find a new steering arm...no luck yet. Does anyone know where I can locate a new steering arm or what years of new axels will work under it? As I'm starting to think it would be easier to find a new axle and upgrade to disk brakes vs. keeping the closed knuckle. Thanks and I love reading all the posts & questions...love learning more about these great old trucks!

[morgan71]

Yeah you should ditch that axle, they are not known for turning well and I'm sure the steering arm is compounding your problem. You should be able to find a complete axle for $150, as they are real common around here, and like you said disc brakes also. Just look for a dana 44 out of a early70's.

[Butch's 68]

Thanks for help. That's what I would do but Dad wants to keep it as original as possible plus he sank funds into all new brakes and components all the way arround. He's even cheaper than I am. I'll make the recomendation to him, which by the way things are going he may just have to do. Thanks!

[msgross]

Check out my build thread... any chevy solid axle will bolt right in..dana44 (up to 78-79) or corp 10bolt from the early 80's. plus power disc brakes and power steering... I already sold my original steering box and arm or i'd send it to you.

brake parts are dirt cheap $11 calipers, $10 pads, turn the rotors etc... Good luck

[Butch's 68]

I know what you mean. Dad can be very cheap! I had a BB 400 all rebuilt to give him but he wanted to keep the 305 and build it up to 327...go figure. If I can't find the part then I'll just get him a new axle. Appreciate the help in IDing what axels will swap in.....that will make it a lot simpler! I'm also dragging him in to the 20th centry, he's sending me a pic of the part so I can post it for clearification....should have it up this afternoon some time.

[Butch's 68]

Here are two pics of the steering arm I'm looking for.

[msgross]

I threw mine away, sorry...

make sure to check gearing with the new axle... mine was 3.73... you'll find 3.08's, 3.73's and 4.10's the most... some 4.56's on 8 lugs...

good luck, do research because you can easily swap the axle but the brakes, lines, stearing etc will take some work to do the complete job. If his frame is flat behind the steering box then a new unit won't simply bolt in, that will take an adapter.

[Butch's 68]

Thanks Mike, will do on all the attachments....I do know the frame behind the steering box isn't flat so might get lucky their!

[msgross]

If you can find a single donor truck then it helps...

power steering pulley's, brackets, crank pulley and pumps can have a lot of different combinations...

the sickness doesn't end though... next will be sway bars, new lockout hubs etc..!!!

[Todersauce]

OOH thats scarry. You might look at welding issues on forged steel it has a tendancy to anneal or soften items that were forged or hardened. Unless it was welded by a profession welder with preheat and ovens for post heating replaceing that at the very least is a good idea. I wouldnt risk my life on a back yard weld unless I know the back yard it was welded in.

[Oilbrnr]

I agree with doing the swap, but wouldn't he also need to address the master cylinder/booster/proportioning valve, etc.?

[Butch's 68]

Yep, when we discovered the weld on the steering on that's when the search for a new one started. I don't know who did the welding and it looks back yard by a novice. I weld better than what this looks like and I would't have attempted! I did get a hit on a replacement from Chris who has one so it looks like Dad will keep the axle he has in it.....when he get's tired of it I'll buy it back from him and fix it up the way I would like it.....so unless he decides to upgrade to the open knuckle, and I doubt he will, I think this might fix the issue. I'll keep doing the research on all the steering issues/swap that comes with a newer axle cuz I'll do the swap when I get it. Appreciate all the help! I'll get pics of where he is now and any he took prior to starting and let you all know how it's going!

Butch