Help fix power steering conversion | 66 K20

[66K20]

Below are images of the power steering conversion done by a previous owner on my K20.

I am looking for ideas and guidance to get rid of the welded linkage and steering arm. I am okay with getting new rod ends and having a piece of DOM cut and tapped to receive the new rod ends. But I would still be left with the welded together steering arm, which is what I am most concerned about. Since the current geometry of the system seems to work fairly well, would it be feasible to buy a high steer arm (or have one built) to replace the original bearing cap/steering arm?

What are other options to consider?

[Captainfab]

The first thing I see is that the steering box is not mounted correctly on the frame. Secondly is that a 2wd steering box and pitman arm is used. Usually when a 2wd steering box and pitman arm are used, a crossover steering linkage is installed. This is where a draglink attaches to the pitman arm and runs over to the passenger side. Then a tierod from side to side. The issue with correcting what you have is there are no parts are made for a closed knuckle 44 to do what you need. One option is to reposition the steering box, using a 4wd box and pitman arm. Then locate an original steering arm and connect the pitman arm to the steering arm with a '69-'86 K series draglink assembly, but the steering arm may still need to be shortened. Another option would be to upgrade to a later model Dana 44 or Corp 10 bolt.

[61K10]

there are some good 4x4 builds (search the build section- 4x4)that have power steering info. Best bet would be what capt said, just change the axle to a open knuckle. Probably be cheaper in the long run.

[padresag]

i may still have this one around. it worked for quite a few years. i will look on the pile tomorrow and see if it is still there if you are interested

ron

[66K20]

Thank you for the replies.

I have spent some time reading through several threads in the 4x4 section of the site, but ultimately I think my best course of action will be to [correctly] install a 4wd power assist box with the Captain's bracket and replace the steering arm. Preserving some of the trucks weird originality is important to me and the closed knuckle 44 certainly does that.

...although I do have a buddy with a kingpin D60 available and disc brakes would be nice...

Originally Posted by padresag

i may still have this one around. it worked for quite a few years. i will look on the pile tomorrow and see if it is still there if you are interested
ron

If you still have that shortened steering arm around let me know. I will take it.

[61K10]

Get ron's steering arm as it's been shortened, and go to my build as the part # for a drag link are posted. This is on here 60-66 tk's not the 4x4 forum section.

[padresag]

the fellow that i sold my truck to and all the parts has it and will sell it to you. pm me all of your particulars - contact info and I will pass it on and keep an eye on it for you
ron

[aotte1]

61K10 has great information on his build in the 60-66 builds section, using the stock Dana 44 front axle for your truck model year.
In my build used a little different approach, kind of what the “Captain” suggested. Used a 1978 Truck Dana 44 front axle, unbolted the original and replaced it with the newer one. Used the Captains adapter plate. Build title is something like “64 K10 Project Long Bed”, and a few photos,
First is Captain’s adapter plate. The last photo is to provide an image of what it looks like, some items are not in final position, not all tighten-up.
Note this set-up does require modification of left bumper brace and I likely over weld captain’s adapter plate to the frame. Key was where to locate the adapter plate on the frame.

Again 61K10, has done an outstanding build using the original model year front axle.

Les