Which 2WD Steering Box for Hi Steer

[Turnip Truck]

I am currently converting a 1970 C30 to 4X4, using 1988 V30 components
(D60, D70, SM465, NP205, hydroboost)
The plan is to run ORD cross over/hi steer, and I'm wondering which steering box will best suit my application? I have a 1985 C20 2wd box on the shelf, would this box be better than the 1970 C30 box currently on my truck? Is the '85 box stronger? Easier to tap for hydroboost? Is it an easy swap onto my '70 frame?

I cant find much on this subject, anyone been through this before with your swap?

[kwmech]

Either box will be fine, but personally I would use the box that is there to avoid messing with a new pressure line. Make sure you do the frame reinforcement along with the x-over, otherwise you'll introduce a whole 'nother set of problems

[GSP7]

frame reinforcement along with the x-over

Got a picture of this?


.

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by GSP7

Got a picture of this?


.

ORD website has a kit.

[Turnip Truck]

Originally Posted by kwmech

Either box will be fine, but personally I would use the box that is there to avoid messing with a new pressure line. Make sure you do the frame reinforcement along with the x-over, otherwise you'll introduce a whole 'nother set of problems

New lines aren't an issue. ( I work at a hose shop)
So you're saying the newer box has no advantage over the older? If it's not worth my effort to swap it, then I'll leave the existing box. And yes, I will definitely be reinforcing the frame.

[SunSoaked]

Not trying to hijack the thread but why are you converting to crossover steering? I've been contemplating it myself on my 85k20 but I'm hoping to increase the feel of the stock system. I'm curious to hear from someone who's done it if it fixes the wandering feel. I also have a like new D60 up front and all new components so I know it's either the design or the box itself.

[Turnip Truck]

I pulled the below quote straight from the Offroad Design web page.

Many trucks (particularly the straight axle GM and Dodge trucks) suffer from some serious steering problems, one of the biggest is due to poor geometry. The factory steering will fail to steer the truck when you're in twisted offroad situations. In fact, there are many times when the steering box is all the way to lock and the tires are pointed straight!

Our solution to this is a "crossover steering" system where the draglink runs side to side instead of front to back. This dramatically improves the steering geometry and makes turning to the axle stops possible under all conditions.

Solid axle conversions virtually always need crossover steering as well.

I am going with crossover for the reasons noted above, and because my truck already has a 2wd steering box in place (which is required for crossover).

[kwmech]

Anything over a 4'' lift I recommend x-over steering. Without it you end up with a raised steering arm and a drop pittman to keep the drag link flat

[Dieselwrencher]

If you go cross over I'd also add a track bar to the list. Just lie the OBS Fords, if you don't have a track bar you can have wander in curve issues, and or death wobble due to the shackles and bushings and give in the leaf springs.

[dieseldude4bt]

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

Not trying to hijack the thread but why are you converting to crossover steering? I've been contemplating it myself on my 85k20 but I'm hoping to increase the feel of the stock system. I'm curious to hear from someone who's done it if it fixes the wandering feel. I also have a like new D60 up front and all new components so I know it's either the design or the box itself.

It's probably the box if everything else is in good shape.

[Turnip Truck]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

If you go cross over I'd also add a track bar to the list. Just lie the OBS Fords, if you don't have a track bar you can have wander in curve issues, and or death wobble due to the shackles and bushings and give in the leaf springs.

I'll definitely keep the track bar in mind if I do experience wander, or wobble, but I will be riding on 3" 73-87 lift Tuff Country EZ Rides, which are essentially flat, and only running a 255/85/r16 tire. I'm hoping with my 'mild' lift, I can rule out the panhard.

[kwmech]

If you are only going with that much of a lift, I wouldn't bother with the cross over and keep the sway bar installed. That is unless you plan on doing some extreme rock crawling or something similar.

[Turnip Truck]

Cross over just makes too much sense. Remember, I'm starting with a 2wd truck, and the steering box required for crossover is already there. Basically it would be MORE work for me to install a factory 4x4 steering setup.

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by Turnip Truck

Cross over just makes too much sense. Remember, I'm starting with a 2wd truck, and the steering box required for crossover is already there. Basically it would be MORE work for me to install a factory 4x4 steering setup.

Not really..... You bolt on a 4x4 steering box and put a drag link to your axle of choice. (You have all of this from your V30 any way) Way cheaper than cross over too. With cross over you're modding the axle in some way. Push pull won't hurt and will drive just fine with nice tight components.

[Turnip Truck]

Thanks for the input on this. I know it will drive just fine, as I daily drive my V30, but IMO I feel like the crossover design is just a better setup- so I'm going with it.