That was one of the downsides of going with the less-expensive arms, the higher end ones don't have any bolts holding the kingpins, it's built-in to the arm. Hopefully they work out ok and I don't have any issues. I'll remember you said that though, if the front end starts to seem "loose".
The Lunchbox Build... 4x4 chevy shorty van
- Thread starter Lunchbox2
- Start date
That was one of the downsides of going with the less-expensive arms, the higher end ones don't have any bolts holding the kingpins, it's built-in to the arm. Hopefully they work out ok and I don't have any issues. I'll remember you said that though, if the front end starts to seem "loose".
Vial Style
New member
As an FYI, an off-the-shelf dropped pitman arm for truck application worked on my stock van steering box.
V30CREWCAB
New member
yeah it will start to get a wierd little shimmy when you hit a bump, and you know to tighten them. I just used some cold rolled flatbar and milled out two new washers for my truck.
I'll have to look into that again because you're the second vanner to bring that up.... I think my steering box is different from yours though, because I just can't see how a truck dropped pitman arm could work in any way?
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I cut up the stock 2 1/4" y-pipe and re-welded it back together so it would fit between my spring brackets. Then I cut an exhaust off a truck in the junkyard to start making my tailpipe. I cut out the straight parts, and then cut out the bends in the pipe and started putting it all back-together. I think I can probably make it all the way out the back with what I have, and it was FREE, so money ahead there. I had to stop at the muffler because the welder wouldn't reach any farther, but at least I can fire it up now and not run open manifolds....
I also came home to find my studs for the high-steer kit in my mailbox! So I can FINALLY get my steering completed. I don't know how much I'll get done before the weekend though, as it's supposed to rain for a couple days and then get freezing *** cold.
I also came home to find my studs for the high-steer kit in my mailbox! So I can FINALLY get my steering completed. I don't know how much I'll get done before the weekend though, as it's supposed to rain for a couple days and then get freezing *** cold.
I got u-bolts that are way too long, and they don't have threads running all of the way down so I couldn't just cut them down. I had to get it out of the shop so I cut up some DOM to act as a spacer until I can pick up some new ones. It won't be driven like that....
Vial Style
New member
Yep. Your steering box is completely different, and I know mine is stock because I bought a reman for a 1979 G10 and it was exactly the same. I suppose they changed them over the years???
I'll go back over everything over the next week or two. A little trimming & grinding, add a gusset or two, just try to clean-up all the rough edges that still remain...
They changed to the newer style in 1983. I only know that because I was searching the different years on Oreilly auto parts website... lol
I was really happy with how it turned out. I'm chompin at the bit over here, I want to drive it!
V30CREWCAB
New member
been a few days since you updated this, does that mean you're too busy out driving it?