Steering basics
This is a little tech article on the different steering setups and terminology. I see confusion sometimes when people talk of steering as if refers to a solid axle swap. Ok then, lets get started. Most steering systems can be grouped into 2 categories. Crossover, and push-pull style. While there are other terms used, such as high-steer, it still can be placed in either of these two.
Crossover Steering: This steering design is common to most solid axle 4wd's. Basically it means that the draglink runs from the pitman arm on the steering box to the passenger side steering knuckle and runs perpendicular to the trucks frame rails. There are many configurations such as Y, T, inverted Y and T, and many I don't even know the names of probably. The following are examples of different setups in this category.
This is a D30 with the draglink attached to the knuckle with heim joints and bolts.
This shot shows the draglink running from the pitman arm to the passenger side knuckle.
This is a shot of high-steer on a D44. While it is high-steer, it is still a crossover steering setup. The draglink crosses over to the passenger knuckle.
Push-Pull: This type of steering is found on fullsize Chevy and Dodge as well as other vehicles. The draglink runs from the pitman arm to a steering arm attached to the driver's side knuckle. The draglink runs parallel to the frame rails.
This is a picture of a stock Chevy steering setup. Notice the short draglink running from the pitman arm to the arm mounted to the knuckle.
Now I'll cover high-steer. The common use of this phrase is moving the mounting points for the steering, draglink, tierod, or both, to a higher mounting point.
This is a picture of a higher mounting point for the draglink on a YJ D30 under an S-10. In this setup, the tierod stays at the stock location.
This is a High-steer arm mounted to a flat top D44 knuckle. This is accomplished by milling the knuckle smooth and then drilling and tapping 3 holes in the top of the knuckle.
The following is a diagram of the mounting holes on a D44.
Here is a link to what not to do with your steering designs. NO-GO Steering!
Well, this is all I have at this time. This page will be updated as more info is available
