pitman arm and draglink for `79 dana axle conversion

[kladd]

I am still picking away at this conversion. While I have zero regrets there is always more to this than at first hoped. This is my first major bump project....

One of my considerations was to keep some sanity with regards to what parts are where. Said differently I wanted all parts to be for either a '71 Ford 4x4 or for a `77.5-`79 Ford 4x4.

I bought and completely rebuilt a dana 44 from a '78 f250. No problems.

Without access to a '78 I chose to modify the shock mounts on the axle to match what was on the `71. So my shock geometry is `71. No problems.

I bought a rebuilt power steering box for a '77.5-'79 4x4. Expensive. 4 hole mount. Ok so I have to modify my frame by cutting and welding. No problems but I really want the pitman arm and draglink in hand to get location exact...'

So my question is what pitman arm. Dustin has mentioned a 4" drop which looks about right when I hold the steering box in approximate location. Is this the drop of a standard Ford `77.5-`79 4x4 pitman arm? Where do I find one? Skyjacker has one for 2-3" drop. Then there is this that I just noticed on Ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/78-79-FO ... 0194973261

Next I also bought a new `77.5-`79 draglink (to connect pitman arm to steering arm on axle). If the pitman arm is perfectly straight this link looks to be about an inch and a half too short. But the arm in the Ebay link above is not straight and might just work. But it does not look to have much drop.

What have others done for pitman arm and link? From the archives some have (professionally) modified a stock link. Should I just do this and get a skyjacker arm and move on?

Hope this thread useful for others.

Thanks!
kevin

[averagef250]

I don't think there is a drop pitman arm for the 78-79 box. If there was, it'd hit the spring.

The pitman arm in that picture is the right one. It is not straight.

If you are lifting the truck you can use a steering arm block to raise the steering arm.

[kladd]

Dustin, thanks for quick reply.

To the best of my knowledge my '71 hiboy is stock lift. With a straight pitman arm, my estimate is that the front (pitman) end of the draglink will be about 4 " higher than the back (steering arm) end. Is this normal? I will check this again tomorrow.

I am going to get the `79 arm and hope it works with the `79 draglink. How could this not work! Guess I will find out and report back later.

Thanks again,
kevin

[averagef250]

I think things will be much clearer when you have the pitman arm.

By eyeball, the end of the pitman arm is 2.5" below the lower lip of the frame rail. With stock highboy springs the pitman arm is about 2" higher than the steering arm on the axle.

[basketcase0302]

From the archives some have (professionally) modified a stock link.

Kevin,
I'd bet that this one would fit:
http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/index. ... er=1114+SL
I've used their adjustable tracking bar before, they have good stuff.

Basketcase

[kladd]

Dustin,

The revelation is that the pitman arm is not close to the bottom of the frame rail but down 2-1/2 inches. And a slight slope of 2" is normal. I am now confident the pitman arm for sale on ebay will work and will try that.

I again hope to use the OEM '79 draglink. If that don't work I will investigate the adjustable Basketcase pointed me to.

In any case will report back with results.

thanks!
kevin

[averagef250]

The stock 78-9 drag link will work fine with stock springs. The 78-9 pitman arm is hard to visualize, it is designed to squeeze between the leaf spring and frame and drop down a bit to keep the drag link angle small.

[kladd]

here are some pictures of my 78-79 power steering box install.

this picture (hopefully) shows the steering box sitting as low as possible on top of the frame. in fact i grinded a tab on the box down a bit. still, the arm has only about 3/16" clearance under the frame and the nut is not even torqued down yet.

will stop with one pic to see if it works!
kevin

[kladd]

will i posted the wrong picture and it came out tiny. oh well. here are 2 more....





a few points:

there is not much wiggle room as to where to place the box. up-down is tight. i also put it right against the crossmember to minimize notching of radiator mount.

with no cab or motor, frame sits high on springs and there is about a 4-1/2 inch slope for draglink.

stock 78-79 draglink that i got is about 1-1/2 inches too short. wonder if i have wrong one. forgot to measure the length but wonder how long other draglinks are used in this upgrade?

i also had to trim the inner fenderwell slightly where steering shaft coupler resides.

kevin