Steering tight after disc conversion
 

I have a 63 c10 2wd I just did the front disc conversion kit from performance online, I got the drop spindles new upper and lower ball joints 73/87 style and the inner and outer tie rods with the conversion sleeves for the 73/87 drop spindles I also installed cpp upper tubular arms. Everything went together perfectly but when it was done the steering wouldn't return around corners and the truck was all over the road and you constantly have to correct the steering and it feels really tight. I figured it was all the new parts and it needed to be aligned so I got the alignment done it is perfectly in spec. The truck still tight so I drove it for about 500 miles now and the steering isn't getting any better. I double checked everything I disconnected the tie rods and jacked up each side and turned the spindles side to side and it feels good it's not that tight. The tightness goes away when you jack up the front end and take the load off, I tried rollers on the front wheels and that didn't do much It was hard to turn when the wheels would need to spin on the roller dollies. I'm not sure what to do next or if I need to just keep driving it until it breaks in. I've never had a issue like this after replacing front end parts in the past. So any suggestions thoughts or experiences would be awesome, thanks
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Steering tight after disc conversion
 

Ugg, I feel your pain!! I am having the same problem after putting new upper and lower control arms on my 86'. I have replacement stamped moog uppers and CPP tubular lower arms and steering is exactly how you describe.

I took my steering linkage off and turned my spindles manually and found the passenger side to be supper tight, took about 80% power to move it. I started to twist if back and forth as fast as I could when it started making a nasty squeak and grinding sound and then froze in place. Once I let is sit for about 30 seconds I could move it again.

The squeaking and grinding came from the CPP lower ball joint so I would check your CPP stuff first. I am going to replace the CPP lower ball joint with a moog and see what happens. I also have an inquiry in with CPP.

VERY FRUSTRATING!!!

Re: Steering tight after disc conversion
 

I have seen vehicles come into the shop like this and we almost always find a balljoint being too tight, making it hard for the spindle to move. Id check that first then go from there. The nut on a ball joint doesn't have to be SUPER tight.

Re: Steering tight after disc conversion
 

My drop spindles did not clear the upper control arm had to disassemble and grind off side of casting for clearance.

Re: Steering tight after disc conversion
 

I also had to grind the spindle casting. My upper control arm was contacting the spindle.

Re: Steering tight after disc conversion
 

They are going to hit with the suspension at full drop the way they are made but work fine once the weight is on the truck. Drop spindles have more material at the top than a stock spindle so this will happen, no need to grind them.
Jimmy