68 K10 Suspension

[68C20]

I have installed a 6 inch suspension lift with new springs at all four corners. The issue I am running into is that my rear axle appears to sitting about four inches forward from its original position. This is causing the wheel to sit forward in the wheel well and the driveshaft is too long to be reinstalled. I have also run into an issue with the steering box to steering arm on knuckle. Nobody that I have talked to makes any kind of raised steering arm or dropped pittman arm. Has anybody run into this issue and how did you correct it?

[andrewmp6]

Talk to http://offroaddesign.com/catalog.htm he should be able to help you.

[68C20]

I have talked to them. I have used some of their other products. I was told that they did not know what I was going to do. They have some great products and I was sure they would be able to help.
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[67chevy1series]

well as for the steering they dont make a lifted arm that i know of, BUT they do make a huge spacer ( more like a cast iron hunk of metal with a curve and 3 holes in it) and it goes in between the axle and the arm to raise the arm up... problem is, getting the arm unbolted and off is a PITA!!! and as for the rear wheel, its seems to be that thats the way it is with leaf springs, my buddy has a 4wd and a 2wd chevy with leafs in the back and they both seem to sit more forward then my coil sprung 67 2wd..... maybe its the shocks?

[andrewmp6]

I did some digging rough country has a raised steering arm but its 69-72 but says it only works on the 3 bolt open knuckles.

[68C20]

Well unfortunately I do have the closed knuckle front end. I guess I can make a spacer to elevate the steering arm if I cannot come up with a better solution. I am going to try to take the spring pack apart and actually turn the spring around on the rear suspension. This should put the axle close to its original location.

[blue70k5]

Hey,

I believe for the closed knuckle you'll need to use an offset drag link. Google Skyjacker part #GMDL4. This basically replaces the straight dragling between your pitman arm and steering arm and should be just about the amount of correction you'll need for a 6" lift. Unfortunately I don't believe that anyone sells a true raised steering arm for the closed knuckle front end...

As for the rear wheels being off center, check to make sure you dont have the springs installed incorrectly. I know that on 56" springs the center pin is offset from the center but for 52" springs (which should be what you have), this may or may not be true. Basically, you could potentially have the springs on backward, causing the axle to be located too far forward. If everything looks like it's installed properly, you can always get some zero rate add-a-leafs from Offroad Design which will allow you to relocate the axle 1.5" rearward...

-Tristan

[blue70k5]

Also, ask member YukonJack about the draglink, I believe he has one installed on his closed knuckle fornt...

[68C20]

I have looked at the springs and there is a 4 to 5 inch difference from center bolt of springs to the rear eye on the spring and the center bolt to the front eye. I think of I can turn the springs around and get the wedge on the bottom of the springs to turn around the axle should be back on its original spot or real close. I can't believe I did not notice this when I was installing the rear springs. I will definitely check on the Skyjacker part you referenced. Thanks for the input.
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[starvinartis]

I was gonna say, springs installed backwards...I have a couple dropped pitman arms, but dont know who made them. They are 10 years old or more

[kevmcrae]

did you get a new steering arm with your lift kit? I have an extra Skyjackier CA100 if that's what you need. I went form a 4 inch to a 6 inch lift and they use the same arm.

[68C20]

Originally Posted by starvinartis

I was gonna say, springs installed backwards...I have a couple dropped pitman arms, but dont know who made them. They are 10 years old or more

The springs are definitely backwards. I am not sure if a dropped pittman arm will help though. My truck is equipped with manual steering and the arm comes straight down off of the box. If your arm is actually longer it might work, if it is offset and not actually longer not sure if it will help or not. I will try to post a picture when i get home tonight.

[68C20]

Well I am obviously computer challenged enough to not be able to upload any pics. My steering arm is a 4 bolt version that comes straight off of the closed knuckle. If someone has a recommendation of a good way to correct my issue I am open to all ideas. I do want to keep the existing axle but would be open to any ideas on any modifications I could do to correct this. Currently I will be running manual steering and 38 inch tires.
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[68C20]

Heres what Im working with...any suggestions?