Laying frame on 71 C10 questions

[chevychase]

Originally Posted by bb1979

Looks pretty good to me, I think that the upper a-arm mount could do with some gusseting. How are you going to move the steering box/ idler arm up 3" and forward 1.5" to retain the factory geometry??

Hey bb1979 and SCOTI!

How much would you gusset the upper a-arm mount?

My buddy says he can fab something. I think he said he would chop the idler arm and add to it. He was also saying we could do a rack and pinion pretty easy.

I've been collecting my surplus. I have a new AGR quick ratio box with all Moog suspension, but am not married to it and could sell it.

Which option would be better, a rack and pinion or the Moog stuff?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by chevychase

Hey bb1979 and SCOTI!

How much would you gusset the upper a-arm mount?

My buddy says he can fab something. I think he said he would chop the idler arm and add to it. He was also saying we could do a rack and pinion pretty easy.

I've been collecting my surplus. I have a new AGR quick ratio box with all Moog suspension, but am not married to it and could sell it.

Which option would be better, a rack and pinion or the Moog stuff?

W/the stock steering system, you're going to need to c-notch the frame rails for drag-link/tie-rod clearance & that would put alot of stress on the front frame rails where the steering box is. That stress leads to cracking & fatigue/failure of the weld.

I've heard of guys moving the entire section of frame where the steering box is on the drivers side & where the idler mounts on the pass side. I've seen a couple of pics of this type of mod but it wasn't engineered or professional looking & I can't say if it was safe (I wouldn't have ridden in the vehicle).

If you have the knowledge.... go R&P.

[chevychase]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I've heard of guys moving the entire section of frame where the steering box is on the drivers side & where the idler mounts on the pass side. I've seen a couple of pics of this type of mod but it wasn't engineered or professional looking & I can't say if it was safe (I wouldn't have ridden in the vehicle).

If you have the knowledge.... go R&P.

Yeah, I was thinking the R&P would be a nicer upgrade and maybe even simplify things a bit too. Is there any 'GOOD' performing R&P people are using with good success on these 67-72 trucks?

[azfab]

oh yeah dude i have the same setup. mine lays on 22s 2653522 or 29'' tall. you shouldent need a drop spindel i dont. but you will need to do something about the steering. the pitman will hit the lower a arm and you need to notch the crossmember for the drag link thats if you use the stock suspension. but a rack would take care of all that nonsence. good job man.

[chevychase]

Originally Posted by azfab

oh yeah dude i have the same setup. mine lays on 22s 2653522 or 29'' tall. you shouldent need a drop spindel i dont. but you will need to do something about the steering. the pitman will hit the lower a arm and you need to notch the crossmember for the drag link thats if you use the stock suspension. but a rack would take care of all that nonsence. good job man.

Thanks azfab! You have the same crossmember setup? Any differences? I'd like to see/hear what you have done to your crossmember. Did you go up 3" in the frame? I thought I would need drop spindles to lay it.

[azfab]

Originally Posted by chevychase

Thanks azfab! You have the same crossmember setup? Any differences? I'd like to see/hear what you have done to your crossmember. Did you go up 3" in the frame? I thought I would need drop spindles to lay it.

yeah i cut 1'' out of the frame and 2.'' out of the crossmember i lay frame!!!! with out dropspindels. i also did a 1.5 boady drop getting the pinch weld to the ground. but the steering is a pain if i could do it all over agin i would get a rack out of a 2000 chevy truck it would of been alot cheeper and less of a hassel!