Drop axle steering question

[agnes the dog]

Got my 3" Sid's drop axle (bought used), new tie rod, new spring packs, etc, installed and everything looks and feels fantastic. The only problem is that the steering wheel is cocked almost 180 degrees. I know that there's no adjustment in anything I've messed with. I guess I need to know if I've done something terribly wrong, or if I just need to pull the steering wheel and re-align it. Anyone have this issue when installing a drop axle?

[mr48chev]

I don't know if a three inch drop will cause the angle of the drag link to be such that it turns the wheel almost 180 degrees or not.

Do the wheels turn out the same on each side when you go lock to lock? If they do I'd just drive straight far enough so that the wheel centers it's self and then pull it off and set it back on square and tighten the nut down.

[NEWFISHER]

Yes, as 48 mentioned, reset the wheel. Are you usings sids tie rods or the stock ball and socket?
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[sqrlnts]

FYI, if you changed the length of the drag link it could cause the wheel to be offset even if the front wheels are tracking true.

[agnes the dog]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Yes, as 48 mentioned, reset the wheel. Are you usings sids tie rods or the stock ball and socket?
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I got the whole setup as a complete unit. Not sure if it is Sid's or not. They are definitely the new style tie rods ends with a big beefy tie rod. I had to remove the ball from the steering arm to make it work. That was NOT a fun task! :-)
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[agnes the dog]

Any suggestions on how to get the horn button off without damaging it?
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[dubie]

It sounds like your pitman arm had rotated out of alignment when you hooked everything up. But if it all buttoned up together fine then it must be in the right place. As long as everything drives straight and true then it's just a matter of pulling the wheel and placing it where you want it.

it all depends on what horn button you have. Mine pops right off and there are 3 screws to remove under the button itself. Then remove the nut on the shaft and turn the wheel.

[agnes the dog]

Thanks! I also found that its not even close to 180 off. It's maybe 30 degrees. I just straightened the wheels and thought it was that far off. After driving it, I found that its a lot closer to stock. I appreciate the help!
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[dubie]

well now you owe us pictures of the new set up and the truck we love pictures

[mr48chev]

Back when I was doing front end work and alignments in Texas I packed a ratchet and socket and wheel puller along on a test ride more than once and centered the wheel on the side of the road on a test drive.

On an independent front end you just lengthen one tie rod and shorten the other the same amount to center the wheel and don't take the wheel off though.

[agnes the dog]

Here's a pic of the steering wheel as the truck is going dead straight....

[agnes the dog]

Here are some pics of the truck after the drop axle. I think the rear needs to come down about an inch or two. I like the raked look, especially with the aluminum slots. I think it is a little too much right now. I think a set of drop shackles will do the trick...

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics. There was a storm coming and I didn't have time to dig out the big camera. I'll get some better pics soon....

[NEWFISHER]

Truck looks great!

[agnes the dog]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Truck looks great!

Thanks!
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[dubie]

nah man, it sits perfect right now. The rake gives it that hot rod look. I wouldn't change a thing. The stance is BANG on!!!

[mr48chev]

Black truck that has an absolutely perfect stance, it doesn't get much better than that. From where your wheel is sitting I'd think that either the new drag link is a bit longer than the old one or that the drop when combined with the caster moved the steering arm back that much. Dang, I like that truck.

[sqrlnts]

Measure your drag link (connects pitman arm to steering arm along the frame) from center of ball joint to the center of the other ball joint.

I have two at home I can measure to compare. Great looking truck BTW.