CPP powersteering conversion help

[chevyrestoguy]

Another thing to ponder:
The adapter plate spaces the box away from the frame just enough for the box to clear without interference. This scoots the steering box and pitman arm to the driver's side. Oftentimes, you can take up this difference by adjusting the tie-rod sleeves, but sometimes you cannot. This depends on which vendor you use for your tie rods. What happens is that the inner and outer tie rods will butt against each other in the adjuster sleeve, and you will have a drastic toe-out condition on the driver's side and not be able to adjust the toe back to the inside. I have had to shorten the driver's side inner tie rod by cutting off about an inch and redressing the threads. This will allow for enough room inside the sleeve to get the toe-in set correctly.

I would re-visit the set-up on your truck. I don't like the idea of extending a center link. You shouldn't have to. What are the details of your truck? Is your suspension totally stock with the exception of the CPP power steering conversion?

The pitman arm usually has a section of the splines that are uncut that act as a keyway, which mates with the splines on the box. I have never seen a pitman arm that can be re-clocked to another position.

Resetting the rag joint/box adapter is always a good starting point. Disconnect the column, and move the box to the full left and right positions and establish the "zero point". Reconnect the column and ensure the steering wheel is centered.

I also recommend doing the "string check" before you head off to the alignment shop. Make sure the vehicle has weight on the suspension, and get a straight edge and put it horizontally on the rim face at the same height as the spindle centerline. Have a buddy on the other side doing the same thing, but have him hold the tape measure. Measure the distance at the front of the wheels and at the back of the wheels, and adjust the tie rods to get it even. The alignment shop will probably add a slight amount of toe-in, but this will get you to the shop without wearing the tires or causing a spooky ride getting there.