K5 steering box on truck frame?

[Joey-D]

I am getting ready to buy 73-87 3/4 ton 4x4. But with big tires I have from experence there is no turning radius. Is it possible and if so how much work to mate a k5 box to a truck frame. The have such a better turning radius as we all know. I haven't looked at it up close, but was hoping one of ya'all would know off the top of your head.
Thanks,
Joe

[Dan72cst]

I'm no expert, but the steering boxes are the same. The K5's turn so nicely because of the short wheelbase, not the steeringbox. Wheelbase is one of the major factors, if you want to get into the whole steering geometry thing and tire width etc some people a lot more knowledgeable than me could explain.

[Mudder]

If it has a 4 inch lift has the steering arm been changed?

[bouncytruck]

Steering boxes are all the same. You might consider cross-over steering, but that is usually for 8" + of lift.

On the 73+ trucks, check the frame around the steering box for cracks. The big tires put a lot of extra stress on the frames. There are kits you can buy to re-inforce the frames.

[K5KRAZIE]

Turning radius on a lifted big tire monster?
Are you kidding me. First off the K5, 4wd, 2wd all will "bolt up" to the frame. The reason the K5 has a better turning radius is basiclly the wheel base, the distance between the front and rear tires. A truck having more wheel base=less turning radius.

Also the back space on the wheels and size of the tires can have an impact on your turning. If the tires hit your leaf springs before your knuckle hits the steering stops then your radius goes down as well. Also not correcting the steering for the lift will cause issues.