Steering measurement Dana 44

[Toro]

I'm putting back together the steering on my 72 Blazer, and looking for a close idea for the distance between the knuckle tie rod attachments on the Dana 44. I've marked in red what I'm looking for, center to center. I hope to get it close before taking to alignment shop. I couldn't go off of the previous distance, as the connecting rod was damaged. Thanks.

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by Toro

I'm putting back together the steering on my 72 Blazer, and looking for a close idea for the distance between the knuckle tie rod attachments on the Dana 44. I've marked in red what I'm looking for, center to center. I hope to get it close before taking to alignment shop. I couldn't go off of the previous distance, as the connecting rod was damaged. Thanks.

Any measurement will be moot due to different housings, machining centers, aftermarket tie rod ends etc. Eyeball it straight as you can until you can bolt tires on and take a toe-in measurement. Just make sure there is an even amount of threads on both ends of the assy

[57taskforce]

Ratchet Strap a piece of 1/4” thick or so angle iron to each front tire, You want them to run about 2-3 inches past the front and rear diameter of the tire. Measure the distance between the front tires and the rear tires, landing the tape measure in the exact same spot. I prefer to keep the tape touching the rolling surface of the tires as I measure. Adjust the tie rod so that the distance is about 1/8”-1/4” shorter in the front than the rear. Do not exceed 1/4” or tire wear will become an issue. This will net you 1/8 to 1/4 toe in. No need to go to an alignment shop with these and solid axle trucks in my opinion any way. To center the steering wheel, park with the tires pointing straight ahead. Adjust the drag link until the wheel is centered. You’ll see what you need as far as steering wheel placement once you start adjusting it. The only other thing adjustable is castor which I wouldn’t worry about unless you have drivability issues like the steering wheel not returning to center on its own after a turn.

[7D2N]

This may or may not help, my K5 with stock suspension is 57 1/2" to the centers.

[Toro]

Originally Posted by 7D2N

This may or may not help, my K5 with stock suspension is 57 1/2" to the centers.

That's interesting. After getting each side as straight as I could eye it, measuring from the center of each hole on the front of the knuckles it measured 57 1/4"