Dropmember on a Dually. Steering?

[D.FENS]

Considering a Porterbuilt Dropmember and control arms on my C30 CCD.

The regular C10 dropmember kit is set up for a Unisteer or similar MII rack and pinion, and I would assume the C30 kit would be the same.

Anybody have any inside info on how the MII rack works on really heavy vehicles, like a crewcab or a Sub? I called Unisteer this morning and their guy said they haven't actually done one themselves but wouldn't recommend it.

[lolife99]

Talk to Nate Porter.
I know he has sold a few Dropmembers for dually projects.
Maybe he can give you some insight.

[D.FENS]

I posted pretty much the same question on PB's web forum a couple days ago, but as yet haven't gotten a reply.

Didn't really want to call them since I'm not ready to pull the trigger.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by D.FENS

I posted pretty much the same question on PB's web forum a couple days ago, but as yet haven't gotten a reply.

Didn't really want to call them since I'm not ready to pull the trigger.

Plenty of guys running them. Few things to discuss. Best to give us a call.... even if you're not ready to pull the trigger yet.

I am a little behind on answering questions on the PB forum. Not enough hours in the day! LOL

[D.FENS]

Understand PB is a busy shop, that's why I didn't want to waste your time on the phone when I'm not really ready to spend money.

Perfectly fine with you (or whoever) answering my questions online when you have a minute. Maybe others could benefit as well.

Thanks again.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by D.FENS

Understand PB is a busy shop, that's why I didn't want to waste your time on the phone when I'm not really ready to spend money.

Perfectly fine with you (or whoever) answering my questions online when you have a minute. Maybe others could benefit as well.

Thanks again.

I'm sure they know of others that lurk around waiting to learn about what it takes to install The Dropmember in a dbl wide....

[andrewmp6]

I believe all of his dropmembers use a fox body mustang rack pinion.

[D.FENS]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

I believe all of his dropmembers use a fox body mustang rack pinion.

From what I've been able to find out, Unisteer uses either a Mustang II / late Pinto, or a Dodge Omni rack depending on whether it's a front (ahead of the spindle) or rear (behind the spindle) application.

My question was more focused on how well the Unisteer racks work and whether it will hang in there long-term, particularly on a heavy vehicle, as opposed to what it is or how the dropmember itself is installed.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by D.FENS

From what I've been able to find out, Unisteer uses either a Mustang II / late Pinto, or a Dodge Omni rack depending on whether it's a front (ahead of the spindle) or rear (behind the spindle) application.

My question was more focused on how well the Unisteer racks work and whether it will hang in there long-term, particularly on a heavy vehicle, as opposed to what it is or how the dropmember itself is installed.

We use a 79-93 Mustang rack.

We used Unisteer exclusively over the years until recently. They remanufacture all their racks, and do a great job with exceptional quality control. Unfortunately, since it's a rebuilt unit, they are at the mercy of the cores. There have been several core shortages over the past year or so, leading to a smaller supply.

CPP manufactures a brand new rack and pinion that is a little beefier, but holds the same dimensions. We started using this rack a few months ago. It seems to be of the same quality, but is new, and has beefier internals... can't go wrong there, as it is a better fit for the heavier front axle weight.

I don't see, nor have I seen any issues with longevity on a heaveir front axle weight vehicle like the subs or duallys. However, it would be common sense to assume that whenever a part is pushed to perform on the higher end of its intended design or capacity, it will wear at a quicker rate. I think the longevity or life of the components would depend greatly on how the vehicle was driven and how much the vehicle was driven.

What is your intended purpose for the truck?

[D.FENS]

Now we're getting somewhere. Thank you for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.

Primary use for my truck will be for cruising and light - to- medium hauling / towing.

I like the idea of not having to Z the frame to get the truck to lay. Tentative plan is to bag the truck with a Dropmember, spindles, PB arms, and the rack conversion.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by D.FENS

Now we're getting somewhere. Thank you for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.

Primary use for my truck will be for cruising and light - to- medium hauling / towing.

I like the idea of not having to Z the frame to get the truck to lay. Tentative plan is to bag the truck with a Dropmember, spindles, PB arms, and the rack conversion.

Cruising and light to medium towing (assuming car trailer is about as heavy as you would go?) I would not hesitate.

Work truck hauling big loads on a regular basis...I would not sell it to you! LOL

[D.FENS]

Originally Posted by Porterbuilt Street Rods

Work truck hauling big loads on a regular basis...I would not sell it to you! LOL

All I have is a single car bumper pull trailer. Hoping I never own enough toys to need a three car wedge. Be cheaper to buy a used semi / lowboy combo.

Need to make up my mind about powertrain. I'm looking at LS swaps, like a 6.0 / 4L80E, but I've noticed 8.1's are available for about the same money.

Assuming the DM would address any LS motor mount issues, but what about header and oil pan fitment? Is there any particular parts combo you recommend to get the motor sitting in the truck? This might not be such a problem with an 8.1.

[andrewmp6]

I wouldn't be scared of using a fox body mustang rack,I know a few fox body drag cars running a blown big block and the stock rack handles the weight fine.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

I wouldn't be scared of using a fox body mustang rack,I know a few fox body drag cars running a blown big block and the stock rack handles the weight fine.

Is that the issue?
Or is it more about the weight of a dually truck,... pushing on the rod ends and adapters connected to the 79-93 mustang rack?
I'm not sure how much more a dually weighs than a standard pickup, with a Dropmember.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Is that the issue?
Or is it more about the weight of a dually truck,... pushing on the rod ends and adapters connected to the 79-93 mustang rack?
I'm not sure how much more a dually weighs than a standard pickup, with a Dropmember.

Prob about 2K more....

[PBFAB.COM]

The main issue is the force that is put on the pinion assembly inside the rack. The gear assembly can only handle so much. That is why the only real determining factor is front axle weight.

Another thing to throw out there.... the manual rack has a beefier pinion gear in it, making it possibly a better option.

As for me, I would run the power set-up, load up the wife and kids, hit the road, and not think twice.

Nate

[SCOTI]

Swapping to the SRW front hubs & lighter wheels would prob extend the lifespan. Some like that look too (CC dually tucking some 22's).

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Swapping to the SRW front hubs & lighter wheels would prob extend the lifespan. Some like that look too (CC dually tucking some 22's).

Agreed. Keep in mind that the Dropmember and control arms will also shave quite a bit of weight off the front.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

I wouldn't be scared of using a fox body mustang rack,I know a few fox body drag cars running a blown big block and the stock rack handles the weight fine.

While that "might" simulate the weight of a BBC in a dually, it won't even come close to comparing the stress put on that rack that the weight of the wheels do. There is no possible way to compare fox body drag cars and a C30 truck for stress on steering components.

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by Porterbuilt Street Rods

Agreed. Keep in mind that the Dropmember and control arms will also shave quite a bit of weight off the front.

Nate, I know the Dropmember is a ton lighter, but have you ever weighed a hub to hub setup side by side to see just how much over an OE crossmember and arms?

I am curious because I was blown away at how much lighter the Corvette brake setup Boris has was over an OE C10 disc setup. I would think the difference would be considerable in this case, too.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

Nate, I know the Dropmember is a ton lighter, but have you ever weighed a hub to hub setup side by side to see just how much over an OE crossmember and arms?

I am curious because I was blown away at how much lighter the Corvette brake setup Boris has was over an OE C10 disc setup. I would think the difference would be considerable in this case, too.

I have, but don't have the numbers in front of me. It was over 100 lbs lighter (a bunch of that was in the steering components). I will get some more exact numbers.

Nate

[jimmydean]

I just know how heavy my '75 front setup was hub to hub because I had to get it in the back of the truck by myself.

[Ghostwhite]

Thread from the dead!

Just ordered the dropmember for my c30, what pn powered-steering rack do I need from CPP and will the recommended shaft joints for the c10 work on the c30(are they different)?

Trying to get my ducks in a row, my schedule doesn't coincide well with your office hours Nate, thanks!

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Ghostwhite

Thread from the dead!

Just ordered the dropmember for my c30, what pn powered-steering rack do I need from CPP and will the recommended shaft joints for the c10 work on the c30(are they different)?

Trying to get my ducks in a row, my schedule doesn't coincide well with your office hours Nate, thanks!

I would email Nate or Dave,... or PM him directly.
Should still use the 79-93 mustang rack.

[slimneverdies]

Does it help with the turning radius of these big trucks?