All the old is out, and almost ready to put all the new parts in for the crossover but i've got a question/problem.

One of the threaded mounting holes from the old set up is perfectly lined up with where one of the new holes is going to have to be drilled, and i'm not sure what to do. I've got the marlin IFS mounting kit with the sleeves, so the old bolt hole and welded bolt really need to go.

Should I try and drill it out? Don't want to mess up the bit, and definitely don't want to mess up the truck or mounting surface. Havn't got a plasma or torch, just welder.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Thanks in advance.

move the box further forward, mine touches the radiator support.
also make sure that the swing of the pitman arm is very close to the frame or it will hit the leaf springs when the drivers side tire is up in the fender.

the steering shaft has plastic pins/slid locks that can be melted out with a torch to lenthen it. use silicone sealer when you put it back on to take out the little bit of slop that will be there.

i knocked it out with a punch. then i ended up moving it foward so that it nearly touches the radiator mount. i did not have to lengthen my steering shaft, it was long enough.
those plastic pins are there to shear and collapse the shaft in the event of a front end collision. the shaft collapses instead of your chest.modifying them may not pass your states vehicle inspection, if there is one (nobody checks it anyways so the point is moot).

Yep, shove the box as far forward as you can get it:



(as installed by AllPro)

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/CrossoverSteering/index.shtml

I later braced the frame on both sides of the box:

Have got it practically on the radiator mount as far forward as I can without actually cutting holes in the sheet metal.

So a punch or something will work with getting that factory threaded bolt out? I figure i'll try that, then get it out with a magnet through one of the new holes if i'm successful. If not i'll be back. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Thanks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Does this look far forward enough? And how about the height?, should I center it more on the frame vertically for strength?

i would put it farther forward. just did my buddy's truck, and its mounted about where 4crawler's is. worked great.

In that case i'm going to have to cut into that front wall on the body. Did a little hammering and got it a little farther forward, but not much. Putting the arms on and tie rod to get a better picture of what needs to be where. Most likely will be running some stock rears on the front and will need the box that much more forward.

Grrr... Now you tell me. Can't use the stock pitman you see in the pic either... dingit dingit dingit.

This look a little better <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />



Won't be running the stock pitman, but holding the stocker up with the new one from the hy-steer kit, they are identical in length and drop. The new one is much beefier.

Another question, could I run the new drag link from the steering arm to the top of the pitman arm end instead of the stock location below? It doesn't look like it would hit or bind with anything. Just curious, trying to think of more ways to reduce any possible interfereance between the drag link and the tie rod or leaf pack in compression.

Thanks again.