Comparing D44 knuckles with offroad steering

[JWMcCrary]

Wasn't quite sure how to title what I need to know.

Stone Crusher steering on a bronco with the pre 76 knuckles and Chevy disc conversion. The drag link and the tie rod both mounted at passenger knuckle. I have a good working Ford disc brake setup including knuckles from a 76 Bronco that I have been considering putting in place of the Chevy conversion. My only reason for changing would be to allow RCV axles down the road. It won't be long before I need brake pads so that would be an opportunity to make the change.

My Question - I know the steering will be short, but how much? Is it a small enough difference that longer heims would make up the difference? Not sure if they even make longer threaded heims. Curious if changing the steering completely would be required.

Thanks in advance

 

[broncnaz]

You should have enough threads on the current heims to make the new setup work fine. If I remember correctly its only about a 1/2" differance although that was with 78/79 knuckles not sure on 76 knuckles.
Heims with longer threads should be availible Id check to see what you actually currently have most have a couple inches of threads so you may be ok.

 

[garberz]

76'-77' knuckles are 50 1/4" center to center. My Stone Crusher tie rod is 46 5/8" long, without the heims or lock nuts. Measure yours against this, to see how much you need to make up with more threads showing.

Mark

 

[JWMcCrary]

Thanks for the replies and the answers I was hoping for