F150 knuckles disc conversion, now new steering linkage sits low

[bronco loco]

I am almost done with a 79 f150 knuckles disc conversion and now I mocked the steering it sits low. Is this normal?

 

[bronco loco]

With the track bar

 

[Apogee]

Yes, that's normal for the F150 knuckles, and the primary reason that a lot of folks flip it and do a tie-rod over conversion, and then either run a frame drop bracket for the track bar or an axle riser bracket.

 

[jamesroney]

Well, that's interesting. I have a 76 Bronco D44, and a 76 F150 HP D44 in the garage today...and sure enough...the F150 tie rod is about 2 inches lower than the Bronco.

Neither of mine look as low as yours though. (the painted one is Bronco) How much caster did you put into your knuckles?

 

[bronco loco]

7 degrees

 

[Yeller]

When flipping the tie rod on top of the knuckle the axle riser bracket is geometrically an improvement to handling over using a frame bracket.

 

[bronco loco]

Is it possible to flip my new 76-77 steering over the knuckles? or any other remedy?

 

[toddz69]

Is it possible to flip my new 76-77 steering over the knuckles? or any other remedy?

Confused - you also have a '76-'77 linkage in addition to what you show in your first post?

Todd Z.

 

[bronco loco]

My mistake, i replaced the old tired 74 linkage for the 76 linkage that are on the pictures

 

[Broncobowsher]

Are those F150 knuckles from a supercab?
I recall the supercab uses a different version of the D44.

Tie rod flip would bring that up. Typically that would interfere with a track bar drop bracket (at full turn and compressed). Another reason the axle riser bracket is often recommend.

 

[toddz69]

Are those F150 knuckles from a supercab?
I recall the supercab uses a different version of the D44.

Tie rod flip would bring that up. Typically that would interfere with a track bar drop bracket (at full turn and compressed). Another reason the axle riser bracket is often recommend.

The F150 knuckles in the OP's photo are definitely the regular ones. You could use the 76-77 linkage on top of the knuckles, I'd think. The linkage would need to be shortened a bit for those knuckles but I think that could be done?

To the OP, the linkage in the photo looks to be in pretty good shape - any reason not to re-use it?

Todd Z.

 

[bronco loco]

The photo was taken with the new 76 linkage, is an adjustable one. I guess I will need the axle riser bracket?

 

[toddz69]

The photo was taken with the new 76 linkage, is an adjustable one. I guess I will need the axle riser bracket?

Ok - sorry I'm so confused. I thought you were referring to the Y-linkage. Yes, I'd flip the linkage shown and use an axle riser. There are multiple advantages to doing it that way.

Todd Z.

 

[SHX669]

That's the reason I went with tie rod over when I did the brake/knuckle swap

 

[bronco loco]

Ok - sorry I'm so confused. I thought you were referring to the Y-linkage. Yes, I'd flip the linkage shown and use an axle riser. There are multiple advantages to doing it that way.

Todd Z.

Can I still do that even though I only have a 2.5 inch lift?

 

[Madgyver]

Look like a converted 3 way adjustable steering linkage that vendors sell to replace the 76-77 Y steering.

If you want to go tie-rod over. Ruffstuff has a kit with chevy 1 ton ends that I use. In my opinion in our state it is the best option.

I believe there are tapered bushings that vendors sell to use your existing links and go from top of knuckle. also requires drill or reaming.

 

[toddz69]

Can I still do that even though I only have a 2.5 inch lift?

You should be able to. I run the F150 linkage (which is very similar) on mine with only a 1.5" lift - although my trac bar set up is different. But I've run what you would have with 2.5-4.5" of front end lift without issue.

Todd Z.

 

[DirtDonk]

As with many of these modifications though, you just have to be ready to mock things up and make tweaks and adjustments to suit your particular bronco and it's needs. Once you do tie rod over not all additional components are made specifically for that.

 

[DirtDonk]

And just another fine-point to put forth bronco loco, you do not have "76 linkage" so that's a bit confusing. You are working on a '75 and earlier model, and you simply replaced the stock linkage with a fully adjustable version of the same thing. It's still '66 to '75 style linkage, but with two additional adjusting points.
The '76 and '77 linkages were completely different in shape, size layout and included issues.

Traditionally referred to as "Inverted-T" ('66 to '75) and "Inverted-Y" ('76 and '77 only) linkages, there is sometimes some confusion there too, ever since Ruff Stuff Specialties started calling their GM 1-ton tie-rod conversion parts the "Y-Link" setup like Mad has on his.
It does look like a Y but is more akin to what was known as the T style in the old days.

Paul

 

[Madgyver]

This is a 77 F150 Full Width High Pinion Dana44 axle.