Newbie steering questions

[g8rb8t]

Ok, so I'm a newbie and Phred on here has helped teach me how to change out my steering linkage a few weeks ago. Got the parts in a few days ago and I'm starting working on it tonight.

I'm new at working on my truck so tread lightly ;D

Few questions:

1. What type (weight?) of grease do I need for my grease gun for the tie rod ends and drag link connection? Can I get it at a home improvement store or do I need auto parts store etc?

2. I'm converting to a T set-up with the wildhorses kit (i.e. I have a 76 with a Y now). There's no reaming etc. with their kit. Now for the DUMB question - I know the grease fittings you put grease, but do I need to rub some grease on the tie rod (ball joint) shafts where they connect to the wheels and where the drag link connects? I don't think so, but want to do this right.

Thanks for the support and input!

 

[DirtDonk]

Not a bad question at all actually. While you only "need" grease where there is a grease fitting, it wouldn't hurt to put a tiny amount on the tapered cone studs when you put them into the holes. Not for "lubing" so much as to help keep rust at bay longer.
While you don't want them to spin in their holes, so grease might seem counter-intuitive, if the tapered holes are clean and smooth, they're not going to be negatively effected by a thin layer of grease.

On grease types, they may be at the home store, but more likely you'll need to stop by an auto store to get the appropriate type. There are probably dozens of acceptable brands/types for your steering links, but I usually chose mine based more on what they say on the tube than price.
For instance, I'll choose one that says it's highly water resistant because it's going to get a dousing down there any time there's water around. Of course, the first thing you look for is for the label to say "for use in ball-joints and rod ends and steering links" or something to that effect.

I've been using Redline and Mobil-1 synthetic lubes for awhile now with no complaints. By the same token though (and going against what I just said), the good old standby Sta-Lube cheapy stuff never caused me any harm either. I just use the higher dollar stuff since I like to have only one type around the house and use it in everything just about.
Hope that helps. Obviously, nothing's etched-in-stone in the lube department. Just go with what you're comfortable with after reading the label.

Paul

 

[g8rb8t]

Very excited! Got the steering installed and test drive went well! One minor question is my steering wheel was about a 1/4 turn off from being straight. I simply removed it and turned it a quarter. Will this cause issues with the alignment etc? Should I have left it and when I take it to get it aligned will it work itself out?

Thanks again for the help! Super excited that I got it in...

 

[DirtDonk]

Hmm, is the draglink (rod from the box/pitman arm, down to the tie-rod) adjustable at all? Is the suspension lifted too, or still at stock height?
Although you just did the time-honored method of "correcting" the steering, the downside is that your steering box is no longer "on-center" like it's really supposed to be.
Not to worry too much, since it'll probably be fine, but for a perfect setup, the draglink should be adjusted so that it's either the same length as the one you took off, or adjustable so that it can compensate for suspension height changes. The idea is to keep the steering box (and therefore the steering wheel) centered, rather than band-aid it by moving the steering wheel alone.
Curious about any adjustability.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Oh, and the castle nuts do need to be pretty tight first (maybe 40 lbs at least?) and then lined up with the next available pin hole.
I'll try to look up an official torque for you, but if someone else has it handy, what is the torque for the castle nuts on the rod ends?

Paul

 

[g8rb8t]

Thanks guys! I re-adjusted the draglink this morning and it appears to be better (and put the steering wheel back). I got the Wildhorses hit (#2390) and it's 3 way adjustable. Highly recommended as it was really easy to install and adjust. Thanks for the help! Going in for an alignment on Tuesday when I'm back in town.