Steering stabilizer shock

[DirtDonk]

Definitely!
Thanks for the pics. You definitely need a dropped pitman arm and trackbar bracket, or, depending on what use you intend to put this EB to, a riser plate (stronger than a drop bracket).
If you opt for a riser though, instead of, or in addition to the dropped pitman arm you would want to do a tie-rod over conversion to get your linkage geometry back into sync.

You said a 3" lift was added, but since there is no drop arm or bracket, you have to do something to get those angles back down to an even remotely normal level. You were commenting on steering issues, but aside from the stabilizer mounting (which might not be the main culprit after all) your linkage angles are just way too steep.
And when you add all that to the fact that you have manual steering, all that odd feedback can make it's way back up to the steering wheel with little isolation. Power steering runs quite a bit of interference between the tires and the driver.

Good luck. Got a whole can-o-worms you might be opening up. But it's all fixable at one level or another.
Oh, and what C-bushings did you opt for? With your year, and that amount of lift, you'll need 7° bushings. And even at that, still cross your fingers that you'll have a decent amount of positive caster.
A '66 would not have had much originally because of the manual steering. Lifting the ride height makes it worse. Bigger tires makes it even more important, and power steering becomes almost a necessity.

Paul

 

[gr8scott]

Oh, and what C-bushings did you opt for?
Paul

He said earlier that the PO put the lift on.

 

[Bdhand]

This is just going to be a street truck! Not even in the rain LOL! I bought the 4 degree polyurethane cause that is what it said to get for a 3" lift! I guess I could send them back and get the 7 degree! Is this what I should do??

 

[Bdhand]

So if I went with a OEM power steering box with a drop pitman arm and a track bar bracket with power steering and add a new steering stabilizer shock that is mounted CORRECTLY!! I should be headed in the right direction??

 

[bronconut73]

So if I went with a OEM power steering box with a drop pitman arm and a track bar bracket with power steering and add a new steering stabilizer shock that is mounted CORRECTLY!! I should be headed in the right direction??

Yes...7 degree.


Dropped track bar bracket and dropped pitman arm go together, except on some 76 and 77's.
Power steering will really help with drivability but it will require more caster so definitely get the 7 degree C-Bushings Bud.

 

[Bdhand]

Still not exactly sure how I am going to get the measurements to install the new bracket for the new steering stabilizer shock.

 

[DirtDonk]

The good news is that it's the least important factor in all this, so can easily be down on your list of things to do.
But it's also pretty easy. As was explained earlier, mount the driver's side bracket (draglink) first. This is a fixed position so the best place to start.

Don't worry over the frame mounted bracket yet. Let's first make sure you have the correct shock. Aftermarket shocks such as yours could have been changed for the wrong one.
First place to start would be a part number. Check for the stampings on the shock body and let us know the numbers you find. Then pull the shock off (if you haven't already) and measure it fully extended and fully compressed.
Measure from where the two bushing halves meet on each threaded end.

Let us know and we can go from there.

And the 4 degree bushings are still considered the "correct" ones for an EB with 3" of lift. But that's not to say they're always the best choice.
Most early EB's did not have sufficient caster for what we do with them these days. That was a nod to the manual steering gear, the small tires and slow speeds and low expectations. Bigger tires and higher freeway speeds and better driving expectations all dictate more positive caster be added. The bushings themselves are not even enough to get most EB's into that territory. But they're a good start.
Unfortunately for most, this whole setup and modifying of Broncos really needs to be tackled as a complete system and should be thought through right to the end before even starting. Otherwise there are usually a few mis-steps and re-bought parts when the first ones were right at the time, but not correct for the ultimate end.

Have fun!

Paul

 

[Bdhand]

Paul do I need to worry about the part number on the shock if I am going to order a new one and install the correct mounting brackets?

 

[DirtDonk]

No. If it's for a Bronco it's the correct part number. I was just thinking with regard to using the existing one. Forgot you said you were buying a new one.

You might start considering how to space down the crossmember mount at this time too. With the dropped pitman arm your shock will be at an angle. Doesn't bother the shock, and doesn't bother some of us that much aesthetically either. But it does bother some, so I thought I'd mention it.

Paul

 

[savage]

I bought my shock from a auto parts store and it works great. Here are some rough measurements, I measured the first hole at the center of the bolt head , to the outside of the driver side frame it was 15 1/4 inch. Then I measured shock bracket, from drag linkage to cross member bracket and it measured around 17 1/2 inch. Yours may very one way or another ,but it should help you get a starting point.

 

[Bdhand]

Thanks Savage

 

[Bdhand]

Scored this today. Now to figure out what exactly will work on my inline 6 and what won't. Oh and by the way it was given to me!!!! WHAT!!!

 

[DirtDonk]

Nice score!
You going to have the box checked out, or is it supposed to be in good shape?
Have you verified if it's a 6-turn box, or a 4.5 turn?
For mildish tire sizes and use, the stock type pump is good enough. Not really the best for larger tires or more off-roading where it's taxed to it's limits, but good enough for mild street.
Hope it's in good shape too though. Hard to find replacements these days, so would likely need to have it rebuilt locally. Or just go with a Saginaw/Delphi pump from the get-go, as that's what the brackets are likely for anyway.

Nice folks those Bronco peeps! You get it from someone you knew, or a member here?

Paul

 

[Bdhand]

The box is in great shape. It is a 6 turn box. I am going to go with a different pump that works best with my straight 6 but I was just glad to get the box. It was someone here locally! I was out doing my job riding power lines and happened to see the bronco so I stopped to ask him about the fender flares he had because I liked them. That's when I told him what I was working on and he gave me the parts. Now I have another bronco brother!

 

[Bdhand]

quick question. I ordered a drop track bar bracket so does it mount over the existing factory bracket or do I take the factory one off?

 

[savage]

Mine went over the old bracket, it bolts to it and then for strength you weld them.

 

[Bdhand]

You got a good pic of it Savage???

 

[savage]

Here's some pic's.I still need to weld it, here are WH instruction for their drop bracket.

 

[Bdhand]

Thanks Savage

 

[Bdhand]

Savage what lift do you have? My drop bracket doesn't look quite like yours!