Steering mods for 82 pickup ??

[gonfishin]

I have just started to build up my '82 pickup. Right now she is all stock except for a few engine mods (Header, 2.5" exhaust w free flow muffler, weber carb and offy intake, K&N knockoff filter). My original plans were to add only 3" suspension lift because I have read in off road mags that anytime you lift a 79-83 toy over 3" you need to modify steering. I was trying to avoid this because I don't know much about steering modification... But I just saw an ad from a guy nearby who is parting out an '82 with a 4.5" susp lift kit for sale. Can anyone tell me what I should look for under there for steering mod componenets when I check out his rig?

[fourwd1]

The most basic thing would be a dropped draglink.

Should also have a longer torque rod, the link that runs from the frame to the top of the axle.

You'd really need those 2 with a 3" lift.

A crossover steering conversion would be the best choice.

[gonfishin]

Thanks for the info fourwd1. So you say I would need the dropped draglink and extended torque rod for even a 3" lift? I was under the impression that I could keep all the stock steering parts and avoid problems as long as I didn't go higher than 3"...

I've never added a lift to a vehicle before - this is all new to me. But I remember driving a jacked up j**p my buddy had years ago and the steering was SCARY. If you so much as hiccupped that beast would swerve violently for the ditch or the other lane.

This is the sort of thing I would like to avoid... I assumed that his crappy steering was because he lifted it and added big tires but kept stock steering parts.

[fourwd1]

You could probably get away with the stock draglink at 3" lift, but I don't think the torque rod would be long enough. It's no big deal to extend it, just some cut and weld.

Many people will tell you to ditch the torque rod but don't, or you WILL have scary steering.