Look at THIS!!??

[crawlin91]

Just bought this Dana35 axle because it has new 4.56 gears in it so when I do the lift I will be all set up. Take a look at the steering knuckle and tell me what the purpose of this set up is. He said it was modified to fit the superlift steering linkage. Basically looks like they welded in a new plate and threw a 1/2" bolt through. Really not sure what I am looking at here so let me know what you think. Im using a 5.5" superlift if that helps. Sorry about the pic quality, let me know if I need to take some more.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Looks like they modded it to run Heim joints for the steering ends.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Hmmmm, welded to cast..... I think you need new knuckles.

 

[crawlin91]

Looks like they modded it to run Heim joints for the steering ends.

Yeah I remember the guy saying something about that. What does that mean exactly?? I just want to know what I need to do to get it on my truck. I have a d35 in there now so if I have to I can "borrow" parts from it when I do the swap.
SO what do you guys recommend??????

 

[Ranger44]

Just swap your knuckles onto the new axle. Simple.


...or if there is nothing wrong with your current axle, just swap the pumpkin over....

 

[crawlin91]

Would there be any advantages to running this set up with heim joints?

 

[bobbywalter]

i cant remember if the 35 are weldable or not.


seems they are if done right.


either way i would get new knucles or ttb 44 knuckles.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yeah I remember the guy saying something about that. What does that mean exactly?? I just want to know what I need to do to get it on my truck. I have a d35 in there now so if I have to I can "borrow" parts from it when I do the swap.
SO what do you guys recommend??????

It means that the previous owner modded the knuckles by welding to them (which can be very bad if not done properly) so they could use heim rod ends instead of the factory ball and socket style tie rod end.

That is a heim joint

 

[crawlin91]

It means that the previous owner modded the knuckles by welding to them (which can be very bad if not done properly) so they could use heim rod ends instead of the factory ball and socket style tie rod end.

That is a heim joint

All of the welds look real clean and the new metal tabs are braced. But I will just change out the knuckles. The D35 with the modded knuckles is all new including bushings, hubs and discs so I wanna keep as much of it as possible. Guess its time to get wrenching.

GOOD NEWS..... I just aquired a garage. I rent from a guy who had been storing his vintage corvette in mine. Well his ex wife finally cleaned out all of her shit so he moved the car and now I get all of that beautiful garage space. Should come in handy, with this and some other issues it sounds like the ranger will be apart for at least a coulple of days when I install the lift. (honestly its my first time really having the front end apart) So it will be nice to have a safe place to leave it....Also I can get my dirtbikes out of the spare room.lol

 

[Danger06Ranger]

Just wondering, but what are the benefits of running a heim joint on the steering?

 

[MAKG]

Just wondering, but what are the benefits of running a heim joint on the steering?

As I understand it, they tolerate a much larger angle. But get dirty and require replacing more often.

You don't really need a much larger angle on the steering unless you've thoroughly thrashed the steering geometry.

Most of what people do to modify their steering qualifies as mind-numbingly stupid -- steering geometry has to follow axle geometry, and modifications very often don't. Not having seen the linkage on this axle, I can't say if this does. But I don't see where heims are EVER actually necessary for anything approaching sensible angles.

Now, for extended radius arms, sure. One would get much better travel from that than from compressing a bushing.

 

[engdept]

If you currently have a Dana 35 in your truck, why not just swap the center section into yours? That would be a TON easier than swapping the axles themselves.

 

[crawlin91]

If you currently have a Dana 35 in your truck, why not just swap the center section into yours? That would be a TON easier than swapping the axles themselves.

What would swapping the center section include doing as compared to the knuckles? And could I do that myself??

 

[crawlin91]

and thanks MAKG for clearing that up.

 

[Danger06Ranger]

Thanks MAKG, cause I'm still a newbie when it comes down to the suspension and steering. But I am learning.