Author Topic: My 87 pickup SAS Build  (Read 19992 times)

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epantano

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My 87 pickup SAS Build
« on: Mar 09, 2017, 06:19:16 PM »
Hi All,

I've been reading a lot of info on here trying to get prepared for my solid axle swap on my pickup. Finally i scored a nice 85 axle for a few hundred off craigslist. These things are getting hard to find!
I ended up piecing my own kit together over the last few months as paychecks come in.

I got new,
Marlin Springs 4", Allpro high steer, ubolt flip kit, shock hoops, shocks.

I fabricated my own front spring hanger, cut some DOM tubing for the holes that need to be cut through the frame. I templated the length from a kit my buddy had purchased. Ended up being cheap since i had the right size tube for a project we have going at work. Got the front wheel spacers from a friend who bought them and didnt need them, so i paid $20 for those. All the grease able 18M bolts I purchased from a surplus store, for half the cost online.

I rebuilt the axle all new seals, bearings, gaskets, studs, etc. This took me a while to do as I had never built one before. However, youtube provided some answers and this forum gave me the rest!  :cheese:

I'm at the point now where I have the axle mounted and everything hooked up. The issue I am having now is when I have the truck on the ground it has issues turning all the way to the drivers side. Its a good half an inch away from the bumpstop.... When i lift it off the ground Im able to turn it all the way. Do you guys thinks this has something to do with my alignment? Or something else? I can't see it binding on anything or hitting bumpstops on the other side. Also I added plating to my steering box and now it seem to be binding a hair when in the middle. I can still turn lock to lock when its off the ground but it feels tight when its around center... Any ideas on that?

Any advice on this would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

Future plans (As money allows)
Rear suspension - I have the spring(Got from marlin) and an E locker i found at a junkyard. Need to piece together the rest. Likely will fabricate the hangers.
Front locker. (Still trying to figure out which one would be best for me)
Dual Transfer case (When will these be in stock again!) Maybe ill have to build one...
3RZ swap
Hydro assist ( I have manual steering right now  :-\)


PS: Trying to figure out how to put pictures...

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #1 on: Mar 10, 2017, 06:33:34 AM »
Because we all like pictures, here you go!

Time to chop the IFS



All chopped



Welded on a clone of the Ruffstuff IFS frame stiffner. My buddy never installed his and so I copied it and got a sheet of 3/8" steel and cut it using a plasma torch.


Cut through the frame and welded in the tubes for the shackles.



Shock hoops welded in.




Axle work





Air compressor wasn't good enough for my buddys plasma cutter, so we made this and connected two to it.


Make sure it all lines up


Shackle Angle its about 90. It should settle a bit with these new springs.


How it currently sits


The car party welding day lol


dustingro

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #2 on: Mar 12, 2017, 05:19:35 PM »
I'd say your drag link is a bit long and the steering box is maxing out. Try shortening it to equalize travel and pulling steering wheel and put it on straight.

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(coming soon) mother in law's 92 runner V6/5spd

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #3 on: Mar 13, 2017, 08:09:39 AM »
Hey Dustingro

So I just need to pull off the drag link and screw the ends in further? I didn't seem like the box was maxing out, when I had the weight off​ the wheel it was able to travel further.

I'll try it out and get back and update my results.

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #4 on: Mar 15, 2017, 08:10:29 PM »
Okay guys,

Need some help. Ive been messing with the steering for a few days now.

I double checked my alignment seems perfect. Exactly 1/8" toe in.

I checked the box made sure im not maxing out. Here is how close to the bump stops i am when tires are off the ground

And on the ground


Ive tightened the drag link in nearly all the way and I cant seem to figure out what is wrong...

Anyone have any ideas?  :hammer:

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #5 on: Mar 16, 2017, 03:55:01 PM »
Bump.

Anyone ??  :confused:

joeyf

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #6 on: Mar 16, 2017, 05:42:43 PM »
Try turning the truck on, slowly drive and turn.

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #7 on: Mar 16, 2017, 05:46:50 PM »
I have driven it. Same issue with it not turning all the way...

joeyf

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #8 on: Mar 16, 2017, 05:59:58 PM »
Maybe the knuckle shims are off. Any up and down play in the knuckles.

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #9 on: Mar 16, 2017, 06:31:39 PM »
Just checked the knuckles are nice and tight no up and down play at all. The entire axle has been rebuilt before it was installed.

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epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #10 on: Mar 19, 2017, 11:59:22 AM »
Bump. Still looking for help anyone had this issue?

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daniresch

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #11 on: Mar 20, 2017, 09:49:47 PM »
Have you checked the steering stop on the front of the axle, on the other end of the axle?
1988 Blue Std Cab: SAS, Longs, HP/ARB/5.29 Front, ARB/5.29 Rear, Marlin Dual Ultimate w/ 23 Spline MC07XD-R10, Marlin 30 Spline Front & Rear Output Shafts, Dave's Triple shifter, FROR crossmember, Bilstein 12" f+r, RUF w/ 63s, 7in bob, 40x13.5x17 MTR's on Racelines Monster Beadlocks 17x9.5

build: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=80954.510

daniresch

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #12 on: Mar 20, 2017, 09:56:17 PM »
Right here:

Check all 4 steering stops  :thumbs:
1988 Blue Std Cab: SAS, Longs, HP/ARB/5.29 Front, ARB/5.29 Rear, Marlin Dual Ultimate w/ 23 Spline MC07XD-R10, Marlin 30 Spline Front & Rear Output Shafts, Dave's Triple shifter, FROR crossmember, Bilstein 12" f+r, RUF w/ 63s, 7in bob, 40x13.5x17 MTR's on Racelines Monster Beadlocks 17x9.5

build: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=80954.510

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #13 on: Mar 21, 2017, 06:32:07 PM »
Yes i checked both sides front and back. It doesn't hit any bumpstops when on the ground and has about the same gap on both sides when turned to the drivers side, roughly 3/4". It is very close to the bumpstop when turning to the passenger side maybe 1/4". See pictures above.

When its in the air and no weight is on the tires, it can turn all the way and hits both bumpstop in each direction. No gap on front or back. Thats why I am so stumped, and so i assumed it was the drag link that needed adjusting.

Anyhow, I havent been working on it this past week, as I pulled the rear axle and have started working on the rear long travel kit and installing the new locker. Hoping someone can shed some light on this issue....

Thanks guys.

OVRAROK

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #14 on: Mar 21, 2017, 07:06:02 PM »
Is the drag link rubbing on the pitman arm, the pic of steering box bolted in looks like it has strange angle on pitman arm
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daniresch

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #15 on: Mar 21, 2017, 08:39:32 PM »
Can you post some pictures of the steering box bolted on the frame, pitman arm, drag link and tie rod?
1988 Blue Std Cab: SAS, Longs, HP/ARB/5.29 Front, ARB/5.29 Rear, Marlin Dual Ultimate w/ 23 Spline MC07XD-R10, Marlin 30 Spline Front & Rear Output Shafts, Dave's Triple shifter, FROR crossmember, Bilstein 12" f+r, RUF w/ 63s, 7in bob, 40x13.5x17 MTR's on Racelines Monster Beadlocks 17x9.5

build: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=80954.510

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #16 on: Mar 25, 2017, 02:01:44 PM »
I'm 99% sure it is not rubbing, i double checked it and no paint is missing and had a friend watch it while it turned.

Daniresch here are the pictures. Let me know if you need more pics. Thanks for the help guys.







daniresch

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #17 on: Mar 25, 2017, 10:34:29 PM »
Disconnect the driver side tie rod end from the high steer arms and feel how the wheels turns back and fourth. I want to eliminate birfield binding and trunnion bearing preload installation mistakes. I mainly want to focus on the fact it steers fine when there is no weight on the wheels.

Other things to consider: As Ovrarok mentioned, it looks like your pitman arm is going to smack into your tierod when the driver side wheel travels up. We need a better picture of how parallel the tierod and draglink are. Two ways to fix this, shorter pitman arm (skys-offroad has a good option) or move your steering box further forward.

Also, you need to swap your u-bolts out on the driver side axle for square ones made for the 1985 axle.
1988 Blue Std Cab: SAS, Longs, HP/ARB/5.29 Front, ARB/5.29 Rear, Marlin Dual Ultimate w/ 23 Spline MC07XD-R10, Marlin 30 Spline Front & Rear Output Shafts, Dave's Triple shifter, FROR crossmember, Bilstein 12" f+r, RUF w/ 63s, 7in bob, 40x13.5x17 MTR's on Racelines Monster Beadlocks 17x9.5

build: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=80954.510

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #18 on: Mar 27, 2017, 11:42:46 AM »
Okay, so i haven't pulled the tie rod end off just yet, But when i lift the front end it turns easily and smoothly and all the way to each bumpstop. Ill pull it off this weekend and check it again. How would i know if it was binding on the birf or if the bearing preload was done incorrectly?

And yes you guys are definitely right my pitman arm is to long it and it will hit. Thanks for the catch. It came with the high steer kit i got, so i assumed it was okay. So ill have to order the one from sky.


For the Ubolts, i've called around to a few places and cant seem to source the square ones. Any ideas where i would be able to get those?

thanks!

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #19 on: Mar 30, 2017, 11:21:34 AM »
Another question:
If I got with the shorter pitman arm does it effect my turning in any way?

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OVRAROK

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #20 on: Mar 30, 2017, 11:38:54 AM »
 :headscratch: wish I could answer, but when I did my sas. I went with flat pitman arm. my steering box is in a little different location as well.
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OVRAROK

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #21 on: Mar 30, 2017, 11:43:37 AM »


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epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #22 on: Mar 31, 2017, 09:32:10 AM »
Yeah I think if I use a flat one it would hit my frame. But a short 3/4" drop pitman should hopefully be the solution for that issue.

What year is your frame? And did you relocate the box forward a good bit?

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OVRAROK

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #23 on: Mar 31, 2017, 09:37:51 AM »
Yeah I think if I use a flat one it would hit my frame. But a short 3/4" drop pitman should hopefully be the solution for that issue.

What year is your frame? And did you relocate the box forward a good bit?

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87 frames. And yes, I pushed it forward
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epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #24 on: Mar 31, 2017, 09:42:49 AM »
87 frames. And yes, I pushed it forward
Mine is an 87 too. Maybe it would be better to just relocate it further forward. Did you get sleeves to weld through the frame when you did that? Also how did you extend the shaft from the steering wheel?

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OVRAROK

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #25 on: Mar 31, 2017, 11:52:21 AM »
Mine is an 87 too. Maybe it would be better to just relocate it further forward. Did you get sleeves to weld through the frame when you did that? Also how did you extend the shaft from the steering wheel?

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yes, there are tubes thru frame, and there are 2 plastic pins on shaft, I melted them out, get your length, then drilled new holes
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blackdiamond

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #26 on: Mar 31, 2017, 08:42:57 PM »
Here's a bit of a random observation: Are you front shocks too long?  It looks to me like they might bottom out long before your front suspension does.  Are those 14" shocks?  I'm pretty sure I'm only running 12".
1989 4Runner: Dual Ultimate (Inchworm front & Marlin 4.70 rear), Marlin Twin Stick, 1200-lb clutch, 4.88 R&P, Aussie Front, Detroit rear, 30-spline Longs, Long hub gears, ARP hub and knuckle studs & 35x12.50 Cooper STT PRO tires.  Marlin rear bumper & sliders.  FROR front bumper.  SAS with Alcan springs & Rancho 9000XL shocks.  Budbuilt Bolt-on traction bar.  Custom Interior Cage by Those Guys Rod and Customs.

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Willard

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My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #27 on: Mar 31, 2017, 09:57:48 PM »
Here's a bit of a random observation: Are you front shocks too long?  It looks to me like they might bottom out long before your front suspension does.  Are those 14" shocks?  I'm pretty sure I'm only running 12".
Shocks create a perfect bump stop.....ask me how I know lol


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blackdiamond

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #28 on: Apr 01, 2017, 03:02:44 PM »
Shocks create a perfect bump stop.....ask me how I know lol


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When I was still running Bilstein shocks they became bump stops as I was able to bottom them out often. I did care for the abrupt end to my suspension, it was not much different than coming down on the rear bumper.
1989 4Runner: Dual Ultimate (Inchworm front & Marlin 4.70 rear), Marlin Twin Stick, 1200-lb clutch, 4.88 R&P, Aussie Front, Detroit rear, 30-spline Longs, Long hub gears, ARP hub and knuckle studs & 35x12.50 Cooper STT PRO tires.  Marlin rear bumper & sliders.  FROR front bumper.  SAS with Alcan springs & Rancho 9000XL shocks.  Budbuilt Bolt-on traction bar.  Custom Interior Cage by Those Guys Rod and Customs.

Moab Tested & Rubicon Approved

epantano [OP]

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Re: My 87 pickup SAS Build
« Reply #29 on: Apr 04, 2017, 10:48:12 AM »
Here's a bit of a random observation: Are you front shocks too long?  It looks to me like they might bottom out long before your front suspension does.  Are those 14" shocks?  I'm pretty sure I'm only running 12".
They are the 5125 Series Bilstein shocks. They are 13.5" collapsed. I still need to add my bump stops anyhow.

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