Knuckle problem?

[6.72:1]

Hello everyone,
Let me explain my situation. I have fifteen inches of lift and forty inch high ground hawgs. I went up a hill in low four the other day and I hit some rough little rocks and bent the hell out of my drag-link that goes across the front of the axle (stock-steering). I ordered a new Marlink because I can't afford crossover right now, but there is another problem. The right (passenger side) tire will only turn so far to the right.It will not even hit the stoppers. What causes this problem? I have two inch wheel spacers. I was able to turn freely before I went up that hill. My tire spins freely when the hub is unlocked (it still doesn't turn all the way to the right), but when the hub is locked is doesn't spin freely at all. Could the hub be causing this turning issue and why doesn't the tire rotate smoothly when I lock my hub? Did I kill the hub? Is it a bearing problem? Any help would be great.
Thank you,
Pete Kupfer

[brainlessfool]

Berchfield maybe? 

[6.72:1]

Do you think so?

[6.72:1]

Could it be anything else?

[brainlessfool]

well what ever it is, it's in there so start pulling it apart. you'll find it. 

[6.72:1]

I guess I'll get to lookin'.

[Duffil]

did it hit the stop before you bent the link?  check your drag link as well...and by the way...having a bent tie rod will affect your steering b/c the link is now too short to push the tire as far as it needs to go.  Or did you mean that you already installed said Marlink?

[WHITE_TRASH]

You killed a birf.  Pull it apart and fix it before it destroys the housing.

[6.72:1]

I believe it did hit the stop before it bent the link. I have ordered a Marlink, but have not put it on yet. The truck is just sitting and I guess I will be ordering a pair of new birfields. Well, what should I go with? I hear all this talk of profields and longfields and I am a bit confused about what to buy for my purposes of the occasion trail ride. Profields maybe?
Thanks!

[WHITE_TRASH]

Profields are garbage, longfields are pretty good, Bellfields are very strong but Longfield CroMo's are the strongest on the market.

[6.72:1]

I guess I'll be dropping some of those longfields chromos in there. Thanks!

[6.72:1]

What special tools will I need for the birfield change? Can I replace just one birfield or is it recommended that I change both at the same time?

[WHITE_TRASH]

If you go with aftermarket birfs you might as well change them both.

[6.72:1]

Thanks! I am starting as soon as I can!

[Shauneth]

the only thing that i can think of for special tools is a 54 mm socket available from marlin, i suggest getting it from them cause it will be the easiest to find, other than that i would recommend a long breaker bar and maybe rebuild the felts while you got it all appart. i was about to change my birf out till i got hit at 65 mph by a Denali and totaled the truck. good luck and don't be afraid to as questions during the processes.

[6.72:1]

Thanks!

[tanman2003]

the only thing that i can think of for special tools is a 54 mm socket available from marlin, i suggest getting it from them cause it will be the easiest to find, other than that i would recommend a long breaker bar and maybe rebuild the felts while you got it all appart. i was about to change my birf out till i got hit at 65 mph by a Denali and totaled the truck. good luck and don't be afraid to as questions during the processes.

getting a pull scale would be a good idea

[CTENG in KS]

Sears sell a 54 mil socket, it is thicker than the specialty socket from Marlin, but it works perfect for me!

[Skinny_Pedal]

the feel method also works well

[6.72:1]

Thanks. I will post some photographs.