Topic: high steer with manual steering?

[kletzenklueffer]

My 82 has manual steering (no power assist). I'm adding 1.5" shackles to the existing 3" suspension lift. First I'm wondering if I'm reaching the upper limit of my J arm steering configuration, and also, if I'm to the point that I need to move on to high steer, can it be done while retaining manual steering? I don't want power steering. I like the single v belt to the alternator simplicity and am resistant to changing that.

[79coyotefrg]

NO, because when changing to histeer an IFS style sterring box must be used, i suppose if you could find a manual ifs gearbox you could but your gonna wish you had power steering when you get on a twisty trail doing 1/2 a mile per hour going from all the way left to all the way right over and over again

[kletzenklueffer [OP]]

I wheeled this truck for several yeasr with the manual , and then wheeled a Blazer, a CJ7, and two 4Runner with power steering. I never thought I could feel the trail/road as well as with manual.

I guess I'll just have to look in to it more. I hate being dependent on belts and hoses to be able to steer. I could steer the manual even if the engine was dead.

[Hyena]

you should be fine with that J-arm with only 5 inches of lift.  i ran it with 6 inches of lift for a long time without the ball flipped on the j-arm and no problems.

[Rocksurfer]

Don't need cross over for that much lift, shouldn't be a problem. On a side note though I used to strong arm a few different rigs not too bad except in the rocks. Not that you can't steer it but be prepared to have the steering wheel ripped out of your grasp. Keep those thumbs tucked or you'll be sore for days or get one broken.

[grant526]

You shouldn't HAVE to go to cross over with your lift, but I woud highly suggest it.  I broke my stock j-arm steering at the Round Up last year and was extremely lucky my buddy had brought his old one for me as a back up.  I just installed crossover on mine, but haven't had a chance to drive it or wheel it.  I considered finding a non-power steering steering box, but decided I would want to convert to power steering at some point down the line anyway, so I did it now.  I needed to purchase an IFS box anyway. . .  It is possible to run a power steering box without the pump.  Just fill it with fluid and connect the hoses back to themselves.  That way it has fluid.  And you'll have the option of adding the pump later.  I'm glad I did!! The little I've moved it arround so far, its been really nice to have!!!!! : )  It was a really Bear to turn my 33x12.50s while stopped without it.  Especially when air down.  And the lincoln locked rear diff didn't help any either.  lol

Good Luck and keep us posted as to what you decide. 

You are running a dropped drag link though aren't you? 

[Hilux92]

I had no powersteering in one of my trucks with front and rear lockers, it was hell.

[TIMS89CRAWLER]

I have had manual steering with high steer so the answer to your question is yes.... however if you ever plan to lock your front end you will want power steering for sure... manual isnt that bad until your locked in the front then it really is hell

[Slolyfe]

I wheeled for 2 years with crossover and no power steering. The manual box is cheap and then your set to upgrade to power when you need to!