So I have made the decision to abandon my 84. I have everything needed though to SAS my 88 minus front spring hangers to compliment my All-Pro 6.5” lift that’s already in the 84. My only question I haven’t found a solid answer on yet though is what to do with steering box? Does the steering box need to be relocated or is the stock location usually good to go on the 86+ rigs? On my 84 mounted the box as far forward as possible and reinforced the frame, I believe the 86+ 4WD frames are more stout and don’t necessarily need to be reinforced too, correct me if I’m wrong.

 

Mount location depends on final axle location. I did not need to move my box but buddy did. He pushed his axle forward to better clear tires.

Won't hurt to push steering box forward in either situation. Toying with idea of moving mine forward, if I do I'll plate frame. Yes new models are known to crack frame from steering box. Hydro assist would be another strategy to reduce frame stress from steering.

 

Thanks! figure it was somewhat just a matter of where the axle settles on your particular install but wasn’t sure if there was a hard and fast rule similar to adding a IFS box on a large lift on a 85 and older truck.

 

Regardless of original axle location, i'd personally move the steering box as far forward on the frame without blowing through the front body mount. I'd also take the time to install a flat pitman arm. My truck is SAS'd with the steering box in the factory location and even with 35" tires, the mount cracked. I stop drilled the crack and welded the top portion of the mount which has worked for years now but it's still not reliable enough to take it any where besides driving around locally.

Just bite the bullet and do it right the first time and not risk anyone being murdered.

Thanks.

 

Thanks for the feedback! I think at a minimum I’ll reinforce the area around the box but that plan might go out the window depending on where the axle ends up. I’ll be running 37s on recentered 8 bolt hummer wheels. The springs I have are older All Pro springs from before they merged with Trail Gear but they are not even broken in yet. I have a drop pitman arm right now that came with the hy-steer kit, what’s the advantage of the flat arm? Just having tucked up and out of the way? I live in SFL now but my dream is to trailer it to parks all over the country and eventually out to Moab and do the Rubicon so it’s not like I’ll be doing any extreme crawling right when it’s completed but I do want to get as much done in one shot for sure!