Does this look ok? Should I move it up, or is there enough clearance above my leaf spring? Should I plate the frame or just gusset the top mount?

 

It should look like this. How you have it...it will eat into the tie rod/drag link when flexing. If you don't get it right high cross over steering will cause you nothing but problems/interferences.

You should plate the frame with an IFS steering box mount kit...plates the frame and sleeves the holes.

 

gusset/plate? Yes

It does look like the TR will clear the DL the way you have it now.

BTW I never moved my box when I sased.

 

my steering shaft and knuckles line up good. my steer shaft under the hood isn't allowing for much adjustment on the box.

 

The steering shaft pins can be drilled out so the shaft will expand.
Details on 4crawler's website.

You want to move the box as far forward as possible and rotate it like in my picture. It is pretty straightforward.

 

Do you have to move it when you SAS? My IFS box on my '87 looks pretty close the Wabbit's picture above already.

 

The point is that if you are SASing you need to reinforce the frame, thus you have to do all the work anyway, so move it so things line up better. Much easier to go to hydro assist later if the box is moved.

Your IFS box on a stock 87 is close in the fact that it is on the frame.

 

thanks for the info WAB, i got some scrap 3/16 plate at work at today. time to get to work!!!!! i almost took the easy way out, but i asked the right questions!!!!

i'll let you know how it all turns out!!!!!

 

I get it. Another high-steer question (Sorry for the threadjack). I saw the Trail-gear Highsteer kit comes with either a flat or a drop pitman arm. What's the difference or pros and cons? (other than one being flat)

 

You also need to SLEEVE the frame or the plates will crush it in when you torque down the box.

If you move the box, you don't need anything but a standard pitman arm.

 

Some have to some dont. Im assuming many just do it cause the internets thell them too.

BTW I also run assist.

 

my tie rod and drag link touch very slightly when fully flexed out... I should have probably moved mine.. I may do so eventually.

 

Looks fine. a little further back than mine, but as long as you run a flat pitman arm, you will clear everything. Mine is pushed all the way into the body mount, strait up and down, with a a flat pitman arm. No complaints. You want your drag link and steering arm the be as close to parallel as possible. That being said, make sure your axle placement is where you want it to be, or you'll be drilling that plate again down the road.
Definately gusset and sleeve the frame as was already stated.

:i know this thread is old, but im sure he's not the only one with this question.