Is it bent?

[mlheppl]

I've got this dana 44 from a 78 F250 that I'm planning on putting under my 71. The steering linkage looks like it's bent to me. I hope the photos show it well enough to be able to tell. I'm pretty sure that the steering arm is supposed to have the contour in front of the pumpkin, but to me it looks like it is bent on the passenger side in front of where the steering stabilizer shock mounts. What say you guys is this the proper contour for a 78 or is it bent to heck?

[fordman]

maybe its made that way.

[mlheppl]

That's what I'm wondering. I'm not familiar enough with this front end to know for sure. I pulled this out of a 78 that I bought and it seemed to steer fine when I drove it home, but I was concentrating on keeping the motor running as the motor in the truck jumped timing. It was a long trip, but drove it home about 15 miles.

[BigBlueF250]

It is bent. I have the same steering in my 69 and mine is straight.



Steve

[averagef250]

+1 for bent.

[Doug Comer]

bent

[mlheppl]

So is the shaft supposed to be straight like it is on my 71 Dana 44? If so, are they interchangeble between the bump era dana 44's and the 78-79 dana 44?

[averagef250]

59-75 is same, drum axles use the same tie rods. 76-77 disc axles use longer tie rods. 77.6-79 tie rods are same width, ends are larger.

I think the 76-79 ones have a woopty in them for the diffy.

[mlheppl]

Looking for a replacement tie rod, there's a huge difference in the prices for the right outer tie rod. I'm finding this part from $110 to over $200. So who makes a good one and who makes junk? Most of the online retailers don't give a very good description of the parts construction, so it's hard to evaluate what you're getting for the money. Looking at the 4X4 specialty places, you'll find the tubes made of 1.25" DOM tubing, but I don't see anything for F series trucks. I'm not planning on any lift, so I don't have any plans for a high steer or cross over steering. At least not at this point anyways.

[mlheppl]

I found a moog DS837 for $95 online. For that price, I think I'll go that rout. I had never dealt with moog products so I wasn't sure on their quality. Searching them here, I found several people that had used their springs and other parts. Sounds like another from you for moog if they are comparable or better than spicer.

[fordman]

moog has been around for many many years. it is a top name in parts.

[71highboy]

moog has been around for many many years. it is a top name in parts.

very good parts