New member new to Sweptlines but not Mopar

[Wicked31]

Hello all I recently picked up a 1970 d200 crew cab that the previous owner had started a 4x4 conversion. Previous owner provided Dana 60s from a ‘88 dodge both front and rear discs, transfer case w/ crossmember. I’m looking to build this truck as a daily/ tow vehicle for my Mopar muscle cars. Since it still has the 2wd front springs I’m planning on getting a w200 lift kit. What can’t figure out is what to do with the steering. I’ve searched and read a ton of posts but it has me more confused than ever. Can anyone give me some good advice on what to do with the steering (gear box, pitman, drag link or maybe just do a steering conversion). I want it to be safe and reliable. Cost is not an issue just want to do it right the first time.
Thanks in advance.

[Wildergarten]

I have a full and currently working factory power steering system on a '67 D200 (parting out the truck).
I'll be selling it as soon as I can pull it.
I'm local to you. PM me if you are interested.

[Wildergarten]

I should add that I also have a manual box too if you want that.

The factory manual has a very good procedure for adjusting a steering box.

[Hobcobble]

I should add that I also have a manual box too if you want that.

The factory manual has a very good procedure for adjusting a steering box.

Won't work on a W200. The pitman arm
and drag link are D Series Specific.

John

[Wildergarten]

Got it. Thanks.
I do have both but haven't got into the D series truck enough to have seen the difference.
M

[PwrWgnDrvr]

I should add that I also have a manual box too if you want that.

The factory manual has a very good procedure for adjusting a steering box.

Won't work on a W200. The pitman arm
and drag link are D Series Specific.

John

But, he's using 1988 axles, so nothing works, eh?

[Wicked31]

So I need to find w200 box, pitman arm and drag link?

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Box is the same for W and D, but pitman and drag link probably won't work with the 88 axles.

[Hobcobble]

So I need to find w200 box, pitman arm and drag link?

My previous comment was in regards to the pitman arm & drag link from
a "D" Series truck not working on a "W" Series truck. As you're working with
a newer axle, that complicates things a bit more. If it were me, I'd use the
"Search" function on this site and go through some posts having to do with
using post-Sweptline front axles to see what others have done.

The "D" Series drag link is quite different than the "W" Series link. The
"D" Series pitman arm is a different length than the "W" Series pitman
arm. If you don't get the steering geometry dialed in just right.... you'll
have issues.

John

[Wicked31]

So I need to find w200 box, pitman arm and drag link?

My previous comment was in regards to the pitman arm & drag link from
a "D" Series truck not working on a "W" Series truck. As you're working with
a newer axle, that complicates things a bit more. If it were me, I'd use the
"Search" function on this site and go through some posts having to do with
using post-Sweptline front axles to see what others have done.

The "D" Series drag link is quite different than the "W" Series link. The
"D" Series pitman arm is a different length than the "W" Series pitman
arm. If you don't get the steering geometry dialed in just right.... you'll
have issues.

John

I have used the search function to nauseum and have not found any solid info on what actually works. What I was hoping to find was someone who actually has installed a d60 front and what parts they used or what they customized to make it actually work. I’m actually going to be radius arming the front eventually with hydraulic assist crossover steering but would like to get it on the road in the meantime with the leafs.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Why do u need 4wd if its just a daily driver and tow vehicle?
A lot easier to just put it back together as a stock D200.
I don't recall anyone on here that has done what u are considering.
Did u study this?:
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=20020

[Wicked31]

Why do u need 4wd if its just a daily driver and tow vehicle?
A lot easier to just put it back together as a stock D200.
I don't recall anyone on here that has done what u are considering.
Did u study this?:
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=20020

I live on a hill and have to back my trailers up a dirt driveway to my shop. 4 wheel drive is the only way. Sold my previous truck (megacab 2500) a couple months back. I have read that post and that’s definitely a possibility. Just thought there might be a way to make it work temporarily with the box in the stock location.

[Wildergarten]

Box is the same for W and D, but pitman and drag link probably won't work with the 88 axles.

[musing]
The '88 Dodge Dana 60 axle has a considerably shorter steering arm than on the factory Dana 44. However, one needs to calculate that from the spring to the king pin and not necessarily from the king pin to the plane of the pitman arm, as the smaller knuckle on the factory 44 means that the arm would be longer anyway (haven't measured that yet). As to the drag link, I'd be tempted to sacrifice a factory drag link and thread the ends to accept tie rod ends to preserve the geometry (hullava job threading a rough "S" shaped forging in a four-jaw chuck). To that end, one might be simialrly tempted to CNC plas a steering arm from 4140 plate. Reaming the hole in the end to match whatever tie rod end is threaded onto the faux drag link is not that big a deal.
[/musing]

[PwrWgnDrvr]

......I live on a hill..........

"Morgan" hill?

[Wildergarten]

......I live on a hill..........

"Morgan" hill?

This site is for Dodges.
Morgans are here https://www.morgansportscarclub.com/.

[HiFire]

Well I'm in the same boat. D60 front in a D100. It already has a Buick steering column from the previous owner. I'm in the process of installing a Borgeson early Bronco box with a stock bronco pitman arm. It will also have crossover steering. I have all the parts and will start the install this week and just to put it out there I'm winging it. I'm new to this site so I haven't tried to post pics yet but I'm planning on starting a thread for my build when I get a chance.

[Hobcobble]

Well I'm in the same boat. D60 front in a D100. It already has a Buick steering column from the previous owner. I'm in the process of installing a Borgeson early Bronco box with a stock bronco pitman arm. It will also have crossover steering. I have all the parts and will start the install this week and just to put it out there I'm winging it. I'm new to this site so I haven't tried to post pics yet but I'm planning on starting a thread for my build when I get a chance.

Welcome to the site.
Whatever you do... do it safely. "Winging" things like
steering can be dangerous for you and anyone nearby.

John

[HiFire]

Thanks for the concern. I was a professional mechanic before I Entered my current career. I’ve been working on vehicles for over 25 years. You are right, steering is not something to guess with.

Thanks for the welcome,

Eric