K-link steering - AKA superunner

[Bent Bolt]

What kind of bushings would one use on the idler arm on the center link of a scratch built K style steering system? I'm talking of a good and strong type , not a "that'll do" kinda thing.

 

[4x4junkie]

I would use a couple needle bearings at the top if you want it to be the most solid.

However if you separate the distance between the bushings further than how Stuperlift designed theirs (say by using a 5-6" long upper tube), then those common leafspring bushings should be more than sturdy enough (I've thought about widening the upper tube on mine).

 

[jovibuilt]

The leaf spring bushings let it flex too much.Trust me i tried it.I used UHMW to make my bushings.It really tightened up the steering on mine.

 

[bobbywalter]

i like the spindles type like similar for trailers with the 3/4 stock reamed for a tierod.

i seen several trucks out west with that type of setup...hard to explain and was unable to get the details from the owners.

i have built a setup using a hd gm idler but never refined it.

screw rubber bushings.

 

[Bent Bolt]

Like this ??

http://hendersonslineup.com/uncategorized/supersteer-idler-arm-support-assembly-–-ss175/

Also found this

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Chevy/reviews/Cognito_steering/

better look at it

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Chevy/reviews/Cognito_steering/images/IMG_8829.jpg


Think a chevy idle arm like this would work ? I could build a support bracket like that easy enough.

 

[4x4junkie]

That stuff looks like it has some real good potential to work here (just bolt that thing at the correct angle onto the frame, reinforcing it if needed of course), although the shaft running through it I suspect is going to be subjected to a lot more stress on our application here than it will see on the Chevy IFS app (especially since most of us are actually looking to WHEEL our trucks too). Anyone know the diameter of the shaft running through the bearing block on those things? (in particular the stud diameter where it goes into the arm? Thinking this thing should be at LEAST 1" in diameter... 1¼" even better)

And agreed, rubber bushings don't belong on these, but urethane ones can work well if you spread them apart enough (Superlift only set em apart 3", which of course isn't enough).

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I know the stock GM ones don't last worth a damn on their trucks in stock form.

 

[bobbywalter]

theres a bigger one that uses 3 bolts and has a taper with a pit on it. it worked ok for the prototyping i was doing at the time. the type i am talking about is on the 1 tons and doesnt wear like the smaller ones, but i am sure it would be a regular item on something that gets beat.

 

[bobbywalter]

you can mount it so it swings in the same arc as the steering gear.

that is good and bad. you have to mount the drag links fore and aft...i tried it on a modded chevy link but had bind and sai issues from trying to keep within oem parts.

you know diy junkyard k link...s/s steering.


way easier to just buy tube and do it right. but learned alot doing it.