High Steer Arms for Off-Road Design reid racing
Chevys have crossover steering systems that position the draglink in a perpendicular to the position it came with from the manufacturer. It could even be considered Reid Racing incorrect to adjust the steering in this manner while using leaf springs that move it parallel to the frame on shackles. This is the easiest way to reduce bump steer.
These boxes’ output shafts have four indices that allow the pitman to be correctly positioned for side-to-side movement. To mount a steering arms, the vehicle now requires a flat-top passenger knuckle on its axle. Between ’73 and ’77, Chevy halftons used Dana 44s with flat passenger side knuckles. They weren’t flat-machined or drilled to fit studs and a steering arm. We decided to buy a new set of stronger, more durable knuckles rather than dealing with the tedious task of machining, cleaning, or painting weaker knuckles. Reid Racing’s custom-made knuckles are just what we need.
Reid Racing (RR), an offshoot from Dedenbear Products, handles the Superglide transmissions as well as off-road products. RR manufactures heavy-duty flat-top Dana 44 knuckles which are ideal for our application. These applied racing technology are made from high-strength ductile iron and will fit Dana 30 or 10-Bolt frontends, up to 1986. There are no modifications to the tie rod configuration. Instead of three, the massive flat tops can be drilled for four holes in the studs. Four studs allow for greater clamping force to the steering arm. It also increases shear strength because the shearing forces are distributed over four studs rather than three. Drilling reinforced tie rod holes can be used to make beefier components such as.75-inch rod ends. Two cast-in studs are used per wheel to replace the stock-style screw-in steering stop.
Dual studs prevent bending screws, which could lead to axle shaft and u-joint failures. The studs can be ground or tapped to make them suitable for use as screw-in stops. Reid weller racing knuckles are machined to clear CTM-joints. This is in contrast to other knuckles. Another example of the care and planning that went into their design is this. Because such a sturdy set of knuckles will see serious terrain, the flat tops are 0.375 inches higher than stock to allow for clearance of high steer tie rods and draglinks. The Reid Racing bright orange powder coats the knuckles. Once a solid base was chosen, it was time for Offroad Design’s High Steer Kit to be mounted.
Offroad Design (ORD), has been building burly parts for full size trucks for years. We have had great success with their parts and they are a specialist in GMs ’73-’87 so they were our first choice when it came to steering options. The D44 high steer arms are a four-bolt design that would fit our Reid Racing answer racing. The complete kit includes the driver and passenger side arms, as well as two chrome moly-stud kits. It also includes the tie rod, pitman arm, and draglink.
