Do you need a new steering arm for a 4 inch suspension lift on a m1009?

[Strad]

I'm looking online to buy a 4 inch lift kit, and I found a good deal on one. When I called the store, the sales rep said I needed to buy a new steering arm since its more than a 2 inch lift. Is this true or is he blowing smoke? I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that I could just bolt on a 4 inch without having to change anything at all. Please let me know guys. I have used the search feature, and I couldn't bring anything up except threads telling me to search.

 

[wikallen]

Depends on the kit, some use a raised steering arm, others a dropped pitman arm. For 4" kit I would imagine you would have to do one or the other.

 

[doghead]

You need some correction, if using 4" lift. New drop arm, drop draglink or steering link lift block. Your choice.

 

[rlwm211]

If you do not bring the pitman arm of the steering box and the knuckle arm into alignment every time you hit a bump, lean slightlly in a curve or any other lateral motion will cause the vehicle to have a serious steering instability. It will seem jumpy at best, and almost impossible to handle at speed at worst. I would ask the sales rep whicvh is the easier fix the pitman, or the knuckle arm. Take care of this if you plan on driving on the high way at all.

I bought a 1990 suburban that had a 4 inch lift removed and they did not remove the shims on the front axle for pinion angle and also the knuckle arm. The vehicle was very difficult to control and it was a very tedious trip cross country to get home. Once home, I spotted the problems. I learned a lot that trip.

Hope this is helpful

RL

 

[OLDCHEV4X4]

Or you could do crossover steering. But thats expensive.
But you do need to do one or the others.

 

[Strad]

Once again guys thanks for the help.
The sales rep was offering me the steering arm for $68 and the kit with shocks for $511. Its not a tuff country, so I imagine its gonna be a rough ride until it settles out.
Its the genuine lift from 4wheel parts. I'm not sure if you guys have ever dealt with them before, but that's what its coming out to.

 

[Cucvnut]

so its procomp ? meh... BDS is better

 

[wikallen]

4 wheel parts, usually their prices are a bit more, but they tend to know what you need. Go with their advise.

 

[Cucvnut]

4 wheel parts, usually their prices are a bit more, but they tend to know what you need. Go with their advise.

or you got a tool at the counter who did not give a crap like the 4 wheel parts in my area.

 

[rlwm211]

Wikallen, you are right on your post as are everyone else!

In my experience with all sorts of "specialty" situations, a good quality and wise and experienced technician, or parts specialist should definitely be able to explain the whys, why nots, and how tos in such a way that it makes sense and so you will understand it.

If you are comfortable with that knowledge and their approach to your problem and after checking out to see if they are telling you the straight story, you will most likely be well served.

I would add, never trust anyone without fact checking like you are doing here. I say this even if you have been dealing with someone for a while. People make mistakes, it happens and this is not a gotcha game. It is purely safety and spending money wisely. I never took it personally if a customer verified my recommendation when I was in the auto service industry before commiting to a big job, and in fact I welcomed it.

Just my two peso's worth!
RL

 

[Mudstone]

i very highly recommend Off Road Design. K5s are what they do. I have dropped pitman on my truck.