SKY'S OFFROAD DESIGN |
We
Installed and Tested Sky's Hi-Steer Kit for Samurai. |
Editor/Photo:
Eric Bewley |
SPRINGFIELD, OR. Sky's
Offroad Design has been turning out some great steering products for all sorts of off-road
vehicles. We had a chance to install and evaluate their Hi-Steer kit for a Dana 44
equipped Samurai. There was some prep work involved in this application mainly due to the
fact of the custom nature of the vehicle. Sky was able to get me all the correct tie-rod
ends, bits, and pieces to adapt my Sidekick power steering to the Dana 44 axles.

Installation:
| 1. |
Acquire some D44 Chevrolet
Steering knuckles, clean them up, press in some fresh ball joints, surface the flat top to
accept the steering arms, and tap the passenger side to accept the bolts for the steering
arms. |

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| 2. |
Remove tire and wheel. |

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| 3. |
Remove old steering system. |
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| 4. |
Remove brake caliper. |
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| 5. |
Remove hub lock-out. |
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| 6. |
Remove hub from spindle, take
off spindle, remove old knuckle. Install new Flat top knuckles, spindle, hub, and hub
lock-out. |
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| 7. |
With new studs in place,
install steering arm. |
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| 8. |
Install conical washers
(new), lock washers, and lock nuts. |
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| 9. |
Repeat for driver's side. |
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| 10. |
At this point and if you have
a custom application, you will measure the center to center distances for drag link and
tie-rod. Contact Sky's and have them send you the correct length components. |
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| 11. |
Install new heavy duty
tie-rod and drag link. Install tires and align the toe. |
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| 12. |
Picture showing the improved
drag link angle. |
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What a difference! Every since
the Dana 44 swap there has been a need for steering correction on this vehicle. Bump steer
was all but eliminated, the tie-rod is moved much higher up, and the components are more
than big enough to get the job done. Overall this kit improved the driveability and the
off-road ability dramatically all in one swoop. How many modifications can do that? Even
if you have a difference set up than the one above, Sky can meet your needs. Call them
today for a custom quote.
http://www.sky-manufacturing.com
ZW
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