Front end enhancement with Al Dustan's setup

I'm getting the Al Dustan front end kit with tie rods and a ZQ8 steering box. Are there any other parts I should consider changing or upgrading during the rebuild?
 

Loeryder

New member
I have a split in one of my rubber boots on my steering shaft.
Am I in immediate danger or can i wait to replace it?

Want to get Duston's tie rods and a 12:1 box eventually.
 
I spoke with Al - he recommends replacing the pitman and idler arms and poly sway bar bushings on the stock front sway bar.

Who makes good replacements for the pitman and idler arms? Part #'s
jwaller - do you have the model number and/or pecs on the steering shaft and can you tell me how much $$ it cost?
 

4C FED

Absolutum Dominium
Go to sytyauthority.com for the PN's for pitman & idler. They're made by Moog, they're beefier and will last longer.

Also for those interested, Baer makes the same, or is the same, tie rod.
TRACKERS 82-95 S10 D8GG-21010-XXX Bump steer adjustable tie rod set

_________________
humptydumpty.jpg

Rick
Sy#458
Galt, CA

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 4C FED on 2002-04-08 18:53 ]</font>
 

jwaller

Evil Genius/SyTy Guru
you will want to get the 24" colapseable shaft and 1 30 spline joint for the box end, and 1 1" double D joint for the top end. just call the guys and they will hook you up. I paid like 205 to my door.
 
Pitman and idler arms with ZQ8 steering box

Pitman and idler arms with ZQ8 steering box

OK - I've got the ZQ8 steering box in the works. Can anyone tell me the Moog part numbers on the pitman and idler arms for use with this setup? Or do I use the 4X4 parts listed on the sytyauthority site??

Another question - does the Dustan front end setup require any modification to the inner fender panels?
 

Tydriver

TurboLS6 Powa'
Ratio on the ZQ8 box ?

Ratio on the ZQ8 box ?

I spoke with a person in MO that rebuilds these boxes (our OEMs) and they said that they can rebuild it to a 10-1 or 12-1 (I forget which) what is the ratio on the ZQ8 box that everyone is talking about ?? 8)
 

dourtyb

New member
Who/What company in MO? If its close I could check it out and see what they have to offer. What is the stock ration on a TY? A Sy? and the ZQ8?
 

Tydriver

TurboLS6 Powa'
dourtyb said:
Who/What company in MO? If its close I could check it out and see what they have to offer. What is the stock ration on a TY? A Sy? and the ZQ8?

I think the OEM ratio on the Ty was 18-1 and on the Sy was 16-1 (could be wrong here its been a while) the Sy had a quicker ratio do to its longer wheelbase.. (less chance of rolling it with quicker ratio).. Anyhow the company in MO can be found here : Power Steering Boxes

The information is part way down the page, 12-1 box for $219.. Mine is going in as soon as I can get that blasted PIT MAN arm off.......
 

tloof

New member
Just get a wrecking yard ZQ8 steering box from a low mileage 2000-2002 model S10 truck. They are a 12:1 ratio box, and can be found for around $70-100 fairly easily.
 

sy2185

New member
Can you use the same pitman arm with a zq8 box? I'd rather have a new box in hand before I tear apart the front end.I ordered Al's kit too; our trucks are gonna handle great. The vague steering was my only complaint.
Jeremy
 

tloof

New member
Yes,

In order to use the ZQ8 steering box you will have to pull off the 2WD pitman arm that comes on it (the ZQ8 option only comes on 2WD trucks), and then bolt on a 4WD pitman arm (a MOOG arm or one from NAPA which appears to be the same as the MOOG arm). You will have to rent a pitman arm puller in order to do this as the pitman arm is tightened onto a tapered & splined shaft that is a booger to get off!! The steering box casting itself is the same on a 2WD & 4WD truck (only the pitman arm is different between the two). Of course, the ZQ8 option has the faster 12:1 ratio when compared to the normal 2WD & 4WD steering boxes. In order to identify any truck that has the ZQ8 option code steering box just look in the glove box on the tag that lists all of the code numbers that the truck came with, and if the ZQ8 code number is on the tag then the truck has the steering box you want. An even easier way to tell is if the truck has a factory installed rear sway bar, then it is one with the ZQ8 option.
 

Tydriver

TurboLS6 Powa'
Well Tloof, I appreciate the advice and had I NOT already sent my box off to have overhauled I prolly woulda followed yer advice.. I enjoy seeing your posts, you bring a wealth of USEFUL information with you.
 
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