Lift steering

Types of Lift Steering

A lift steering upgrade is a crucial consideration for off-road enthusiasts and truck owners. This is because it helps to improve the handling and steering control of lifted trucks and 4x4 vehicles. When a vehicle is raised, especially when installing larger tires, the steering response is affected. Luckily, a steering lift kit helps to tackle this issue by maintaining the optimal factory steering geometry. Apart from the general benefits of lift steering, there are different types of lift steering kits to suit specific needs.

• 1. Power Steering Gear Ratio Kits

  This kit changes the steering box on the vehicle. As a result, it provides a different gear ratio. With a lower gear ratio, the lifted truck's steering becomes quick and responsive.

• 2. Power Steering Pump Upgrade Kits

  Some lift kits require the power steering pump to be upgraded. The pump upgrade has a greater flow capacity. With the increased capacity, the steering response becomes precise when maneuvering larger tires on rough terrain.

• 3. High-Pressure Hose Kit

  A high-pressure hose kit is designed to boost the power steering system. The hoses in the kit are reinforced to handle the increased pressure from the modified steering system.

• 4. Steering Stabilizer Kits

  Steering stabilizer kits are particularly useful for trucks with larger tires. The stabilizer controls the steering kickback that results from operating oversized tires. It also helps to stabilize the steering when driving on rough roads. Most stabilizers come with twin or triple absorbers.

• 5. Adjustable Control Arm Kits

  Control arms play a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle's suspension geometry. A control arm kit allows customization of the control arms. This helps to align the suspension system properly after lifting the vehicle.

• 6. Tie Rod and Drag Link Kits

  The tie rod and drag link convert the steering wheel's motion into the wheels' turning action. Upgrading to a tie rod and drag link kit improves the lifted vehicle's steering accuracy and strength. Some kits come with adjustable drag links for fine-tuning the steering response.

• 7. Extended Brake Lines

  Extended brake lines are required when a vehicle is lifted by more than 4 inches. The extended brake lines accommodate the increased wheel travel. They also ensure the proper brake function after the lift has been done.

Specifications and Maintenance of Lift Steering

Specifications for lift steering systems can vary depending on the vehicle type, the lift height, and the specific components used. Here are some common specifications:

• Steering Ratio: Lifted vehicles often have a larger steering ratio to accommodate larger tires and increased ride height. The steering ratio is the number of turns the steering wheel must make to turn the wheels in a specific direction. A higher ratio means more turns are required to achieve the same wheel angle.
• Steering Components: Lifted vehicles typically require upgraded steering components to handle the increased stress from the lift and larger tires. These components can include heavy-duty tie rods, steering arms, and steering boxes.
• Steering Geometry: Steering geometry should be carefully considered in lifted vehicles. Changes to the vehicle's ride height can affect caster, camber, and toe angles, impacting steering effort, stability, and tire wear. Adjustable control arms, track bars, or alignment kits may be necessary to optimize steering geometry in lifted vehicles.

Proper maintenance of lifted steering systems is critical to ensure safe and reliable vehicle operation. Here are some general maintenance tips:

• Regular Inspections: Perform routine inspections of the lifted steering system to identify wear, damage, or loose components. Pay close attention to tie rods, steering joints, and other critical steering parts.
• Fluid Changes: Change the steering fluid per the manufacturer's recommendations. Clean the system and ensure it operates at the proper fluid level.
• Alignment Checks: Have the wheel alignment checked regularly, especially after significant off-road use or changes to the lift system. Proper alignment ensures even tire wear and optimal steering performance.
• Greasing and Lubrication: Grease and lubricate moving parts of the lifted steering system as needed. Use the recommended lubricant and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance intervals.
• Tire Inspection: Inspect the tires regularly for uneven wear and proper inflation. Improper tire maintenance can affect steering performance and stability.

How to Choose Lift Steering

When considering a lift steering option for a vehicle, keep the following factors in mind:

• Lift height

  Choosing the appropriate lift height is essential. A 2-inch lift may be enough for a weekend off-road vehicle. In that case, a more significant lift is required for a truck used primarily for towing large trailers.

• Vehicle use

  Consider how the vehicle is used. A slight lift may be adequate if the vehicle is used primarily on paved roads with occasional off-road excursions. However, if the vehicle is used for more extreme off-road conditions, a more substantial lift may be necessary.

• Tire size

  When selecting a lift steering option, it is essential to consider the desired tire size. A more significant lift will be required to accommodate larger tires. Keep in mind that larger tires can impact fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.

• Budget

  Lift steering options can vary significantly in cost. Determine a budget before beginning the research and selection process. Remember that, in the long run, a more expensive lift kit may be more cost-effective, as it will likely be of higher quality and require less maintenance and fewer repairs.

• Professional installation

  Although some lift steering kits can be installed by a competent DIYer, professional installation is recommended in many cases. A professional installer can ensure that the lift kit is correctly installed and that the vehicle is correctly aligned and balanced.

• Legal requirements

  Before installing a lift steering kit, ensure that the lift height and other modifications comply with local laws and regulations. Some jurisdictions have specific requirements for lift height, tire size, and other vehicle modifications.

How to DIY and Replace Lift Steering

Replacing a power-steering pump is not a DIY-friendly task. However, it is doable with the right knowledge and experience. Below are the steps for replacing a lifted steering kit.

Tools Needed

• Wrenches
• Socket set
• Fluid catch basin
• Pliers
• New power steering pump
• Power steering fluid

Steps

• Disconnect the battery's negative terminal to avoid electrical issues.
• Drain the power steering fluid using a fluid catch basin.
• Use a wrench to remove the pulley from the pump.
• Use a socket set to remove the bolts holding the pump in place.
• Lift the old pump out and place the new one in.
• Connect the hoses and electrical connections and ensure they are tight.
• Fill the system with new power steering fluid.
• Lift the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
• Start the car and turn the steering wheel to bleed the air out of the system.
• Lower the vehicle and reconnect the battery's negative terminal.

Q&A

Q1: What is a steering lift kit?

A1: A steering lift kit is a collection of parts that, when installed on a vehicle, raise the vehicle's front end. This kit allows the driver to install bigger tires and improves the vehicle's off-road performance. A lifted steering kit also improves the vehicle's appearance.

Q2: What is a steering wheel lift?

A2: A steering wheel lift is a feature in modern vehicles that allows the driver to raise the steering wheel. This feature enables drivers to adjust the steering wheel to their preferred position.

Q3: Does lift kit affect steering?

A3: Yes. Installing a lift kit can make steering harder. This is because the angle of the steering link changes when the lift kit is installed. The change in the steering link angle results in the wheels rubbing on the control arms. The lifted height can also affect the vehicle's overall driving experience.