Buy Now: https://www.eastwestoffroad.com/product/dana-60-kingpin-crossover-high-steer-complete-kit
Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover Steering is a popular upgrade for serious 4x4 builds using a kingpin Dana 60 front axle. By changing the steering linkage layout and moving the steering components higher on the axle, a properly designed crossover system can improve steering geometry, provide additional ground clearance, and create a stronger foundation for lifted trucks and rock-crawling applications. The key is selecting steering arms, rod ends, tubing, hardware, and steering-box components that work together as one system.
What Is Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover Steering?
Traditional steering arrangements can become difficult to manage when a solid-axle truck is heavily lifted. Changes in suspension height alter the relationship between the steering box, drag link, and axle.
A crossover configuration changes the routing of the drag link so it travels across the axle from the steering box toward the steering knuckle. This can provide a more suitable steering layout for many lifted and modified 4x4 applications.
The result is not simply a different steering arm. The entire steering system needs to be considered, including:
- Steering box location
- Pitman arm
- Drag-link angle
- Steering-arm position
- Tie-rod location
- Suspension lift
- Axle configuration
- Tire size
- Available clearance
Why Convert a Dana 60 Kingpin Axle to Crossover Steering?
A Dana 60 is already a strong foundation for a heavy-duty 4x4, but the steering arrangement needs to match the vehicle's intended use.
A properly engineered crossover system can offer several advantages.
Improved Steering Geometry
Lifted solid-axle vehicles can develop unfavorable steering angles as ride height increases. Excessive steering-link angles can contribute to unwanted steering behavior and joint articulation problems.
Crossover steering is intended to create a more favorable relationship between the steering box and axle.
Increased Steering Clearance
High-steer components place the steering linkage higher on the axle. This can help keep the tie rod and drag link farther away from rocks, ledges, and other obstacles encountered during off-road driving.
Stronger Steering Components
A complete system can replace factory-style components with heavy-duty steering arms, rod ends, studs, tubing, and other components designed for demanding applications.
Dana 60 High Steer Arms for Kingpin Axles
The steering arms are among the most important components of a kingpin crossover conversion.
The Dana 60 kingpin design allows high-steer arms to mount at the top of the knuckle, creating a higher attachment point for the steering linkage.
High-steer arms also need to account for the geometry of the kingpin axis. Properly machined arms can compensate for the inclination of the kingpin and help keep the rod ends within an appropriate operating range.
Billet Dana 60 Steering Arms
For demanding builds, billet steering arms provide a robust mounting platform for the drag link and tie rod.
When choosing Dana 60 High Steer Arms Billet, pay attention to:
- Mounting-hole pattern
- Arm thickness
- Stud diameter
- Rod-end taper
- Kingpin compatibility
- Steering-link position
- Knuckle compatibility
A thick arm alone does not guarantee a properly functioning steering system. Geometry and compatibility are equally important.
Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover Steering Components
A complete conversion can contain several different components that must work together.
Steering Arms
The arms attach to the kingpin knuckles and provide the high-mounted connection points for the steering linkage.
Drag Link
The drag link transfers steering movement from the pitman arm to the steering arm.
Tie Rod
The tie rod connects the steering knuckles and transfers steering movement across the axle.
Rod Ends
Heavy-duty rod ends need to provide the necessary strength, articulation, taper, and thread compatibility for the application.
Studs and Hardware
The steering arms must be securely mounted to the knuckles using the correct studs, nuts, and related hardware.
DOM Tubing
For custom linkage, DOM tubing provides a strong fabrication platform when properly sized and welded.
EWO Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover Kit
For builders who want a coordinated system, the EWO kingpin crossover complete kit combines the major components required for a Dana 60 kingpin crossover and high-steer conversion.
The product is listed as a Complete Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover & High Steer Steering Kit with DOM Tubing, designed and sold as a Made in USA steering package.
This approach can be useful compared with sourcing every component separately because the builder can plan around a unified steering configuration.
For a complete package, check out the Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover High Steer Complete Kit.
1.25 Inch Thick Dana 60 Steering Arms
Steering arms experience substantial forces during off-road use, especially when large tires are bound against rocks.
A 1.25 inch thick Dana 60 billet arm provides a substantial platform for heavy-duty steering linkage. The arm's thickness, material, machining, mounting method, and geometry should all be considered together.
A high-steer arm should also provide sufficient clearance for the rod end throughout the suspension's operating range.
Dana 60 Kingpin Bronze Bushings
Kingpin axles use a different steering-knuckle design from ball-joint Dana 60 axles.
Dana 60 Kingpin bronze bushings are an important part of maintaining the kingpin assembly and should be inspected when performing a major steering conversion.
If the kingpin components are worn, upgrading only the steering arms and linkage will not address the underlying wear.
Steering Geometry on Lifted Dana 60 Trucks
One of the biggest reasons people choose crossover steering is to improve steering geometry on lifted vehicles.
Drag-Link Angle
The drag link should be positioned so that its angle works appropriately with the suspension and steering system.
An excessive angle can contribute to unwanted steering movement as the suspension travels.
Suspension Cycling
Do not check steering geometry only at static ride height.
Cycle the suspension through compression and droop and inspect:
- Drag-link articulation
- Tie-rod clearance
- Tire clearance
- Differential clearance
- Leaf-spring clearance
- Frame clearance
- Steering-box travel
A steering system that looks correct at ride height can still bind when the axle articulates.
Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover Steering and 2WD Steering Boxes
The steering box is an important part of some crossover conversions, particularly older GM truck applications.
Certain GM Dana 60 crossover systems are designed around a 2WD steering box because the box location and output orientation can provide the required drag-link routing. Manufacturer-specific application information should be checked before purchasing components.
This is why it is important to identify the exact vehicle, steering box, axle, lift height, and intended steering layout before beginning the conversion.
DOM Tubing for Dana 60 Steering
A DOM Tubing Steering Kit Dana 60 is useful for custom steering applications because the drag link and tie rod can be fabricated to the required length.
The EWO complete package uses DOM tubing as part of its configuration.
1.50 OD 250 Wall DOM Tubing
A 1.50-inch outside-diameter, 0.250-inch-wall DOM configuration provides substantial material for heavy-duty fabricated linkage.
However, tubing size should never be considered independently from the rod ends, weld bungs, threads, and fabrication method.
Poor welding or insufficient thread engagement can compromise an otherwise strong steering system.
ES2026R and ES2027L Drag Link Ends
Heavy-duty crossover steering systems often use specialized drag-link ends to provide the required articulation.
The ES2026R ES2027L drag link ends are commonly associated with Dana 60 crossover steering applications. The exact end, taper, thread, and orientation must be matched to the steering arm and fabricated linkage.
The wrong taper or thread combination can result in an unsafe installation.
ES2234L and ES2234R Tie Rod Ends
The ES2234L ES2234R tie rod ends can be used as part of a heavy-duty fabricated steering arrangement when the application and dimensions are appropriate.
As with the drag-link ends, always verify:
- Thread direction
- Taper
- Stud dimensions
- Articulation
- Steering-arm compatibility
- Tube-adapter compatibility
7/8-18 Weld Bungs and Jam Nuts
Fabricated steering links require a reliable connection between the tubing and rod ends.
7/8-18 weld bungs and jam nuts provide the threaded interface for compatible rod ends and allow adjustment of the finished steering-link length.
Because these components become part of the structural steering assembly, welding should be performed by a qualified fabricator.
Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover vs Factory Steering
A crossover conversion is particularly attractive for lifted and modified trucks where the original steering arrangement no longer provides an ideal geometry.
A properly designed system can:
- Move steering components higher
- Improve linkage routing
- Increase obstacle clearance
- Provide heavy-duty rod ends
- Support larger tires
- Work with custom suspension configurations
However, crossover steering is not a universal cure for every steering problem. Steering-box condition, axle condition, suspension geometry, wheel alignment, and worn joints must also be addressed.
Common Mistakes When Installing Crossover Steering
Using the Wrong Steering Arms
Dana 60 configurations are not all identical. Confirm whether the axle uses kingpins and verify the knuckle configuration before ordering.
Ignoring Kingpin Condition
Worn kingpin components can affect steering movement and stability. Inspect the entire knuckle assembly during the conversion.
Choosing the Wrong Rod-End Taper
A steering arm designed for a specific taper should not be modified improperly to accept an incompatible steering end.
Forgetting Suspension Travel
Always cycle the axle through its expected range of movement before finalizing the steering system.
Choosing the Wrong Pitman Arm
Pitman-arm length and drop affect the relationship between the steering box and drag link.
Mixing Random Components
Combining unrelated arms, rod ends, tubing, and hardware can create compatibility and geometry problems.
A complete system can make component selection easier because the major parts are designed around the intended configuration.
Who Should Consider Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover Steering?
This upgrade is particularly relevant for:
- Lifted Chevy trucks
- GMC 4x4s
- Heavy-duty Jeep builds
- Rock crawlers
- Custom Dana 60 swaps
- Large-tire trail rigs
- Competition off-road vehicles
- Custom solid-axle projects
If your vehicle uses a kingpin Dana 60 and requires stronger, higher-mounted steering components, a properly engineered crossover system can be an excellent foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover Steering?
Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover Steering changes the factory steering arrangement so the drag link crosses from the steering box toward the steering knuckle. A high-steer version also moves the linkage higher on the axle.
Is crossover steering better for a lifted Dana 60?
It can provide a more suitable steering geometry for many lifted applications, but the complete steering system must be designed around lift height, steering-box location, pitman arm, axle configuration, and suspension travel.
Do I need high-steer arms for crossover steering?
Not every crossover system requires high-steer arms, but high-steer arms can provide additional linkage clearance and are commonly used on demanding lifted and off-road builds.
Can Dana 60 kingpin high-steer arms fit any Dana 60?
No. Dana 60 axles can have different configurations. Verify that the steering arms match the specific kingpin knuckle and mounting pattern.
Why are kingpin Dana 60 axles popular for high-steer builds?
The kingpin design provides a robust foundation for heavy-duty axle applications and allows specialized high-steer arms to be mounted on top of the knuckles.
What DOM tubing is used in a Dana 60 crossover kit?
Tubing specifications vary by kit and application. The EWO complete kit is offered with DOM tubing, allowing the steering linkage to be fabricated as part of the system.
Do I need a 2WD steering box?
Some older GM crossover steering applications require a 2WD steering box. However, this depends on the specific vehicle and conversion. Verify the steering-box requirements for your application before purchasing.
Is Dana 60 crossover steering good for rock crawling?
Yes, crossover and high-steer configurations are widely used for rock crawling because they can provide improved linkage routing and additional clearance from trail obstacles.
Should I upgrade the tie rod and drag link together?
For a heavy-duty build, upgrading the steering system as a coordinated package can help ensure that the tie rod, drag link, steering arms, rod ends, tubing, and hardware are properly matched.
Is the EWO Dana 60 kingpin kit made in the USA?
The EWO product is listed as a Complete Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover & High Steer Steering Kit with DOM Tubing | Made in USA.
Final Thoughts
Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover Steering is more than simply replacing the factory steering arm. A successful conversion requires the steering arms, drag link, tie rod, rod ends, tubing, steering box, pitman arm, and suspension geometry to work together.
For lifted trucks and serious off-road builds, moving the steering linkage higher can provide valuable clearance while a properly engineered crossover layout can create a more effective steering configuration.
If you're building a kingpin Dana 60 and want a coordinated solution, explore the EWO Dana 60 Kingpin Crossover High Steer Complete Kit before finalizing your steering design.