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If you're running a Dana 60 Kingpin axle and still using stock steering geometry, you're leaving serious performance on the table. A complete Dana 60 steering kit from East West Off Road transforms your rig's front axle into a precision-engineered steering system capable of handling the most brutal rock crawls, deep mud runs, and high-clearance trail builds. Whether you're lifting your Jeep, building a custom 4x4 truck, or converting to 1-ton axles, this kit delivers everything you need in a single, American-made package.
Why Your Dana 60 Kingpin Axle Deserves a Proper High Steer Upgrade
The Dana 60 is one of the strongest front axles ever put under an American 4x4. It's been the go-to choice for hardcore off-road builds for decades — but strength in the housing alone isn't enough. Your steering system has to match that toughness. Stock steering geometry, designed for pavement-level ride height and street tires, falls apart when you start stacking lift, adding oversized rubber, and airing down for the trail.
Problems like bump steer, steering wander, and premature joint wear all trace back to poor geometry created by lifting a truck without upgrading its steering. The solution is a proper crossover steering conversion combined with high steer arms — exactly what the East West Off Road kit delivers.
When you install a Dana 60 Kingpin High Steer Kit, you're not just replacing worn parts. You're rebuilding your steering geometry from the ground up — moving the drag link and tie rod above the axle's centerline, placing joints at angles that work with your suspension instead of against it.
What's Included in the East West Off Road Complete Dana 60 Kit
This isn't a partial kit that leaves you hunting for additional parts. The East West Off Road complete Dana 60 Kingpin crossover and high steer system includes every component you need for a full conversion — from the billet arms and DOM tubing down to the weld bungs, jam nuts, and grease fittings.
Billet High Steer Arms — 1.25-Inch Thick Domestic Steel
At the heart of this kit are the 1.25-inch thick Dana 60 billet arms machined from domestic billet steel. These aren't cast pieces or imported stampings — they're precision-machined in the USA from solid stock. The 5-hole pattern Dana 60 steering arms accommodate multiple knuckle configurations, making this kit highly versatile across different Dana 60 Kingpin axle setups.
The driver-side and passenger-side arms are each purpose-built. You get:
- 1 Dana 60 Driver Side High Steer Arm (1.25" thick)
- 1 Dana 60 Passenger Side High Steer Arm (1.25" thick)
Heavy cross-sections and the 5-hole mounting pattern mean these arms handle the leverage loads created by oversized tires without flex or fatigue cracking — a common failure point with thinner aftermarket options.
DOM Tubing — Heavy Wall, Built to Last
The drag link and tie rod tubes in this kit are cut from 1.50 OD .250 wall DOM tubing, giving you a 1.00" inner diameter. DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) tubing is manufactured to tighter tolerances than ERW tubing and is free of the internal seam that can be a weak point in high-stress steering applications.
The kit includes:
- 1 x 54" DOM tube (drag link)
- 1 x 43" DOM tube (tie rod)
These lengths give you the material you need to fabricate to your specific setup, paired with the weld bungs included in the kit.
ES-Series Steering Ends — Premium Joint Quality
The joint hardware in this kit is sourced from the ES-series product line, the same tier of steering components trusted in professional fabrication shops:
- ES2026R and ES2027L drag link ends (with hardware)
- ES2234L and ES2234R tie rod ends (with hardware)
These are purpose-designed for off-road crossover steering applications. They're built to handle the combination of angular articulation and lateral load that extreme off-road use puts on steering joints.
7/8-18 Weld Bungs and Jam Nuts
The fabrication hardware included makes this a true bolt-and-build kit:
- 2 Left 7/8-18 weld bungs and jam nuts
- 2 Right 7/8-18 weld bungs and jam nuts
These weld bungs are threaded to accept the ES-series steering ends and pair with the DOM tubing for a clean, strong fabricated rod assembly.
Bronze Kingpin Bushings — Enhanced Kingpin Support
One of the standout inclusions is the Dana 60 Kingpin bronze bushings set. Bronze bushings outperform standard steel-on-steel kingpin setups in several ways:
- Better load-bearing capacity under heavy steering input
- Improved steering feel and reduced slop
- Extended service life, particularly when operating in abrasive off-road conditions like sand and mud
This is the kind of detail that separates a complete steering system from a simple arm swap.
Hardware Package — High-Strength, Fine-Thread
The mounting hardware runs at 180,000 PSI high strength fine thread studs, which is the spec you want for a safety-critical application like steering. The full hardware count includes:
- 10 high-strength 1/2" fine-thread studs
- 10 tapered nuts
- 2 threaded screws
- 2 grease fittings
- 2 spacers
- 2 jam nuts
Crossover Steering — How It Works and Why It Matters
Understanding crossover steering geometry helps explain why this conversion is so transformative for lifted off-road builds.
In a standard steering setup, the drag link and tie rod run below the axle's knuckles, connecting the pitman arm to the passenger-side knuckle and then across to the driver side. This geometry works fine at stock ride height. But as lift increases, the drag link and differential drop angle diverge — and that's where bump steer creeps in. Every suspension cycle changes the effective steering angle, which you feel as wandering or darting.
Crossover steering relocates the steering connection above the axle centerline, routing the drag link and tie rod over the differential housing. This keeps the geometry far more consistent throughout suspension travel — particularly important when you're running long-travel suspension or maxed-out articulation on the trail.
The Crossover Steering Dana 60 conversion also eliminates the need for a dropped pitman arm on many setups, simplifying installation and improving overall system rigidity.
Who Needs This Kit
This steering system is purpose-built for serious builds. If your project falls into any of these categories, you're exactly the target customer:
Rock Crawling Rigs — The geometry improvements that come with crossover high steer pay dividends at low speed, when you're picking lines through boulders and need your front wheels to track exactly where you point them. Bump steer in these conditions isn't just annoying — it's dangerous.
Dana 60 Kingpin Axle Conversions — Swapping in a Dana 60 under a Jeep or a custom truck is one of the most popular upgrades in the off-road world. Pairing that swap with a proper steering kit from day one means you won't be chasing steering problems after the build is complete.
Lifted Trucks and Jeep Off-Road Projects — If you're running more than 4–5 inches of lift and haven't addressed steering geometry, this kit is a must-have upgrade.
1-Ton High Steer Applications — The East West Off Road kit functions as a true 1 ton high steer kit, designed to match the strength demands of Dana 60-class axles paired with oversized tires.
Overland Vehicles and Heavy Trail Rigs — Long-distance trail rigs and overlanding builds put steering under sustained stress. DOM tubing, bronze bushings, and high-strength hardware all contribute to a system that holds up over thousands of miles of backcountry driving.
American Made — Why It Matters in a Safety-Critical System
East West Off Road manufactures this kit in the USA, and that's not just a marketing point. It means:
- Controlled material sourcing — Domestic billet steel has traceable specifications and consistent metallurgy.
- Machining tolerances — American shop standards ensure that what's spec'd on paper matches what comes off the machine.
- No import quality variability — Overseas fabrication can introduce inconsistencies in wall thickness, thread quality, and heat treatment that you simply can't see during installation.
In a system where failure has direct safety consequences — your steering — American manufacture and known-spec materials aren't optional. They're the standard.
Installation Overview
While a full installation guide is beyond the scope of this article, here's what the process looks like at a high level:
Step 1: Remove Stock Steering Components
Pull the existing tie rod, drag link, and steering arms from your Dana 60 Kingpin knuckles.
Step 2: Replace Kingpin Bushings
Install the included Dana 60 Kingpin bronze bushings set. This is the ideal time to address kingpin wear before buttoning up the new steering system.
Step 3: Mount High Steer Arms
Bolt the Dana 60 High Steer Arms Billet to the knuckles using the 5-hole pattern and the provided high-strength studs and tapered nuts. Torque to spec.
Step 4: Fabricate DOM Tubing Rods
Cut the 54" and 43" DOM tubes to your required lengths. Weld the 7/8-18 weld bungs and jam nuts into each end. Thread in the ES2026R/ES2027L drag link ends and ES2234L/ES2234R tie rod ends, then set length and lock with jam nuts.
Step 5: Install and Align
Connect the completed drag link and tie rod assembly. Set toe-in at a reputable alignment shop familiar with lifted trucks. Recheck torque on all fasteners after the first trail run.
Pro Tip: Have your alignment done after the full weight of the vehicle is on all four corners and any remaining suspension components are installed. Adjusting toe before final alignment wastes time and setup effort.
Specifications at a Glance
Spec
Detail
Product Type
Complete Dana 60 High Steer Steering Kit
Axle Compatibility
Dana 60 Kingpin Axles
Steering Style
Crossover + High Steer
Arm Material
Domestic Billet Steel
Arm Thickness
1.25"
Arm Pattern
5-Hole
Kingpin Bushings
Bronze Set Included
Stud Strength
180,000 PSI Fine Thread
DOM Tube OD
1.50"
DOM Tube ID
1.00"
DOM Wall Thickness
.250"
DOM Tube Lengths
54" and 43"
Drag Link Ends
ES2026R, ES2027L
Tie Rod Ends
ES2234L, ES2234R
Weld Bungs
7/8-18 Left and Right (x2 each)
Country of Manufacture
USA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What axles is this kit compatible with?
This kit is designed specifically for Dana 60 Kingpin axles. It is not compatible with ball joint Dana 60 axles. If you're unsure whether your axle is Kingpin or ball joint style, check your knuckle type — Kingpin axles use a vertical king pin and cap design, while ball joint units use upper and lower ball joints similar to passenger car front ends.
Does the kit include everything I need for a complete conversion?
Yes. The East West Off Road complete Dana 60 kit includes billet high steer arms, bronze kingpin bushings, DOM tubing, ES-series drag link and tie rod ends, weld bungs, jam nuts, grease fittings, high-strength mounting studs, tapered nuts, spacers, and threaded screws. The only optional addition is a pitman arm, which may or may not be needed depending on your specific donor vehicle and pitman arm configuration.
What is crossover steering and why is it better for lifted trucks?
Crossover steering routes the drag link over the top of the differential housing, connecting the pitman arm to the driver-side knuckle from above rather than below. This geometry reduces bump steer dramatically on lifted vehicles because the drag link and tie rod maintain a more consistent angle throughout suspension travel. For rigs with more than 4–5 inches of lift, crossover steering is widely considered the correct solution to steering geometry problems.
Are the billet arms compatible with different knuckle setups?
Yes. The 5-hole pattern on the Dana 60 high steer arms provides compatibility across multiple knuckle configurations common on Dana 60 Kingpin axles. This makes the kit adaptable to a range of platform builds without requiring modification.
What is DOM tubing and why is it used in steering?
DOM stands for Drawn Over Mandrel. It's a manufacturing process that produces tubing with a seamless interior surface, tight dimensional tolerances, and consistent wall thickness — all critical for high-strength steering rod applications. At .250" wall thickness and 1.50" OD, the tubing in this kit provides the rigidity needed for heavy-duty off-road steering without excessive weight.
Why does this kit use bronze kingpin bushings instead of standard steel?
Bronze bushings offer a better combination of load-bearing capacity, wear resistance, and lubrication retention than steel-on-steel kingpin setups. They perform particularly well in environments where dirt, sand, and water are present — exactly the conditions off-road steering components face. Bronze bushings also tend to produce a smoother, more responsive steering feel compared to worn or marginal steel setups.
Is this kit made in the United States?
Yes. The East West Off Road American Made Dana 60 High Steer kit is manufactured domestically, using domestic billet steel and USA fabrication standards. This ensures material traceability and consistent machining quality throughout the kit.
What vehicle platforms is this kit used on most often?
The kit sees the most use on Jeep off-road builds (particularly TJ, YJ, and CJ conversions with Dana 60 swap axles), custom 4x4 trucks, full-size Bronco builds, and purpose-built rock crawlers. Any vehicle running a Dana 60 Kingpin axle under significant lift is a candidate.
Do I need professional installation?
The fabrication work — specifically welding the bungs into the DOM tubing — requires welding capability and experience. The arm installation and hardware mounting can be handled by a mechanically experienced builder. A professional alignment is strongly recommended after installation regardless of your mechanical skill level, as proper toe setting is critical for tire wear and safe handling.
Can I add a pitman arm to this kit?
Yes. The pitman arm is listed as an optional addition to the complete kit. If your existing pitman arm is in good shape and compatible with the crossover geometry, you may be able to reuse it. East West Off Road can advise on fitment based on your specific application.
Ready to build your Dana 60 the right way? Get the complete kit now:
Buy Now: https://www.eastwestoffroad.com/product/dana-60-kingpin-crossover-high-steer-complete-kit