Buy Now: DANA 60 COMPLETE HIGH STEER ARM PAIR WITH BRONZE BUSHINGS
When a trail rig graduates from stock tires to 37s, 40s, or larger, steering components quickly become one of the most stressed systems on the vehicle. A properly planned Dana 60 steering upgrade isn't just about turning bigger tires—it's about maintaining steering precision, improving reliability, and keeping control when the terrain gets unpredictable.
Builders running Kingpin Dana 60 front axles know that worn kingpin components, weak steering arms, and outdated steering geometry can introduce unwanted play and steering inconsistency. Whether you're building a Jeep crawler, a full-size trail truck, or a competition buggy, upgrading the steering system can significantly improve durability and driver confidence. This guide explains what makes a quality steering upgrade, what to look for in steering components, and why high-steer arm systems remain one of the most popular upgrades among serious off-road enthusiasts.
What Is a Dana 60 Steering Upgrade?
A Dana 60 steering upgrade refers to replacing or improving key steering components on a Dana 60 front axle to increase strength, improve steering geometry, and enhance vehicle control.
Factory steering systems were designed around OEM tire sizes, stock suspension heights, and everyday driving conditions. Once larger tires, lift kits, and aggressive off-road use enter the equation, the original steering layout often becomes a limiting factor.
A well-designed steering upgrade typically addresses several common issues:
- Excessive steering play
- Poor drag link angles
- Increased bump steer
- Reduced steering precision
- Premature component wear
- Insufficient strength for larger tires
For Kingpin Dana 60 applications, upgrades often focus on steering arms, kingpin components, steering linkage geometry, and mounting hardware. These changes help create a stronger steering system capable of handling the additional forces generated by serious off-road use.
Key Features and Specs of the DANA 60 COMPLETE HIGH STEER ARM PAIR WITH BRONZE BUSHINGS
1.25-Inch Thick Domestic Billet Steering Arms
The foundation of this kit is a pair of steering arms machined from domestic billet blocks and built to a substantial 1.25-inch thickness.
Steering arms experience tremendous leverage forces during rock crawling, especially when large tires are wedged against obstacles. The additional material thickness helps resist flex and maintains consistent steering input under load.
Driver and Passenger Side Arm Pair Included
This kit includes both Dana 60 passenger and driver side arms, ensuring a matched steering solution for the axle.
Using a matched arm set helps maintain proper steering geometry while simplifying the parts-selection process. Builders don't have to mix and match components from multiple manufacturers.
5-Hole Pattern Compatibility
The steering arms feature a 5 hole pattern Dana 60 steering arms design that works with Reid-compatible and similar aftermarket steering knuckles.
Compatibility is a major consideration during any axle build, and the 5-hole configuration provides flexibility for a wide variety of steering setups.
Bronze Kingpin Bushing Kit Included
The package includes a complete Kingpin bronze bushing set hardware package.
Kingpin bushings play a critical role in steering precision. As bushings wear, steering slop can develop, reducing control and accelerating wear on surrounding components. Replacing them during a steering upgrade helps restore proper steering feel.
Complete Hardware Package
The arm hardware package includes:
- 2 Threaded Screws
- 2 Grease Fittings
- 2 Spacers
- 2 Jam Nuts
The mounting hardware includes:
- 10 Dana 60 knuckle studs
- 10 Dana 60 tapered nuts
- 10 pieces of 1/2 inch fine thread studs Dana 60 hardware
Including the necessary mounting hardware reduces installation delays and ensures compatibility between major components.
Who Is This Product Built For?
This steering system is designed for enthusiasts who demand more from their front axle than the factory steering configuration can provide.
Common applications include:
- Jeep TJ and LJ crawler builds
- Jeep JK and JKU axle swaps
- Full-size Chevy trail trucks
- Ford solid axle conversions
- Custom tube chassis buggies
- Competition rock crawlers
- Dedicated trail rigs running large tires
Builders seeking improved steering geometry often combine suspension modifications with quality Dana 60 high steer arms to improve tie rod positioning and create better clearance around obstacles.
This setup is particularly valuable for vehicles using hydro assist steering, full-width axle swaps, or tires larger than 37 inches.
Installation Overview: What to Expect
Installing a steering upgrade on a Kingpin Dana 60 typically requires moderate-to-advanced mechanical experience.
The process generally involves removing existing steering arms, inspecting the knuckles, servicing the kingpin assembly, installing upgraded components, and verifying steering linkage alignment. Depending on the vehicle configuration, some steering systems may require additional fabrication or linkage adjustments.
Many builders choose to replace worn Dana 60 kingpin bronze bushings during installation because access to the kingpin assembly is already available. This approach helps eliminate hidden wear points that could affect steering performance later.
After installation, a complete alignment check is strongly recommended. Steering geometry directly affects vehicle handling, tire wear, and overall safety, making alignment verification a critical final step.
Why Choose East West Off Road Over Competitors?
When comparing steering components, material quality and engineering matter far more than marketing claims.
East West Off Road designed this kit around the needs of serious off-road builders by combining high-strength steering arms, bronze kingpin components, and complete mounting hardware into a single package. Rather than sourcing individual parts separately, builders receive a coordinated solution designed for Kingpin Dana 60 applications.
The steering arms are manufactured from domestic billet material and feature a substantial 1.25-inch thickness. The kit's Reid compatible Dana 60 arms design provides flexibility across multiple knuckle configurations while maintaining the strength required for demanding off-road environments.
For builders planning a complete Dana 60 crossover steering kit conversion, having the critical steering arm and kingpin components included in one package simplifies both ordering and installation.
Real-World Performance: What Drivers Are Saying
One of the most common complaints among lifted vehicle owners is vague steering feel after increasing tire size and suspension height. In many cases, the issue isn't the steering box—it's the overall steering geometry and wear within the kingpin assembly.
Builders running 40-inch tires on Kingpin Dana 60 axles frequently upgrade to Kingpin Dana 60 high steer configurations to improve drag link angles and reduce steering stress during articulation. The result is often a more predictable steering response on technical trails.
Another common scenario involves trail rigs that have accumulated years of hard use. Replacing worn bushings while installing Dana 60 billet steering arms can help restore steering precision and eliminate the looseness often associated with aging steering systems.
Compared to many stock steering configurations, upgraded steering systems typically provide improved clearance, greater component strength, and better resistance to the forces generated during rock crawling and off-road recovery situations.
Conclusion
A Dana 60 front axle is known for its strength, but even the strongest axle benefits from a steering system that matches its capability. As tire sizes grow and suspension systems become more capable, steering components must handle significantly greater loads than the factory setup was originally designed to manage.
The DANA 60 COMPLETE HIGH STEER ARM PAIR WITH BRONZE BUSHINGS provides a solid foundation for any Dana 60 steering upgrade. With domestic billet construction, 1.25-inch-thick steering arms, a 5-hole compatible design, complete mounting hardware, and included bronze bushings, it addresses several critical areas of steering performance in one package.
Ready to improve steering precision, durability, and control? Explore the complete steering lineup from East West Off Road and build a front-end system designed to perform when the trail gets challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dana 60 Steering Upgrade
What is included in a typical Dana 60 steering upgrade?
A typical upgrade may include steering arms, kingpin bushings, linkage components, mounting hardware, and steering geometry corrections. The exact parts depend on the vehicle's configuration and intended use.
Is a Dana 60 steering upgrade necessary for 40-inch tires?
While not mandatory, many builders running 40-inch tires upgrade their steering systems to handle the increased loads. Larger tires place greater stress on steering components and can expose weaknesses in factory configurations.
What is the difference between high-steer and crossover steering?
High-steer systems raise steering linkage mounting points for improved clearance and geometry. Crossover steering systems alter linkage routing to improve steering performance and reduce bump steer. Many advanced builds utilize both approaches.
How often should kingpin bushings be inspected?
Inspection intervals vary depending on driving conditions and vehicle use. Trail rigs that see frequent rock crawling should periodically check kingpin components for wear, looseness, and proper preload.
Will I need an alignment after a Dana 60 steering upgrade?
Yes. Any steering modification that changes steering geometry or linkage positioning should be followed by an alignment inspection to ensure safe operation and proper tire wear.
Are these steering arms compatible with aftermarket knuckles?
Yes. The included steering arms use a 5-hole mounting pattern designed to work with Reid-compatible knuckles and other compatible Dana 60 steering knuckle configurations.
How long do billet steering arms typically last?
Properly manufactured billet steering arms can provide many years of service when installed correctly and maintained appropriately. Longevity depends on vehicle weight, tire size, driving style, and overall steering system condition.