An ES2026R Drag Link Kit can be a practical starting point for builders planning a Dana 60 Kingpin crossover steering conversion, but the steering ends are only one part of the finished system. East West Off Road’s package combines billet steering arms, bronze kingpin bushings, tie rod and drag link ends, weld bungs, jam nuts, and mounting hardware for lifted trucks, Jeeps, rock crawlers, and solid-axle projects. DOM tubing is not included, allowing the fabricator to source the correct material and length for the vehicle.
Factory steering layouts are designed around stock ride height, axle placement, and tire size. After a suspension lift or Dana 60 swap, the original drag link angle and steering-component location may no longer match the suspension geometry. Clearance around springs, the differential cover, wheels, and the chassis can also become difficult. A high steer crossover layout repositions the steering connections to create a more appropriate path for the drag link and tie rod.
Understanding Dana 60 High Steer and Crossover Steering
In many factory-style systems, the drag link connects to a lower steering location established by the original axle and suspension. Crossover steering routes the drag link across the vehicle to a passenger-side steering arm. High steer arms raise the attachment points on compatible Dana 60 Kingpin knuckles.
This layout can improve drag link angle and provide useful component clearance on lifted or custom vehicles. It can also help the steering and suspension move through their travel with less unwanted input when the complete system is designed correctly.
A high steer kit does not automatically correct bump steer. Drag link angle, track bar angle, mounting-point spacing, steering-box location, axle position, suspension travel, joint condition, and alignment all affect response. Proper installation can help reduce bump steer or steering wander, but no kit can guarantee complete elimination.
How the ES2026R Drag Link Kit Components Fit the System
The included ES2026R and ES2027L parts are drag link ends/components with related hardware. With correctly selected tubing and the supplied weld bungs, they allow an experienced fabricator to build a drag link to the required length.
The ES2234L and ES2234R parts serve as tie rod ends/components with hardware. They connect the fabricated tie rod to the locations required by the final steering layout.
These parts are not complete fabricated tube assemblies. The builder must determine installed length, tube specification, end orientation, taper direction, thread engagement, and adjustment range. A pitman arm is not listed as included, so its taper and compatibility must be checked separately.
Why Bronze Kingpin Bushings Matter
The upper kingpin area controls part of the knuckle’s movement and preload on a Dana 60 Kingpin axle. Worn components can introduce looseness, inconsistent steering feel, or poor return-to-center behavior.
Bronze kingpin bushings provide a durable bearing surface and can support smooth, controlled knuckle movement when installed with correct hardware, preload, and lubrication. The lower kingpin bearing, preload system, knuckle condition, and related hardware should also be inspected.
Why 1.25-Inch Billet High Steer Arms Matter
The kit includes one driver-side and one passenger-side high steer arm, each 1.25 inches thick. They are manufactured from domestic billet steel and precision-machined in the USA.
Thickness and material quality matter because the arms carry the steering connection points and must remain properly seated under changing loads. Precision machining supports accurate bolt-hole placement, taper alignment, mounting-surface fit, and hardware location.
Safe performance still depends on correct installation. Knuckle surfaces, studs, tapered nuts, spacers, steering-end tapers, and hardware torque must all be verified.
Reid and Dana 60 Knuckle Compatibility
The arms use a 5-hole design intended for Reid and most aftermarket Dana 60 knuckles. They may work with compatible 4-hole and 5-hole configurations when the mounting arrangement is confirmed.
Builders should not rely only on the “Dana 60” name. Axle and aftermarket knuckle versions can vary in hole count, spacing, taper location, arm height, and hardware requirements.
Before purchase, verify that the axle is a Dana 60 Kingpin model and confirm knuckle brand, hole pattern, steering-arm bolt pattern, side-specific requirements, taper orientation, and clearance.
Steering Ends, Weld Bungs, and Supporting Hardware
The kit includes left- and right-hand 7/8-18 weld bungs with matching jam nuts. Opposite thread directions allow adjustment of the fabricated tube when the assembly is built and installed correctly.
The bungs must match the selected DOM tubing’s inside diameter and wall thickness. Proper tube preparation, weld penetration, alignment, and cooling practices are required for a sound assembly.
Supporting hardware includes 10 tapered nuts, two threaded screws, two grease fittings, two spacers, and two jam nuts. These parts support mounting, spacing, lubrication, and adjustment and should be installed in their specified locations.
Why DOM Tubing Is Not Included
DOM tubing is NOT included. Custom steering builds often require different tie rod and drag link lengths, so locally sourced tubing allows the builder to match the material to the vehicle.
Local sourcing may help reduce oversized shipping costs and makes it easier to measure before cutting. The fabricator must confirm outside diameter, inside diameter, wall thickness, material specification, bung fit, and final length.
Welding and fabrication may be required to install the 7/8-18 bungs and create the completed drag link and tie rod assemblies.
Key Features and Benefits
- Designed for Dana 60 Kingpin high steer and crossover conversions
- Includes driver-side and passenger-side 1.25-inch billet steel arms
- Manufactured from domestic billet steel and machined in the USA
- Includes bronze kingpin bushings and installation hardware
- Uses a 5-hole arm design for Reid and many aftermarket knuckles
- Includes ES2026R, ES2027L, ES2234L, and ES2234R steering components
- Includes left- and right-hand 7/8-18 weld bungs and jam nuts
- Allows locally sourced DOM tubing to match the vehicle
- Intended for lifted trucks, Jeeps, rock crawlers, and custom 4x4 projects
What’s Included
The package contains one driver-side and one passenger-side 1.25-inch high steer arm, one bronze kingpin bushing set, and installation hardware.
Arm hardware includes 10 tapered nuts, two threaded screws, two grease fittings, two spacers, and two jam nuts.
Steering components include one ES2026R drag link end/component, one ES2027L drag link end/component, one ES2234L tie rod end/component, and one ES2234R tie rod end/component with related hardware.
Tube-adapter hardware includes one left-hand and one right-hand 7/8-18 weld bung with matching jam nuts. DOM tubing, completed tube assemblies, and a pitman arm are not included.
Important Notes Before Ordering
Confirm the following:
- Dana 60 Kingpin axle identification and exact vehicle application
- Reid or aftermarket knuckle brand
- 4-hole or 5-hole knuckle configuration
- Steering-end taper and orientation
- Steering-box and pitman-arm compatibility
- Drag link, tie rod, axle, and track bar geometry
- Lift height and full suspension travel
- Wheel, tire, spring, differential cover, and chassis clearance
- DOM tubing dimensions and 7/8-18 weld-bung compatibility
- Welding, hardware torque, alignment, and inspection requirements
Ideal For
This package suits lifted GM and Chevy trucks, Jeep Dana 60 swaps, trail rigs, rock crawlers, overlanding vehicles, heavy-duty 4x4s, solid-axle conversions, and fabricated steering projects.
It is particularly relevant for builders who want a Dana 60 tie rod and drag link upgrade with tubing measured and fabricated locally for their chassis.
Fitment and Installation Notes
Steering is a safety-critical system. Professional installation, or installation by an experienced steering and fabrication specialist, is strongly recommended.
Mock up the steering at ride height before final welding. Cycle the suspension through compression and droop while turning from lock to lock. Check for binding or contact at the wheels, tires, differential cover, springs, shocks, sway bar, frame, and pitman arm.
After assembly, verify thread engagement, jam-nut tightness, hardware torque, grease fitting access, steering-wheel position, toe setting, and alignment. Reinspect the system after initial road and trail use.
Why Builders Choose East West Off Road
East West Off Road supplies steering components for Dana axles, lifted trucks, and custom off-road vehicles. This package combines USA-machined billet arms, bronze kingpin bushings, steering ends, and fabrication hardware while allowing the buyer to source tubing locally.
Builders planning an ES2026R Drag Link Kit-based Dana 60 conversion can review the package and confirm application details at https://www.eastwestoffroad.com/product/dana-60-high-steer-crossover-steering-kit-with-bronze-bushing before ordering.
FAQs
1. Will this kit fit every Dana 60 Kingpin axle?
No. It is designed for Dana 60 Kingpin applications, but axle versions, knuckle brands, bolt patterns, tapers, and vehicle layouts can differ. Confirm the exact axle, knuckle configuration, steering-box position, clearances, and suspension arrangement before ordering.
2. Can this crossover steering kit be installed on a ball-joint Dana 60?
The supplied product information specifies Dana 60 Kingpin axle applications. It should not be treated as a ball-joint Dana 60 kit unless compatibility has been separately confirmed for the exact axle and knuckles.
3. What parts are included with the kit?
The package includes driver-side and passenger-side 1.25-inch billet high steer arms, a bronze kingpin bushing set, mounting hardware, ES2026R and ES2027L drag link ends/components, ES2234L and ES2234R tie rod ends/components, 7/8-18 weld bungs, and matching jam nuts.
4. Does the kit include DOM tubing or completed steering tubes?
No. DOM tubing and completed drag link or tie rod tube assemblies are not included. The tubing must be sourced locally, measured, cut, and fabricated for the specific vehicle. This may help reduce oversized shipping costs.
5. Why are bronze kingpin bushings supplied with the high steer arms?
Bronze bushings provide a durable upper kingpin bearing surface. When properly installed, lubricated, and adjusted, they can support smoother knuckle movement and more consistent steering operation. The remaining kingpin and axle components must also be inspected.
6. Are the high steer arms compatible with Reid and 4-hole or 5-hole knuckles?
The arms use a 5-hole design intended for Reid and most aftermarket Dana 60 knuckles. They may work with properly matched 4-hole and 5-hole configurations, but the bolt pattern, taper location, hardware, arm orientation, and installation requirements must be confirmed.
7. What do the ES2026R, ES2027L, ES2234L, and ES2234R components do?
The ES2026R and ES2027L components are used as drag link ends, while the ES2234L and ES2234R components are used as tie rod ends. They work with the supplied left- and right-hand 7/8-18 weld bungs and jam nuts to support custom-fabricated steering tubes.
8. Will this kit eliminate bump steer, and can it be installed at home?
It cannot guarantee complete bump-steer elimination because steering behavior depends on the complete suspension and steering geometry. Welding, fabrication, alignment, hardware installation, clearance checks, and full suspension cycling may be required. Professional installation by an experienced steering and fabrication specialist is recommended.