A GM 1 Ton Steering Kit can provide the steering-end and mounting components needed to build a custom crossover high steer system around a Dana 60 Kingpin axle. The East West Off Road package is intended for lifted trucks, Jeeps, rock crawlers, solid-axle swaps, and other 4x4 projects where the builder must improve link placement while matching the final tie rod and drag link dimensions to the vehicle. DOM tubing is not included, so those tubes must be sourced and fabricated separately.
Factory steering is designed around stock ride height, axle position, tire size, and suspension travel. Once a vehicle is lifted or receives a different front axle, the original steering links may sit at steeper angles or interfere with the differential cover, suspension, wheels, or tires. The steering box, drag link, tie rod, track bar, and knuckles must then be evaluated as one system.
Understanding Dana 60 High Steer and Crossover Steering
Crossover steering routes the drag link across the axle to the opposite steering knuckle rather than following a factory-style connection path. High steer places the steering links on arms mounted above compatible knuckles. Together, these changes can raise the tie rod and drag link, improve clearance, and create more workable steering angles on a lifted vehicle.
Correct geometry can help reduce bump steer or steering wander, but no kit can guarantee that either condition will be eliminated. Drag-link angle, track-bar position, caster, toe, steering-box location, axle position, tire condition, and suspension travel all affect steering behavior. The conversion must be planned around the complete chassis and suspension layout.
Why Bronze Kingpin Bushings Matter
A Dana 60 Kingpin axle uses kingpin components to guide and support knuckle movement. The included bronze kingpin bushings provide a durable bearing surface and can support smoother knuckle operation when installed with the correct hardware, lubrication, and preload.
Consistent kingpin movement can contribute to stable steering feel, especially on vehicles running larger tires or operating on uneven trails. Bronze bushings do not correct worn bearings, damaged knuckles, poor alignment, or incorrect steering geometry, so the entire kingpin assembly should be inspected during installation.
Why 1.25-Inch Billet High Steer Arms Matter
The kit includes driver-side and passenger-side high steer arms that are 1.25 inches thick. They are manufactured from domestic billet steel and precision-machined in the USA.
The arm thickness provides a substantial mounting structure for demanding steering applications. Precision machining is equally important because the mounting holes, tapers, seating surfaces, and hardware locations must align correctly with the knuckles and steering ends. Proper installation, torque, clearance, and routine inspection remain essential regardless of arm thickness.
Reid and Dana 60 Knuckle Compatibility
The 5-hole arms are compatible with Reid and most aftermarket Dana 60 Kingpin knuckles. Builders must still identify the exact knuckle brand, bolt pattern, taper arrangement, and mounting requirements before ordering.
The arms can work with properly matched 4-hole and 5-hole knuckle configurations. This does not mean every fastener location is used on every installation. Verify hole spacing, arm seating, hardware engagement, steering-end orientation, and manufacturer instructions. The kit is specified for Dana 60 Kingpin axles and should not be assumed to fit a ball-joint Dana 60.
Steering Ends, Weld Bungs, and Supporting Hardware
The ES2026R and ES2027L steering ends/components with hardware are intended for the fabricated drag link. The ES2234L and ES2234R steering ends/components with hardware are used for the fabricated tie rod. Correct left- and right-hand orientation, taper fit, available movement, and thread engagement must be confirmed before assembly.
The included left-hand and right-hand 7/8-18 weld bungs connect compatible tubing to the steering ends. Matching jam nuts secure the final adjustment. Opposite thread directions allow link length or toe to be adjusted without removing both ends.
Tapered nuts, threaded screws, grease fittings, spacers, and additional jam nuts support arm attachment, lubrication, spacing, and retention. Each component must be installed in its intended position and tightened to the applicable specification.
Why DOM Tubing Is Not Included
DOM tubing is not included, and the kit does not include completed tie rod or drag link tube assemblies. Buyers can source tubing locally, which may reduce oversized freight costs and allows each tube to be cut for the actual axle width, steering-box position, and knuckle layout.
The installer must confirm the tubing diameter, wall thickness, material suitability, finished length, and compatibility with the 7/8-18 weld bungs. Welding and fabrication may be required. Tube preparation, bung alignment, weld quality, straightness, and thread access should be checked by a qualified fabricator because steering links are safety-critical components.
Key Features and Benefits of This GM 1 Ton Steering Kit
The kit brings together several components needed for a Dana 60 tie rod and drag link upgrade:
- Two 1.25-inch domestic billet steel high steer arms
- USA precision machining
- Five-hole arm design for Reid and many aftermarket knuckles
- Bronze kingpin bushings with installation hardware
- Four GM 1 ton steering ends/components with hardware
- Left- and right-hand 7/8-18 weld bungs and jam nuts
- Flexibility to size DOM tubing for the individual vehicle
- Application potential for lifted trucks, Jeeps, trail rigs, and custom 4x4s
Its main advantage is configuration flexibility. The builder receives the arms, bushings, steering ends, adapters, and hardware while retaining control over final tube dimensions and steering geometry.
What’s Included
The package contains:
- One 1.25-inch driver-side high steer arm
- One 1.25-inch passenger-side high steer arm
- One bronze kingpin bushing set with installation hardware
- Ten Dana 60 tapered nuts
- Two threaded screws
- Two grease fittings
- Two spacers and two arm-hardware jam nuts
- ES2026R and ES2027L drag link ends/components with hardware
- ES2234L and ES2234R tie rod ends/components with hardware
- One left-hand and one right-hand 7/8-18 weld bung
- One left-hand and one right-hand 7/8-18 jam nut
DOM tubing, fabricated tube assemblies, and a pitman arm are not listed as included.
Important Notes Before Ordering
Confirm that the axle is a Dana 60 Kingpin model. Identify the exact vehicle, axle source, knuckle brand, steering-arm bolt pattern, and 4-hole or 5-hole configuration.
Measure high steer arm clearance, tie rod placement, drag link path, steering-end tapers, wheel and tire clearance, differential-cover clearance, and suspension clearance. Pitman arm compatibility must also be checked even though a pitman arm is not included.
Review suspension lift height, axle position, steering-box travel, required tube length, and the relationship between the track bar and drag link where applicable. Fitment should be verified with measurements rather than vehicle name alone.
Ideal For
Potential applications include:
- Dana 60 Kingpin crossover conversions
- Lifted GM and Chevrolet trucks
- Jeep Dana 60 axle swaps
- Rock crawling and trail builds
- Overlanding rigs
- Heavy-duty off-road trucks
- Custom 4x4s with oversized tires
- Fabricated tie rod and drag link projects
Suitability depends on confirmed axle, knuckle, steering, and suspension compatibility.
Fitment and Installation Notes
Steering is a safety-critical system. Professional installation, or installation by an experienced steering and fabrication specialist, is strongly recommended.
Before welding, center the steering box, axle, wheels, and steering arms. Establish the tie rod and drag link lengths, steering-end orientation, adjustment range, and required thread engagement. Confirm that the locally sourced DOM tubing properly accepts the supplied weld bungs.
Cycle the suspension through full compression and droop while turning from lock to lock. Check the wheels, tires, differential cover, frame, springs, shocks, sway bar, track bar, and other suspension components. Clearance at ride height alone is not sufficient.
Complete all required torque checks, lubrication, toe adjustment, alignment, and final steering inspection before driving. Hardware and fabricated links should be rechecked after initial use.
Why Builders Choose East West Off Road
East West Off Road packages USA-made Dana 60 steering components for builders who need to create a vehicle-specific crossover high steer layout. This kit combines billet arms, bronze kingpin bushings, GM 1 ton steering components, weld bungs, jam nuts, and mounting hardware without forcing a universal tube length.
Builders planning a GM 1 Ton Steering Kit installation can review the supplied parts, compare them with their axle and knuckles, and confirm fitment at https://www.eastwestoffroad.com/product/dana-60-high-steer-crossover-steering-kit-with-bronze-bushing.
FAQs
1. Does this GM 1 Ton Steering Kit fit every Dana 60 Kingpin axle?
No. The kit is designed for Dana 60 Kingpin axle applications, but Dana 60 axles and aftermarket knuckles can vary. Buyers must confirm the axle source, knuckle brand, bolt pattern, tapers, steering-arm requirements, clearances, and overall steering layout before ordering.
2. Can the kit be used on a ball-joint Dana 60 axle?
The supplied product specifications identify this as a Dana 60 Kingpin axle kit. Ball-joint Dana 60 axles use a different knuckle and steering arrangement. Compatibility with a ball-joint axle should not be assumed without separate application verification.
3. What steering components are included in the package?
The kit includes driver-side and passenger-side 1.25-inch billet high steer arms, bronze kingpin bushings, mounting hardware, ES2026R and ES2027L drag link ends/components, and ES2234L and ES2234R tie rod ends/components. Weld bungs, jam nuts, tapered nuts, threaded screws, spacers, and grease fittings are also included.
4. Is DOM tubing included with the steering kit?
No. DOM tubing and completed tie rod or drag link tube assemblies are not included. The tubing must be sourced locally and matched to the required diameter, wall thickness, material, weld bungs, and finished link lengths. Cutting, fitting, and professional welding may be required.
5. Why are bronze kingpin bushings included?
Bronze kingpin bushings provide a durable bearing surface within the Dana 60 Kingpin assembly. When properly installed, lubricated, and adjusted, they can support smoother knuckle movement and more consistent steering operation. They do not correct unrelated alignment or suspension issues.
6. Do the high steer arms work with Reid and both 4-hole and 5-hole knuckles?
The 5-hole arms are compatible with Reid and most aftermarket Dana 60 Kingpin knuckles. They can work with properly matched 4-hole and 5-hole configurations, but universal fitment should not be assumed. Hole spacing, fastener positions, mounting surfaces, and taper requirements must be confirmed.
7. Why are the Dana 60 high steer arms 1.25 inches thick?
The 1.25-inch arms provide a substantial billet steel mounting structure for demanding steering applications. They are manufactured from domestic billet steel and precision-machined in the USA. Correct hardware, mounting, torque, clearance, and steering geometry remain essential.
8. Will this kit eliminate bump steer, and should it be professionally installed?
No kit can guarantee complete bump-steer elimination. Drag-link angle, track-bar location, caster, toe, axle position, steering-box placement, and suspension travel all affect steering behavior. Because DOM tube fabrication, welding, alignment, and safety-critical steering work may be required, professional installation is strongly recommended.