MG #1 - what is crossover, high steer and hydraulic assist steering?

[@dang2157]

Back to the start! What a great ride it's been so far and the adventure has only just begun! Congratulations 🎊

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks man!

[@systemfile]

Sorry I haven’t watched all of the Jimmy build videos but what feeds the hydraulic assist ram? A hydro boost power steering pump?

[@MerricksGarage]

yea, it gets from the power steering pump. You generally need to upgrade the steering pump as it gets worked harder. The steering box is also ported so the hydraulic lines come from it and complement the drag link

[@kid.0llie]

ive hade a 87 silverado for some time, this video helped lots have exact same issues.. thanks

[@dustinshadle732]

i have welded a LOT of stuff. a gentle critique i have is that your welds look functional, from what i can tell. we would call them the "farmers special", but if you want to learn, id suggest learning TIG welding. if there is a welding shop with small parts that are needing done, ask if they can teach you how to tig weld. no big factory will do this, but a smaller, private shop may. remember that no matter what, a weld is strongest and easiest to put down when it is in the flat position. i can stack dimes for days with very little variation. i can also use the arc to smooth stick or MIG welds out. if a weld is good, i see no reason for that though. the welders that can convert to mig or tig machines are getting cheaper and one that can handle up to 1/4 inch wont set you back much. eastwood actually has one. my cousin bought it and is learning to weld with it.

[@rbljackson]

i JUST found your channel. I have the exact same truck....87 GMC Jimmy...and its been sitting dead in the driveway for 20 years...yep I just cant get rid of it. Body is decent, and Im looking for your assistance on what upgrades/ list of what you think should be done to do a reliable build simliar to your needs (hunting, camping, moderate 4 wheeling etc. Id really like to put this together as a father son project (he is 25 now and the truck is technically his). I will try to find additional videos from your channel on this truck, but wanted to say hey and introduce myself. Hoping you have a lot of square body videos that can help me out. Love the truck btw!

[@martinfigueroa1107]

Hi Merrick, what size springs are you running and if they are 52 inch, how did you manage to prevent your arms from binding?

[@MerricksGarage]

They are 52”. Or they were back when I shot this. The arms are extended

[@alexh.4254]

Great vid, partner!

[@AmericanViking0426]

Awesome video, lots of great information and great video quality, very helpful and much appreciated!

[@TheDeJureTour]

Fantastic videos! Subbed. - K5 owner of 10 years

[@jessewilliams875]

I have a 1976 K5 Blazer with the stock front axle. Do you know where I can get a cross over high steer kit? I won't be off-roading it so I wouldn't need the hydraulic assist.

[@MerricksGarage]

Www.Offroaddesign.com

[@zachthatguy7391]

I have the a-bomb (mine is called a H-bomb) and I was wondering if you ran into any issue with the drag link and tie rod interfering with each other. If so, how did you get around it?

[@eduardg5619]

James 7 years ago hahahaha. As always, good content and music!

[@MerricksGarage]

death to all but METAL!!!!

[@eduardg5619]

@@MerricksGarage nice track, thank you. You could cut in more such music tracks into your vids :) Greetings from Germany

[@Johnny9ers]

I need help..I looking into buying new leaf springs front and back. Can you recommend what brand of leaf springs is good. I know theres a ton of different brands. I have a 74 blazer with a 4 inch lift on 33's.

[@MerricksGarage]

You need custom springs from off road design

[@Johnny9ers]

@@MerricksGarage thank you for the recommendation

[@LaneLift]

Does this eliminate the need for a steering stabilizer?

[@MerricksGarage]

well technically a steering stabilizer is a band aid on the system to a certain degree, but yes the hydraulic assisted steering definitely helps dampen steering feedback.

[@LaneLift]

@@MerricksGarage gotcha, thanks for the reply

[@gomiereyes2173]

Hey Merrill I just had a Psc hydro assist steering installed on my 1982 jimmy. I have a 6” suspension lift with 15”x12” rims with 37”x14.50” toyo m/t problem is my steering is very sensitive I constantly keep over correcting coming out of a turn , there is no more play in the column but it feels dangerous driving but the biggest problem is that when I brake going into a turn the jimmy pulls to the right the other day I almost lost it going 20mph if a car was next to me I might have hit them the shop that installed it said maybe my front brakes are the problem but before it was installed I had crazy play in the steering but it never pulled. Any idea what could be the problem I would appreciate your input Thanks

[@MerricksGarage]

I would check your alignment. Toe could cause pulling but also incorrect caster could. Depending on how you lifted it you might have altered your caster. The braking issue could be a bad caliper. Is one wheel or hub warmer to the touch than the other one after a drive?

[@loganbyers996]

Did you ever have problems with your Dana 44 and this setup?

[@jackiegregory6167]

Whats the part numbers to the crossover and high steer parts and the psc hydro assist 🤔

[@christianpray5085]

What was the whole suspension setup? Springs, shackles, etc

[@Islandbiker10]

Those welds though 😯

[@Biglos454]

just watched all the Jimmy videos. love them very informative. im building my 89 k5 with alot of Kurts parts so i really appreciate these vids. are you going to do a video on the rear shock set up with Kurts mounting bar?

[@Biglos454]

+James Merrick awesome man, looking forward to it!

[@danna140]

Great vid , I have a 89 k5 with alot of play in the steering wheel , gonna have a track bar made you think that will help get rid of some of the play ? Of not what do you suggest ,help !

[@MerricksGarage]

Before you do any of that check your rod ends and rag joint. I bet you have slip there.

[@danna140]

Merricks Garage ok cool thank you very much , keep you posted.

[@chrishurley9128]

Dan Na if that doesn't work you can try to tighten the adjuster nut on the gear box that will help mesh the gears back together as they wear out over time but only adjust it a 1/4 in. At a time. Hope this helps.

[@danna140]

Chris Hurley thanks Bro....

[@ttsfabworks]

Is that ram mount still offered? I can’t find it on the website.

[@MerricksGarage]

Give them a call, they are always super helpful

[@MerricksGarage]

diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17803

[@armandocarrillo8270]

Do you have part numbers for the parts used?

[@jgorgone15]

how is the truck going down the road with the high steer and hydro assist

[@jgorgone15]

Alrigjt thanks man

[@derekstewart8175]

I've got a 84 3/4 ton with 6" lift 35x12.5 tires, lifted with springs no blocks, nicely done but something is wrong, it wanders horribly and uncontrollably, been aligned, new tires, not sure what Pittman arm is on , i fixed the wheel bearings, caster is 5.8* passenger side, 6.1* driver, .6 positive chamber, toe is dead on, i can not see any worn joints, drag link seams ok, does anyone know what I can do that will not make me look drunk when I'm driving it?

[@MerricksGarage]

What axle? Kingpin? Have you had anyone slowly the turn the wheel while you are down looking at it? All it takes is a little play in one rod end to make it steer crazy

[@ronnie955i]

positive camber ? If its really positive id start there , your "some" negative camber few degrees maybe. Check also for frame cracks at steering box.

[@thejakein7867]

Same issue with mine. I replaced ever steering component and still wonders. Thinking im going crossover. Hopefully that cures my wondering K5.

[@FlaskTL]

@@thejakein7867 My 88 K5 wonders a fair amount...and its stock. About to put tons under it though.

[@thejakein7867]

In your later videos you refer to this Jimmy as a K5 Blazer. What's up with that?

[@MerricksGarage]

well, a Blazer and a Jimmy are pretty synonymous. Basic trim level changes and one is a GMC and one is a Chevy

[@SUFFICIENTSURVIVAL]

How the hell did you get away with that Metallica song in your vid??

[@Ken19700]

Two years later, how do you like the steering system?

[@seemslegit191]

Where did you get your high steer cross over kit

[@MerricksGarage]

Combo of DIY4X and ORD

[@joeh1940]

where did you get the hydro assist cylinder?

[@JohnnyChimpo907]

Thank you for this video.

[@MerricksGarage]

No worries! Glad you found it helpful!

[@jumper5029]

Man this truck has changed from this

[@MerricksGarage]

For real right. Crazy difference.

[@MerricksGarage]

I wanna build another like this. I think my son wants one

[@franklinZac]

What front bumper is that

[@MerricksGarage]

A bomb center section from DIY4X

[@mechanicjamz]

Those welds look questionable

[@Gearz74]

When's your next video?

[@jamesmerrick8746]

hopefully soon. Got a bumper from DIY4X on the way along with a cage sitting in my garage.

[@Gearz74]

I'm looking forward to the video I'll be using this as a guide for my build.

[@shonuffisthemaster]

good video but loose the annoying background music, i suppose you cant help the california accent though.....

[@MerricksGarage]

Dude. That was Orion by Metallica. Featuring the legendary cliff burton. You take that back! Also, that is a English accent you are hearing.

[@jgorgone15]

how is the truck going down the road with the high steer and hydro assist

[@swissarmychainsaw]

I want to know also! I am considering ditching my stock stuff...