Superduty 50 deg steering

[Cracksrubi]

I searched and read the superduty tech thread but can’t find the answer I’m looking for. I know superduty axles are capable of getting 50degs of steering with the core parts. What I don’t know is what all is needed to achieve this goal. I’ve got an 06 F450 front axle with factory 1550 shafts and access to a mill.
So my questions are -
1. are 1550 factory shafts capable of 50degs
2. What modifications if any are needed to clearence them to get 50degs
3. Will it severely weaken them
4. Anyone have pictures or links to write ups discussing this type of modifications

 

[GiS]

When you turn the knuckle to 50 degs and rotate the axle shafts ... LOOK and see what's binding or preventing you from turning?

 

[Cracksrubi]

When you turn the knuckle to 50 degs and rotate the axle shafts ... LOOK and see what's binding or preventing you from turning?

That was first thought I’m just trying to see if there’s something that’s not so obvious I need to look out for. Obviously not the first person to tackle this

 

[Winchested]

You need a steering set up capable of getting to that 50 degrees.

Heck I'm using an 8.5" ram on my '81 dana 60 to get 36 degrees. With TMR arms.

I'd assume you'd be into a 10" ram if not full hydro to utilize the 50 degrees.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

yes the 1550 shaft will take it, yes they will turn 50 degree. Knuckles may or may not need the stops ground. shafts dont seem to care. Obviously they might be more vulnerable at full lock.

Also the shafts are not full circle clipped.

 

[SLOWPOKE693]

Also the shafts are not full circle clipped.

Tacking the caps makes that a non-issue.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

Tacking the caps makes that a non-issue.

oh I know, or get clips. Just adding data.

 

[Wfoyota]

Id be interested to know the measurement from center of balljoint to hole in the steering arm that gets you 50* with a 9" ram. 9" seems to be the go to for this.

 

[Cracksrubi]

yes the 1550 shaft will take it, yes they will turn 50 degree. Knuckles may or may not need the stops ground. shafts dont seem to care. Obviously they might be more vulnerable at full lock.

Also the shafts are not full circle clipped.

I finally dug them out and yes they will do 50. It was just really close as you can see. I kinda figured there would be more margin for error but I guess if it clears it clears

 

[Cracksrubi]

Id be interested to know the measurement from center of balljoint to hole in the steering arm that gets you 50* with a 9" ram. 9" seems to be the go to for this.

6.75 is the number I found for 10 inch ram. The rams I have just shy of 12 so I’ll just limit the travel

 

[Ghetto Fab.]

According to solidworks, 5.86" is the magic number. Keep in mind though, that balljoint inclination and where the steering arm is plays a part in that. Also, ram location affects the ackerman angle as does tie rod lengths, so you'll need to play with the numbers a bit.

I was shooting for only 45deg on the new build and had to play around with it a bit to get it to 44.9deg one way and 44.93deg the other.