What We Did

Performed a complete steering, suspension, brake, and drivability inspection.

Diagnosed customer concerns involving steering feel, transmission operation, uneven rear braking, and a soft brake pedal.

Installed a WFO Concepts 10 Bolt/Dana 44 Cross-Over Steering Kit with bent drag link, MOOG ball joints, and spindle studs.

Installed a RedHead Steering Gear.

Reinforced the steering box mounting area using a Rough Country Frame Support Kit.

Flushed the complete power steering system using the BG Power Steering Flush Kit.

Fabricated and installed a custom front track bar using the TMR Customs Universal Front Track Bar (Panhard Bar) Kit.

Designed and fabricated custom track bar brackets for proper axle location.

Installed a Ridetech GM F-Body Front Sway Bar.

Fabricated custom sway bar end links and mounting brackets.

Installed an OER Steering Column Bearing.

Verified steering shaft length and steering column alignment.

Performed a complete four-wheel alignment after suspension modifications.

Evaluated brake system performance, including rear brake balance and brake pedal feel.

Inspected transmission operation and overall drivability.

Modern Crossover Steering for Better Control

One of the biggest upgrades on the "Old Man Edition" is replacing the factory steering geometry with a modern crossover steering system.

Our team installed the WFO Concepts 10 Bolt/Dana 44 Cross-Over Steering Kit, featuring a bent drag link, MOOG ball joints, and spindle studs. Crossover steering dramatically improves steering geometry on lifted solid axle trucks by reducing bump steer, creating smoother steering input, and improving overall control.

To complement the new steering linkage, we installed a RedHead Steering Gear, a trusted upgrade among square-body Chevrolet owners known for delivering tighter steering and improved road feel.

To ensure the frame could properly support the upgraded steering system, we also reinforced the steering box area using a Rough Country Frame Support Kit, reducing steering box movement and helping prevent frame flex under heavy loads.

The entire hydraulic steering system was then serviced using the BG Power Steering Flush Kit, ensuring fresh fluid throughout the system.

Custom Suspension Fabrication

Every vintage truck has its own personality, which means bolt-on parts don't always provide the best solution.

Using the TMR Customs Universal Front Track Bar (Panhard Bar) Kit, our fabrication team designed and built a completely custom front track bar system specifically for this K20. New mounting brackets were fabricated to properly locate the front axle while maintaining correct suspension geometry throughout suspension travel.

To further improve stability, the truck received a Ridetech GM F-Body Front Sway Bar. Since no off-the-shelf solution existed for this combination, our technicians fabricated custom sway bar end links and mounting brackets to achieve the proper fit and performance.

These custom fabrication upgrades help keep the truck planted on the road while significantly improving handling and steering response.

Steering Column Improvements

Attention to detail makes all the difference.

To complete the steering overhaul, we installed an OER Steering Column Bearing while verifying steering shaft length and alignment throughout the system. Eliminating unwanted steering play helps maximize the benefits of every other steering component installed on the truck.

Brake and Drivability Inspection

Before beginning the upgrades, our technicians carefully documented several drivability concerns reported by the owner.

The truck exhibited uneven rear brake performance, with the right rear brake appearing to apply more aggressively than the left. The brake pedal also had a soft, spongy feel, indicating further inspection of the braking system was needed.

In addition, we evaluated the truck's transmission operation to identify any issues affecting overall drivability.

A complete inspection ensures every system works together, creating a truck that's enjoyable to drive rather than simply looking good in the garage.

Why These Upgrades Matter

Square-body Chevrolet trucks have become some of the most desirable classic pickups on the road, but forty-plus years of use can leave steering systems loose, suspension components worn, and overall handling far behind modern expectations.

By combining premium components from WFO Concepts, RedHead Steering Gears, TMR Customs, Ridetech, Rough Country, BG Products, and OER with custom fabrication performed in-house, this 1984 Chevrolet K20 Scottsdale is receiving the upgrades needed to improve safety, stability, reliability, and everyday drivability.

The result is a truck that still looks like a classic Chevrolet—but drives with the confidence today's roads demand.

The Texas Vintage Trucks Difference

Every build at Texas Vintage Trucks reflects our passion for preserving classic trucks while making them more enjoyable to own. Whether we're fabricating custom suspension components, modernizing steering systems, rebuilding drivetrains, or solving problems that off-the-shelf parts can't fix, we approach every project with craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Because these trucks weren't built to sit in a museum.

They were built to be driven.

Start Your Vintage Truck Build

Whether you're restoring a classic Chevrolet, upgrading your suspension, modernizing your steering, or planning a complete custom build, Texas Vintage Trucks has the experience, fabrication capabilities, and passion to bring your vintage truck back to life.

If you've got a classic truck with a vision behind it, we're ready to help make it a reality.

Start Your Build Now