Dana 44 High Steer vs. Stock Steering: Which is Right for Your Rig?

If you've been hitting the trails hard or eyeing those bigger tires, you've probably heard whispers about high steer kits--especially for rigs running a Dana 44 axle.

But do you really need to ditch your stock steering? Or is high steer just overkill?

Let's break it down, side by side, so you can decide what's right for your rig and your style of off-roading.

What is Stock Steering (and Why It Works... Until It Doesn't)
Your rig's stock steering was designed for:

Everyday driving

Moderate dirt roads

Mild off-road use

It's usually a Y-link or inverted T-link setup, which works fine until you start modifying your rig.

The downsides of stock steering:

Bump Steer: Lift your rig, and suddenly your steering jerks every time you hit a bump.

Poor Geometry: As suspension flex increases, steering angles get weird, leading to binding and unpredictable handling.

Weak Components: Stock tie rods and drag links aren't made to handle 35"+ tires or hard wheeling.

Bottom line?
Stock steering is fine for casual off-roaders and pavement pounders. But if you're serious about trails, you'll hit its limits fast.

Enter: Dana 44 High Steer Kits
A High Steer Kit moves the steering linkage up--usually onto the top of the steering knuckles--giving you better angles and more clearance.

Check out the Dana 44 High Steer Crossover Steering Kit for GMC/Chevy with Knuckle.

Why hardcore wheelers love high steer:

Better Clearance: Moves tie rods and drag links above where rocks and stumps love to smash them.

Correct Geometry: Fixes funky angles that happen when you lift your rig. No more bump steer.

More Flex: Allows your suspension to do its job without steering bind. Better articulation.

Stronger Parts: Beefed-up components that can handle big tires and rough trails.

If you're running a Dana 44 and plan to go bigger, higher, and harder--high steer is your best friend.

Who Should Stick With Stock Steering?
Stay stock if:

You're running only mild trails.

Your lift is small (2" or less).

You mostly drive on-road and want to save cash.

You have no plans for oversized tires or hardcore wheeling.

Stock gets the job done for adventure lightweights. No shame in that.

Who Should Upgrade to Dana 44 High Steer?
Upgrade if:

You've lifted your rig 3" or more.

You're on 35"+ tires.

You love rock crawling, mudding, and flexing hard.

You've bent or broken stock steering parts before.

You want predictable, tight steering on and off the trail.

Basically, if you're building your rig to go places most rigs can't, high steer isn't optional -- it's necessary.

The Real-World Difference: Why High Steer Feels So Much Better
Let's get real:

You'll feel the improvement in your hands. Less fighting the wheel, more confident control.
You'll see the difference when your tie rods clear obstacles that used to stop you cold.
And you'll know your steering won't let you down 10 miles deep into the backcountry.

High steer doesn't just upgrade your rig--it upgrades your entire wheeling experience.

Final Verdict: Choose Based on How Hard You Wheel
Weekend adventurer with mild trails and modest lift? Stock steering can get you by (for now).

Serious off-roader building for big tires, big flex, and big trails? Dana 44 High Steer is absolutely the right call.

Because once you go high steer... you'll never look back.