High Steer vs. Crossover Steering: Which Kit is Best for Your Rig?

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When building a trail-ready rig or trying to eliminate bump steer after a lift, you might face the decision of choosing between High Steer and Crossover Steering. These two steering upgrades can transform your off-road experience, but understanding their differences is crucial to making the right choice. Whether you're planning for moderate or extreme off-roading, this guide will help you determine which setup is best for your build.

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What’s the Difference Between High Steer and Crossover Steering?

To choose the right kit, it's essential to understand the key differences between High Steer and Crossover Steering.

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Crossover Steering

Crossover steering replaces the stock “Y” style linkage (common in older GM, Jeep, and Ford solid axles) with a setup where the drag link runs from the pitman arm to the passenger-side knuckle, and the tie rod connects wheel-to-wheel. This modification addresses poor geometry issues that arise in stock steering setups, particularly after a lift.

• **Pros:

  **

  • Simple geometry that improves tracking and reduces bump steer

• Better clearance for larger tires and increased flex

• Easier installation compared to high steer

• **Best For:

  **

  • Moderate lifts (3–6”)

• Weekend wheelers

• Daily drivers that see occasional trail time

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High Steer

High steer takes crossover steering to the next level by moving your steering arms to the top of the knuckle, improving steering geometry and clearance, especially on taller lifts and extreme articulation builds.

• **Pros:

  **

  • Elevates steering components to protect them from obstacles

• Ideal for big lifts and hardcore off-roading

• Better drag link angle reduces stress on components

• **Best For:

  **

  • Hardcore off-roaders and rock crawlers

• Rigs with lifts over 6 inches or flat pitman arms

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Which Kit is Right for Your Rig?

Understanding your needs will help you choose the appropriate steering kit for your vehicle.

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Choose Crossover Steering If:

• You’ve lifted your rig 3–6 inches

• You’re running 33–35” tires

• You want more precise, predictable road handling

• You prefer an easier, bolt-on upgrade without needing custom parts

• You're not ready to swap knuckles or drill your setup

Crossover steering is perfect for trail-capable daily drivers or overlanding rigs looking to improve control without going full-on crawler mode.

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Choose High Steer If:

• You’ve lifted your rig 6 inches or more

• You need maximum clearance for obstacles

• You regularly rock crawl or tackle extreme trails

• You’ve upgraded to flat-top knuckles or aftermarket arms

• You want your drag link and tie rod above the leaf springs or axle tubes

For serious off-road enthusiasts, high steer offers the protection and clearance needed for navigating rough terrain and extreme obstacles.

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What You’ll Need for Each Setup

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for each setup.

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What You’ll Need for Crossover Steering

• Flat-top passenger knuckle (if not already equipped)

• Crossover drag link and tie rod (often with 1-ton TREs or heims)

• Drilled pitman arm or aftermarket arm

• Steering stabilizer relocation (optional)

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What You’ll Need for High Steer

• Flat-top knuckles (often both sides)

• High steer arms bolted or machined onto knuckles

• Tie rod and drag link mounted above the knuckle

• Brake line relocation or longer lines

• Possibly a different pitman arm to match angles

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Real-World Feedback: What Trail Users Say

Off-road enthusiasts who have tried both setups often provide insightful feedback:

• Crossover steering is a noticeable improvement over stock, offering more control and confidence for lifted rigs.

• High steer becomes a must-have when extreme articulation or clearance is needed, especially in rock crawling situations where components can get damaged.

If you’ve ever experienced tie rod failure or a compromised steering system on the trail, the added clearance of high steer can make a significant difference in durability and performance.

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Final Thoughts: You Don’t Always Have to Choose Between the Two

Here’s a key takeaway: Every high steer setup includes crossover steering. To clarify:

• Crossover is the foundational step—relocating the drag link to the passenger-side knuckle.

• High steer adds elevation—moving both the drag link and tie rod to the top of the knuckle for additional clearance.

If you're not ready for a high steer upgrade, start with a crossover steering kit. You can always add high steer later by swapping in new arms and components.

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FAQ: Steering Kits Explained

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What’s the main difference between crossover and high steer steering kits?

A: Crossover steering moves the drag link to the passenger-side knuckle, improving geometry and clearance for moderate lifts. High steer takes it a step further by raising the steering components to the top of the knuckle, offering more clearance and better steering geometry for extreme builds.

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Can I upgrade from crossover to high steer later?

A: Yes, you can start with a crossover steering kit and later upgrade to high steer by swapping in high steer arms and other necessary components.

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What kind of rigs need high steer steering kits?

A: High steer kits are best suited for rigs with 6”+ lifts, those used in extreme off-roading, rock crawling, or vehicles that require maximum clearance for obstacle navigation.