Ok probably another dumb question
 

Ive ran a search already for this info but didnt find what I was looking for. My '71 has a nice little "wander" when I hit 40-50 mph. At lower speeds the steering is as solid as a rock no "wander". Ive already replaced pitman arm, idler arm and driver side tie rods (inner and outer) havent gotten the passenger side done as of yet..........something else on the long to do list. Anyways my question is did my truck come with a stabilizer bar? Or is my alignment just outa wack?

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

Wouldn't be a stablizer bar, that just helps keep the truck from diving in the corners. If it is just wandering and not actualy pulling one way or the other I would tend to think that your tires may be past their prime or possibly running the wrong air pressure. Could also be your steering gear needs the slack adjusted. If it pulls one way or the other it probably is an alignment issue. Have the front end alignment checked. WES

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

front end alignment would be one of the first things to check// also checking the rear the panhard bushing and the trailing arm bushings can cause a wander problem

the front stabilizer bar was an option on these trucks

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

The panhard/control arm bushings are on my "to do" list. Guess next payday Ill get some new bushings. Would the spring isolaters in the coil springs have anything to do with the wandering? Not exactly used to a truck with basically a three link control arm setup.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

I doubt it,if everything is the same on both sides.Doing those bushing sound like a good next move.If it still wanders after that and you`ve adjusted the steering box(or didn`t need it),I`d have someone work your steering while you watch the steering box.
1:Look for box to frame movement...lose mounting
2:watch the shaft coming out for play...bad bushing
3:Look for play in rag joint...replace
4:Watch all other links for play.Especially the parts you haven`t done yet.That`s something that you`ll want to do either way.

Good luck.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

Ok bushings on their way (10.99 plus tax and shipping grand total of $17 dollars, about what the price of the dang things from Summit before tax and shipping be here in 3-5 days) The rag joint is lose too but I cant seem to find the damned thing. PO put in a auto column from something, jury rigged the stupid Nuetral saftey switch but I know where I can get a manual truck steering column just cant remember if the dang thing had tilt or not, its out of a 67 or 68 C10 I think it will work but still leaves the problem of finding the rag joint. Any ideas?

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

My truck did this when I first got it back on the road. I thought it was because it was a short wheel base with large tires. I took it to an alignment shop and they told me the steering box was no good and could not be adjusted. It was a rebuilt box from Kragen took it back and got another box and the problem went away.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

SOmeone mentioned adjusting the steering box...........my friend thats been helping me with the harder work on the truck (suspension, tranny and diff. fluid etc. thank god hes got a jack and a garage lol) told me that adjusting the steering box is a no no. Is he right or not? And how far do I need to adjust things?

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

Some steering boxes can be adjusted. I have not played with the Power steering ones on these truck, but the manual boxes can be adjusted some.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

adjusting the steering box s more of a temporary fix than anything.. it'll get loose again, could be sooner could be later. you have to make sure not to adjust it to tight; you can make it where it physically wont turn.

to me, i would assume your "caster" aspect of alignment is out... caster affects the steering, but not tire wear

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

You first need to determine where the slack is before throwing a bunch of parts at it. You may need to take it to a reliable front end alignment shop and have them give it a thorough lookover. Your sector may not need adjusting or replacing. Sometimes a tow out condition will make them head off one way or the other and is easily adjusted. You can check it yourself with a tape measure. After already replacing some front end parts it needs to be realigned anyway. You will probably be money ahead by having a front end shop look it over first.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

You can check the steering box by turning the shaft going into it and watching the pitman arm to see how much play there is before it moves.There should barely any play.Another thing jack up the front end as close to the wheel as possible and shake it top and bottom to check to check the ball joints and upper control arm bushings.Then jack it up by the frame and try to move the wheel ft to back to see if there is any play in the lower control arm(it should not move).Then check your trailing arms and panhard bar.Hope this helps.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

If you haven't rotated your tires, I'd recommend that. Usually a tire rotation is needed if it always pulls the same direction.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

Adjusting a steering box is not a no-no.That`s why there`s a provision to adjust it.Don`t just turn it in a bit then jump in for a drive.You need to carefully check it for binding.If it`s to tight it won`t turn,as Blue_71 said.That will be obvious.But,loose enough to turn but tight enough to bind in one spot is the problem.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

I remember when I had some work done on my K10 when I got it back from the shop just driving around town was fine. When I got it up to higher speeds it was wandering all over. They hadnt tightened the steering box down tightly to the frame.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

I agree. Check the obvious first. Make sure EVERTHING is tight. I've had the same thing as CG mentions happen and after chasing gremlins (and wanting to throw parts at it) felt like a D.A. when I found the steering box was falling off.

Though, maybe it is your steering box. It just seems month ago but my 10 YO steering box is now going bad...whoda figured.

Re: Ok probably another dumb question
 

Ill take it down to the alignment shop sometime this week............as for throwing parts at it.......eventually these parts will need to be replaced anyways (better late than never I reckon) but I will check the mounting bolts on the box and torque them down if neccessary. Thanks yall