Tracking Issue
 

My issue is that my truck seems to track all over the road. I really have to "drive" to keep it in the middle of the road. If I go over a ridge or rise in the road, the truck seems to track that way and not really come back to center on its own. I have a 72 SWB with a 2.5/4 drop. Up front I have 2.5 drop spindles with new standard height front springs from LMC. Installed tubular upper and lower control arms from CPP. New steering gear, tie rods, idler and pitman arm. In the rear I have new 4in drop springs, new trailing arm bushings and new shocks. New rear stabilizer bar (frame to diff. housing). I do not have any sway bars on this truck. Would that help solve my problem? I always thought sway bars were for body roll.

Re: Tracking Issue
 

This can be caused by a number of factors including wide tires, caster settings, toe settings, or a combination of these. When did it start doing it? That will help us narrow it down...

Edit: sway bars would likely not fix your issue, but a front isn't a bad idea anyway.

Re: Tracking Issue
 

It has done it since everything was installed. I believe the castor and camber are built into the A arms to accomodated drop spindles. I am running 255/60/17 tires. I don't really think they are that wide. I have had this issue on other trucks running wide tires, but I hope this isn't the case here.

Re: Tracking Issue
 

Yes, the CPP tube arms will allow the caster and camber to able to be better set to accommodate the drop as well as newer radial tires, but do not 'automatically' add it simply by bolting them on. They will, however, allow you more adjustability in your alignment specs.

Having zero toe or toe-out would do exactly what you are referring to- you want a little toe-in to keep it from following the grooves. Also negative or neutral caster will have a similar effect. You will want as much positive caster as you can add while still meeting your camber specs.

Have you had the truck aligned since the changes?

Re: Tracking Issue
 

The truck was supposedly aligned when I had the wheels & tires installed, but I am skeptical that it was done properly. I will take it to another shop and have it done again. Thanks for the input.

Re: Tracking Issue
 

Did they give you a print-out of the final alignment settings?

Re: Tracking Issue
 

No, I was never given a print out of the settings.

Re: Tracking Issue
 

sway bars are a great addition to your overall handeling package