Steering problems
 

1986 k10 brand new 4" lift.
When making left turn Truck will suddenly jerk to the right and steering will get sloppy. Doesn't happen every time. Checked rag joint and all steering components all look good. Bad steering box? Power steering pump is a bit overfilled. Not sure what else to look for. Lift was installed before I bought truck so not sure if these symptoms were there before. Has the 4" raised steering arm. Is it possible I need to change the drag link also ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Steering problems
 

Frame cracked?

Re: Steering problems
 

Frame is good no cracks.

Re: Steering problems
 

Perhaps the valve in the box is gacked out? Did it make noise or just feel like you suddenly steered right while :-/ the middle of a left turn?

Re: Steering problems
 

No noise. Not sure what valve your referring to ?

Re: Steering problems
 

There is a valve on the steering shaft that directs pressure to the appropriate side of the ball screw piston depending on direction of shaft rotation. It may have an issue. I've never heard of that, but who knows.

Re: Steering problems
 

perhaps your being yanked from the rear and mistaking it for a steering component issue; when your issue is actually the rear no-slip or limited-slip mechanics!

Re: Steering problems
 

Just dropped the tranny to do rear main seal. Should have it back together by weekend. Will look into all of that. Steering fluid looks real dark red. Isn't it usually more of a clear fluid ?

Re: Steering problems
 

Just had the same type of issue with my 86 k30

when cold or after making a sharp turn the steering wheel will jerk left or right. Scary! Then go away.

I did everything. Then I checked the front dana60 ujoints. WASTED. They were fighting each other.

Rise the front and lock the hubs IIRC, rotate the wheels by hand.

Re: Steering problems
 

Red fluid is just that someone put atf in the system instead of power steering fluid. Both are hydraulic fluids and have similarities. Not a big deal really.

Re: Steering problems
 

Back in the "old days" they were the same thing ;)

Re: Steering problems
 

Yes but this stuff is thick dark burnt red. going to replace fluid.

Measured the steering arm on my 73. Definitely has more rise than one on the K10. Purchased new 4" lift steering arm. Had 1" aprox. more rise than the one that was on there. Steering arm that was on there was definitely not original but I didn't think they made a raised steering arm for anything less than 4" lift so not sure. Axle also has some play in it on both sides. Going to replace all the wheel bearings on both sides but the new arm seems to have done the trick. truck is turning fine now. Thanks guys.

Re: Steering problems
 

Check what the others have suggested, but I can say I had the exact same issue with my '87 V20 and it was the result of a bad steering box.
Changed the box and 2 years later no issues.

Re: Steering problems
 

The axle u-joints will only affect steering (or anything) when front axle is engaged in 4wd. People put ATF in leaky steering boxes, so that's a sign your box is crapped out. I wonder if the steering arm that was on it was for another application than GM. That inch difference is not enough to throw things off much at all.

Re: Steering problems
 

Truck has been fine since I changed the steering arm. No steering problems at all. I would have to assume that made the difference. Just happy it's all good.