No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Ok, I’m really getting frustrated trying to get my truck to return to center after a turn. I’ve done the “caster mod” documented many times on this site, moving my LCAs about 3/4” forward. Still no good. Today I finished installing new CPP UCAs that are supposed to provide 5 degrees of extra caster but still no good. The only thing that I can think of to do is put skinnier tires on the front. Right now, I’m running 275/60/15 tires all of the way around. Has anyone solved this problem while running wider tires? Here is what I’m working with:

1964 C-10, 350/TH350
1977 C-10 Spindles
Stock LCA with caster mod
New CPP 73-87 power steering box
Suspension is stock height

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Do you have alignment numbers?

Are the control arms on the correct side?

Is the steering box adjusted too tight?

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Arms are most definitely on the correct side. Steering box is new and I haven’t made any adjustments to it. Previous steering box performed exactly the same. Camber is near 0 degrees, toe in at 1/8”. Don’t want to have professionally aligned until I get this solved.

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Perhaps post pictures of your steering setup and somebody notice something interesting.

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

You can get some reasonable numbers by yourself with a simple inclinometer app on your phone.

I'm a shop teacher by trade. I explain wheel alignments in THIS VIDEO, and talk specifically about Caster at the 9:30 mark. See if this helps you at all.

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Also, double check that your center link is installed in the correct orientation. They can be installed backwards which will cause all sorts of drivability issues

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

I have the same problem and the same setup. I set the alignment with angle finder, string and tape measure. Then had it aligned at a shop. She runs down the highway straight and smooth with no wandering. But it absolutely will not return to center on its own. The streering is very light - and i suspect the box is the problem with mine. While looking for a solution I found some good info about this on the Borgeson web site:

https://www.borgeson.com/steering-sy...esign-and-tech

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Pictures of the setup are a good idea.

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Those tires are pretty wide in front. I'd throw on some narrower wheels/tires just to rule out that the width is the problem or is contributing.

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

I had a poor return to center feel, and kind of a notchy feeling in the steering...turned out to be the nearly-new AC Delco "gold" ball joints. Replaced with MOOG and the issues went away.

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Attempting to attach pics. Wow that actually worked, I will add more detailed pics this weekend. Also, I'm running about 15 degrees of caster.

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

OK, did some measuring/adjusting and this is what I have:

Camber(Driver) is -0.3 degrees
Camber(Pass) is -0.1 degrees(No more negative adjustment available)
Caster 15 degrees each side
Toe-in is 3/32"

Also had truck on blocks and checked steering lock to lock and felt no interference or dragging, etc.

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Here we go:

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

More pics:

Re: No "Return to Center" Steering Woes
 

Before you start switching out parts I would have the alignment done. It probable the least expensive option. I have heard that if you have power steering you need more toe in than the numbers for a stock truck would be.