Taller tires Vs lift kit wandering steering
 

My 72 K20 is stock height but my dad swapped the split rim wheels to 33 x 12.50 x 16.50 . Doing that, does it require a new steering arm to compensate ? Or I just go with a new rag joint, upper/lower ball joints and tie rod ends to stop the wandering ?
I would toss a new ps box if needed.

Re: Taller tires Vs lift kit wandering steering
 

Start with checking all your steering components and axle shaft ujoints. A steering arm isn't needed since the suspension is at stock height yet. How aggressive are the 33's? radials or bias ply?

Re: Taller tires Vs lift kit wandering steering
 

Are you asking about wandering as truck is now or after a lift? Wider tires will make tramlining more pronounced. Steering joints should be tight if stock or lifted. A raised steering arm just flattens the drag link to lessen bump steer and get turning radius back to stock. If the ball joints/end links are worn out yes steering will be sloppy.

Re: Taller tires Vs lift kit wandering steering
 

Yeah wider tires will follow cracks in the rd or uneven sections more than a skinnier tire. As everyone said before no arm change needed just check and replace worn components if you find any but it might be down to the tires entirely pun intended.

Re: Taller tires Vs lift kit wandering steering
 

Just guess but with a lift you reduced the caster? Caster keeps the truck going down the road straight. Most lift companies can supply tapered blocks that go between the axle and spring to restore the proper caster.
Also radial tires need more caster compared bias tires.

Re: Taller tires Vs lift kit wandering steering
 

Bingo! Plus a different and wider rim will throw off/exaggerate toe-in settings

Re: Taller tires Vs lift kit wandering steering
 

I would check the toe measurement if all the steering components are tight..

Re: Taller tires Vs lift kit wandering steering
 

O.P. Indicated no lift, just larger tires. So that should not throw off caster. But, the larger tires will exaggerate problems from worn steering and suspension components. Ball joints, tie rod and drag link ends, rag joint, steering gear, spring bushings, anything loose.
When I got my truck, the spring bushings were so worn I could see the whole front of the truck shift side to side when a helper turned the steering wheel. New spring bushings, tie rod and drag link ends and tightening the clamp bolt that holds the pitman arm to the steering gear shaft fixed nearly all of my wandering issues. (My rag joint, steering gear and ball joints are all pretty good.