Quote:
Originally Posted by Devillusion
(suggested/informed to put this here instead of originally on the 88-98 threads so don't flame me for double post please....)
Ok...so here is my dilema.
I just finished up my 2 year build (more a less), and find now that I am running my 40's and so forth the truck does not steer like I would like it to. Might just be because I haven't driven her for so damn long I forget, but I'm pretty sure she didn't wonder like an old grain truck like this before. I was running crappy old military tires before (37's) and now am running some Toyo MT's in a 40. I realize she isn't going to drive like a cadillac, but I would expect some half decent response in the steering.
I have an ORU crossover steering kit (both arms are 7" in length), duall stabilizers, no track bar, 12" of lift, factory steering box, all front end parts and king pins are like brand new...including wheel bearingsand has 7 degrees of caster from what I can tell.
She seems to kind of be sloppy, with around a 1/4 turn of the wheel play from side to side before something happens. Just expected a bit tighter response is all with crossover steering. My alignment hasn't changed since I ripped her down so I don't figure that should be the issue.
I was told that I should look into a 454 or 350SS 2wd box with a closer ratio....anyone have any information on this or ideas as to what might be the issue?
Thanks in advance....
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Hello Devillusion,
No flaming will be tolerated here. This isn’t Pirate4x4.
First, your project truck looks great. It looks like you have put a lot of hard work into you truck to fit your tastes and needs. Great work!
Without the luxury of driving your truck to see how it handles first hand and by just looking at your pictures (angle of the front diff cover) the axle looks like it needs more positive caster (bring the pinion up). Incorrect caster will definitely give you a wondering and disconnected feeling in the steering wheel, which could be misdiagnosed as a gearbox issue, etc.
What speed are you experiencing this issue? If dynamic rolling speed, I would recommend going with OEM caster setting that was recommended for the vehicle the axle was donated from in order to get the angle on the pivot points where the steering knuckles met the axle knuckles in line with what the angle the manufactures suggests. You mentioned 7 degrees but I don’t see what looks like a single positive degree in the pictures. Even OEM’s will throw much more caster over and above published specs to an alignment to correct wandering issues. When I worked on GM Tech Assist hotline for GM it was not uncommon for us to prescribe 4 degrees or higher positive caster (above what the OEM spec in the service manual listed) to correct issues with AWD Astro vans and K trucks (IFS rigs) and 3500-HD (which also had solid front axles like yours). Maybe more positive caster will work for you as well. I suspect more caster will get you where you need to be. Positive caster is your friend!
On the other hand, if you are experiencing the slop while static (not moving), I would look closer at the steering gear and all joints.