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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: brownfield texas (west texas)
Posts: 1,936
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Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Ok guys searching for answers. I have new everything. Porterbuilt 1" forward ,1" narrowed arms. Brand new red head box, every part of the steering is new except drag link. I have a Cherokee steering shaft, no rag joint just u joints. The problem is ....it goes fairly straight down the road but seems to wander some. I have 5 1/2* caster -1.5 camber at ride hight and 1/8 toe in. I have air ride on 4 corners. So the question? Is it typical old design just have to live with it? Could there be play in the van tilt? Will the porterbuilt front sway bar help? Could it be because I run 25 psi in the rear drag radials. I even feel it at low speed. I do have a bump steer kit I want to install. I measured today and as the suspension goes down it toes in. When I went 2" above ride hight it toed out almost 1/2". I don't feel like I'm getting that much suspension travel just putting around tho. What do y'alls trick drive like...any have tight steering?
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The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS Last edited by Robznob11; 04-14-2018 at 12:12 AM. |
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#2 | |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,505
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Quote:
I don't really have a clue with all of the aftermarket parts you have installed but I am going to throw something out here..... Are you sure you don't have your centerlink installed backwards? I know that can cause the problem you are seeing. The nuts on the tie rod ends should be facing forward. LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#3 |
Senior Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Harrison, Arkansas
Posts: 9,815
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
The two things that come to mind are,
steering box centered, worn tires. The worn tires seems like a stretch, but I have had two instances where I had tires that were run out of alignment, and after I did front end work, I had a "wandering" car.
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other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless. |
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: brownfield texas (west texas)
Posts: 1,936
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Yes sir already checked that. Looks like my bump steer kit will clear so that's the next step!
__________________
The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS |
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#5 |
laying low
![]() Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,261
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Do the front tires squeal a little bit going around corners? That plus wander and tight steering sure sounds like a toe out condition.
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
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#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: brownfield texas (west texas)
Posts: 1,936
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Steering is not tight. It steers fine. It all does well just seems like I have to chase it around more than I should. But I'm also used to driving the newer cars and I know it will never feel like that. I did learn that every time I make a toe adjustment I need to turn the wheels lock to lock before re checking to get an accurate measurement. I really think that the forward arms and bags have caused the tie rod mount point on the spindle to turn up and back. So I'm hoping by putting the bump steer kit on it will fix it. I believe that is why the toe goes out 1/2 " with 2" of rebound travel which I think confirms a bump steer condition. I know no suspension is perfect but 1/2" in that little of travel seems excessive. Also the fact that it goes in nearly the same in compression makes me even more confident in that hypothesis. I talked with porterbuilt and they said they tilted the ball joint to correct the bump steer, but I just don't know that I agree. As far as the steering being centered I don't know how you could get that off? There is a flat on the pitman arm it only goes one way. I can tell you that I measured the tie rod/adjuster assembly's and mad sure they are both the same length side to side...
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The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS |
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#7 |
laying low
![]() Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,261
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Oh ok. You mentioned tight steering above.
'What do y'alls trick drive like...any have tight steering?' I once drove an 88 Chevy truck with 10" wheels and 295/15 tires all around. That one was a monster to drive. It wandered real bad. Even with power steering it was bad just going across town. I turned that one down because it was so bad. The wider front wheels will tend to follow the low spots worn into the pavement a little more so than narrower ones. You could borrow a couple of narrower wheels and tires to test on your front end to eliminate that possibility.
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
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#8 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 2,951
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
You may try running some more tire pressure.
How wide are all 4? That can make them wander if the tires are wide, it will tend to track along with any changes in the road surface. Kind of like bias plys.
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ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ |
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: brownfield texas (west texas)
Posts: 1,936
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Fronts are about 10" wide and rears are 15" wide.
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The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS |
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#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 2,951
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
If you can swap some narrower rears on there it would be worth it just for trouble shooting. A 15” wide tire sure seems like it will follow road imperfections.
Got any buddies that will hook you up for a day?
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ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
For what it's worth, I just reinstalled my steering box that I got back from Redhead (had it rebuilt there) and there is ZERO play in a new steering box.
I don't mean just a little dead zone, I mean none other than the flexibility of the rag joint itself. So no, they don't have any play when they're new. I'm not saying the driving experience has zero play, it might pick up slop elsewhere, I just mean the box input to output itself.
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#12 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: brownfield texas (west texas)
Posts: 1,936
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Quote:
__________________
The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
No front sway bar? I think you definitely want that, I've never even driven a vehicle outside the dragstrip without a sway bar!
More caster will help prevent wandering, can you dial any more caster into it (learning the top back, I always forget if that's negative or positive). As a wild long shot if you get your link bar on backwards, and it WILL fit backwards, the truck will be darty and impossible to align properly but it doesn't sound like you've got it that bad. One post said you can get more caster by adding a shim on the END of the stud, which I've never tried, but it makes some sense.
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#14 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Williamsburg, Ohio
Posts: 1,783
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
You guys solved my wandering on my k10. This is also maybe a long shot but make sure all joint nuts are to required torque. I had all new or rebuilt parts also .My center link required further tightening. Check drag link also. Agree with wide tires following road grooves. My C4 and C6 were like that.
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1942 Chevy 1/2 ton Rod, 1959 GMC 1/2 ton Fleet Stepside, 1967 Chevy SWB K10, 1985 Corvette Coupe 4+3, 2015 Chevy Duramax reg cab 4WD W/T Last edited by dennislbrooks; 04-16-2018 at 10:28 AM. Reason: words |
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#15 |
Senior Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Harrison, Arkansas
Posts: 9,815
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
He already has 5.5 degrees caster. That seems like enough. I think I would try the other stuff first.
When adjusting caster, if a shim is added to the rear stud, the same thickness shim needs to be removed from the front. If you only change shims on one stud you will affect camber also.
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other Larry Build thread, Arkansas K10 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=755797&page=5 The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless. |
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#16 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: brownfield texas (west texas)
Posts: 1,936
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Quote:
__________________
The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
How much caster is in it? If you are driving newer cars, they have much more caster and that helps the vehicle go down the road straight and solid.
I just put CPP upper and lower tubular arms on a 69 chevelle and asked for as much positive caster as they could get me. They got me +2 degrees where factory was I believe +0.1. Solid and straight as fast as you want to go...
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"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
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#18 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: brownfield texas (west texas)
Posts: 1,936
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
I have 5.5* of caster. Running porterbuilt forward arms.
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The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Is it +5.5 or -5.5
+5.5 is quite a bit and if anything would make it more stable but harder to turn at low speeds like in a parking lot) -5.5 would have you all over the road. Could you have the arms on backwards? They do look like they could mount left or right. Reason I ask is that I just did a complete CPP suspension on my buddy's Chevelle and the arms looked like they needed to be installed one way to get the right positive caster, but then they would have been on backwards. Also, the change in toe would make a difference, but not a low speeds. http://cartreatments.com/negative-an...ster-symptoms/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caster_angle
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"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
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#20 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: brownfield texas (west texas)
Posts: 1,936
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![]() Quote:
__________________
The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS |
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#21 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Quote:
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"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 6,332
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Hee... I was driving my blue truck yesterday for the first time this spring and when I crossed some tracks I heard "Ting... ting... pow!...".
Something fell off! Hope it was a tool or spare clamp I left behind and not an important part...
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1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 3,541
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Re: Wandering steering???🤔🤨
Rob do you have your centerlink on correct? It can be installed backwards and still fit. Never mind I scroll past a lot. Glad you got the issue solved.
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