1967 "power steering" problem, pulls to the right

[TDogg490]

I have my 1967 truck long bed 2wd on heated springs

It has power assisted steering which is the big hydraulic ram that does the steering. A few years back the power steering hoses failed, I replaced them and no problems. Now the truck decided to start pulling to the right when I drive...

This truck is not a daily driver, so it happened randomly. When I drive I have to hold the wheel straight (with my finger) otherwise the wheels will start going right.

I'm going to get the alignment checked, but could this be some sort of failure of the pump- or am I freaking out and it's an alignment thing?

Thanks for any help!
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[cdowns]

with heated springs they could b failing and can and will fail completly without warning for total loss

make sure you get waivers from anybody that rides in that truck in case you kill them

[lolife99]

When you get your alignment, they "should" check all the front end components prior to performing the alignment.
Let us know what they say.

[TDogg490]

I'll keep you updated. Hope to get it done this week or next.

The previous owner did the heated springs. I know they're dangerous which is part of the reason it's not a daily driver. I'll have one of those warning signs you see before a roller coaster entrance taped to my glovebox haha
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[N2TRUX]

Have you done a thorough inspection of the suspension? Its possible you have a collapsed or broken coil. Since you are aware of the potential problems of heated springs, have you considered replacing them? Before you spend good money on a proper alignment, I would get those out and go with a set of lowering springs or cut stock coils.

[Boog]

It should go without saying the first thing to do is inspect the tires and inflation pressures. This is no pump failure. The hydraulic rams however were not without their quirks. The last ones on GM cars I worked on had a procedure to center the valve. If off center it put a bit of pressure to one side or another. Without pics it's hard to decscribe the procedure. It can be found in 60s to 70s repair manuals. Even Vettes had this hydraulic ram setup up to around 71.
If it's not driven regularly you simply could have one tire low on air. If it drove good the last time you had it out and now it doesn't, well sounds like a low tire issue to me.

or have you loaned it to anyone since you drove it last?

[70cst]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Have you done a thorough inspection of the suspension? Its possible you have a collapsed or broken coil. Since you are aware of the potential problems of heated springs, have you considered replacing them? Before you spend good money on a proper alignment, I would get those out and go with a set of lowering springs or cut stock coils.

that if you have the $$$ I think it would be a to install a new set of lowering springs. Long term this would be a real plus for your truck

[TDogg490]

I really appreciate all the replys guys this forum rocks!

I have yet to replace the suspension because I'm putting together a kit for my truck to bag it, but MAN it is tough to come up with the right parts for a great stance... I have manual valves, lines, dual compressor and 5-gal tank (thanks way2lo), and I want to do porterbuilt stage 1 front, but couldnt decide to do stage 1 or 2 rear, plus it needs drop spindles, and WHEELS... it really snowballs for me in my head - I just have to grow a pair and go for it I guess haha

I thought it was tire pressure too but I filled it and tested all the tires and they're good... Its probably not a bad idea for me to check for a broken coil, that never really crossed my mind. Its not sagging dramatically but I can see where that could make the problem. The truck is up north from me about an hour I'll take a look at it the next time I'm at it this week.

I have a service manual for it but havent looked at the hydraulic steering part of the manual yet - hope that'll have some 411 on how to recenter it.

[oldspowered67C10]

Before I did anything else I would switch the front tires side to side and see if the pull changes, if so you've got a tire problem.