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#1 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Hampstead, NC
Posts: 8,187
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Steering wander problem, opinions needed
My 72 C20 has a steering wander issue that is really annoying.
I need to turn the wheel slightly to the right then slightly to the left, then repeat process in order to go straight down the road. I checked the steering linkage and everything seems tight, replaced the idler arm and sway bar bushings. I also tried tighting the steering box but that seemed to make the problem worse. Right now I'm thinking the box is worn but would appreciate any opinions, suggestions, or ideas to try before I replace the steering box. Thanks. Scott |
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#2 |
Questionable
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 13,376
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Sounds like your box is worn out. Mine's in the same shape. Hope to upgrade to power soon.
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If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. |
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#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: LAX area, So Cal
Posts: 499
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Have you had the front end aligned? Insufficient caster can cause wandering and instability. Also, a decent alignment tech will be able to diagnose any problems in the steering system.
__________________
1972 Suburban C20 454/TH700R4, eaton-corporate 4.10 (looking for 3.7) Sold: 71 Cheyenne 20 Installed a 99 5.7L L31/4L60E from Suburban 1500 (2005) |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 8,855
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does the steering wheel flop from side to side a bit when you ftap it? If so then your steering box is toast. They can be adjusted but I'm not exactly sure how
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My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795 |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,534
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Like said before get a front end alignment. It could be the "toe-in" isn't correct, worn tires and shocks can cause some weird s*&t too. Are you able to get much free-play left and right in the steering linkage? Your steering box may be fine if you have little or no play from steering wheel to the front wheels.
__________________
'72 GMC SWB C1500 Custom, frame-off in progress. 383 SBC, 9:1CR, Comp Cams XE262H, Scat internal balanced crank, Eagle SIR 6" rods, Keith Black dish pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 72/180 heads, Weiand Stealth intake, Stewart stage I water pump, Holley 4bbl vac sec, TH350 with B&M Shift Improver Kit. 12 bolt positraction. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#6 | |
Msgt USAF Ret
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Posts: 8,714
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loose steering
Quote:
VetteVet
__________________
VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Northwest NJ
Posts: 746
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Sounds like it could be a frozen ball joint. Chris
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#8 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Hampstead, NC
Posts: 8,187
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Thanks to everyone, will have to look into a few things.
Hey Chris, just talking about u tonight - please pm me so we can square up on what I owe you! |
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#9 |
Still drivin' a Rat Rod
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Monett Missouri
Posts: 4,925
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While you're checking don't forget that ever expensive pitman arm.It is expensive,and most of the time doesn't get replaced.
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Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the *a$#* 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website |
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#10 |
Chinook Arch
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: High River, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 218
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I just did a pitman and idler in mine, and the steering was very imprecise before, and tight and new-feeling after. I spent the extra bucks on Spicer parts, which may just outlast the rest of the truck.
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1972 GMC 1500 Custom - Bought used by Grandpa in '74, currently back on the road after a long hiatus. Elsie's truck 2.5" dual exhaust with Hooker Aero Chambers Holley 670 Street Avenger Edelbrock Performer RPM on GMPP 290HP 350 ECE drop 3.5/5 |
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