Steering question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TWOKEELYA · 06-23-2005, 12:01 PM

Hey Everyone,

My steering darts left and right at speeds over 25, I wouldn't call it wandering, my old truck use to do similar, but it was slower movement. This is a quick movement. Where do I start, steering box? rack? any good test for either?

Specifics: 68 lifted C10 W/33 inch tires, good tread, power steering, retrofitted leaf springs.

Thanks

Richard

blazerparts · 06-23-2005, 05:25 PM

I'm thinking ball joints..........any play when you wiggle tire/rim when off ground?

krue · 06-23-2005, 05:28 PM

Don't forget to check tie rod ends.

**'70_402** · 06-23-2005, 05:28 PM

You need a steering stabilizer that mounts to your front axle. lifted trucks with big tires have a problem with this and that stabilizer will solve it.

ckhd · 06-23-2005, 05:49 PM

All good suggestions. If it's the original '68 dana 44 front axle, then it has bearings and not ball joints or king pins.

Anyway, the bearings in the steering knuckles, wheel bearings, tie-rod ends, drag link ends, & leaf spring bushings can all do what you described. A good plan is to jack it up and shake the heck out of the wheel and see if you can find anything. Another trick I've used is to put it on the ground and have someone push the front-end back and forth (side-to side) while I was crawling around looking at stuff.

Personally, I would look at the steering box last (exept to make sure the steering arm is tight).

TWOKEELYA · 06-23-2005, 06:47 PM

Thanks for the bad news, it does have a steering stablizer, the truck was mostly restored but never maintained after the restore, and things like bjoints and trod ends are suspect just for that reason. Heck, the headers didn't have any header gaskets on them and they were missing several bolts as well.

Thanks

06-23-2005, 12:01 PM	#1
TWOKEELYA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Santa Cruz, California Posts: 54	Steering question Hey Everyone, My steering darts left and right at speeds over 25, I wouldn't call it wandering, my old truck use to do similar, but it was slower movement. This is a quick movement. Where do I start, steering box? rack? any good test for either? Specifics: 68 lifted C10 W/33 inch tires, good tread, power steering, retrofitted leaf springs. Thanks Richard __________________ Not all who wander are lost

06-23-2005, 05:25 PM	#2
blazerparts No,I DON'T have Tourett's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 556	I'm thinking ball joints..........any play when you wiggle tire/rim when off ground? __________________ '72 K5 CST 350/350 Daily Driver '69 GMC3500 Camper Special CST Flatbed 396/400 Upgraded to show truck '69 GMC 2500 L6292, 3spd beater

06-23-2005, 05:28 PM	#3
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Don't forget to check tie rod ends. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

06-23-2005, 05:28 PM	#4
'70_402 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Pampa, Texas Posts: 1,554	You need a steering stabilizer that mounts to your front axle. lifted trucks with big tires have a problem with this and that stabilizer will solve it. __________________ https://www.ebay.com/itm/295742064443

06-23-2005, 05:49 PM	#5
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	All good suggestions. If it's the original '68 dana 44 front axle, then it has bearings and not ball joints or king pins. Anyway, the bearings in the steering knuckles, wheel bearings, tie-rod ends, drag link ends, & leaf spring bushings can all do what you described. A good plan is to jack it up and shake the heck out of the wheel and see if you can find anything. Another trick I've used is to put it on the ground and have someone push the front-end back and forth (side-to side) while I was crawling around looking at stuff. Personally, I would look at the steering box last (exept to make sure the steering arm is tight). __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

06-23-2005, 06:47 PM	#6
TWOKEELYA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Santa Cruz, California Posts: 54	Thanks for the bad news, it does have a steering stablizer, the truck was mostly restored but never maintained after the restore, and things like bjoints and trod ends are suspect just for that reason. Heck, the headers didn't have any header gaskets on them and they were missing several bolts as well. Thanks __________________ Not all who wander are lost



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