Driving straight is harder then it looks, problem.

[ChadGiles70]

I finally hooked up my transmission and took the blazer out for the first time since i've bought it. The problem is that I cant keep it straight. I dont think its an alignment problem because it pulls both ways. I will be driving and it pulls me right then when I correct it then it wants to pull me to the left. Has anyone had this problem before and how did you fix it?

[sdailey]

Is it stock height or is it lifted? From your description, it sounds like bump steer.

[Baketown Scotty]

I had that happen to me driving across the country in a 1964 Ford pickup (2 wheel drive). The king pins were bad.

[ChadGiles70]

its a 4x4 with a 4 inch lift. Just to let you know I am only going 10 mph to test everything out and thats when the this is happening. It will go straight then pull to one side and I can get it to go straight again and it pulls to the same side or the other.

[SeventyOne]

Could be a lot of things:

Balljoints (are they original?)
Tierods (same)
Bumpsteer (do you have a drop pitman, or a raised arm on the knuckle?)
Tires (Bias or radial?)

[litebulblsc]

Could be alignment still. If the toe is out of spec, it could pull it either way. Also like others said, it could be worn joints.

[Jwill41]

happened to me on a 63 impala with broken panhard bar I think its called. I mean the bar that keeps the rear end aligned whencoil springs are used.

[2fast55]

I agree that it is likely an alignment issue. If your toe setting is all out of sorts, then the truck will drive itself all over the road no matter what you do with the steering wheel. Bad joints somewhere in the steering or suspension could also cause it, but I would measure toe in/out before you spend a bunch of money.

[Shock_Me]

For me, I had a tie-rod end which was basically seized. Replaced it and greatly improved the handling.

[SeventyOne]

Shouldn't an alignment shop be able to tell you if your joints need replacing while they straighten out the toe?

[litebulblsc]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

Shouldn't an alignment shop be able to tell you if your joints need replacing while they straighten out the toe?

A quality alignment shop will tell you if there are worn parts. They usually will not do an alignment if there is something that will make it not stay in specs. They would be held responsible if something happened.

[SeventyOne]

Originally Posted by litebulblsc

A quality alignment shop will tell you if there are worn parts. They usually will not do an alignment if there is something that will make it not stay in specs. They would be held responsible if something happened.

What I figured - take it down and see what they say.

[pumpkin]

sounds like it is toeing out too much.

[ChadGiles70]

I appreciate all the help guys. I will work on it and let you know what I found.

[ChadGiles70]

I just got an alignment and it still is going all over the place. They said that they test drove it before the gave it back to me but still is doing it. I had to trailer it because its not registered. I greased up the tie rods and ball joints and still the same. It seems when it starts one way I turn the wheel and sometimes it doesnt turn right a way. any other thoughts?

[old man jimmy]

whenever mine has gotten the road wander blues. It's always been the drag link. And you can replace them without effecting your alignment.

[travis.vaughan]

when they did the alignment did they put it on the machine and then order parts and then put it back on the machine to check again after installing the parts? and how much was the charge for alignment.

[travis.vaughan]

do you want thoughts or facts. the alignment shop that does cheap work does not know about the leaf spring stop on the driver side behind the shackle. i didnt either until my dad saw it. i was having the same problem. respond back and ill send pictures to show you the part. you have to have it!

[Gary 70 Jimmy]

Originally Posted by travis.vaughan

do you want thoughts or facts. the alignment shop that does cheap work does not know about the leaf spring stop on the driver side behind the shackle. i didnt either until my dad saw it. i was having the same problem. respond back and ill send pictures to show you the part. you have to have it!

I would like to see your pictures.

[travis.vaughan]

iv'e posted new replies if you didn't see them. pictures tommorow around lunch.

[Gary 70 Jimmy]

Originally Posted by ChadGiles70

I finally hooked up my transmission and took the blazer out for the first time since i've bought it. The problem is that I cant keep it straight. I dont think its an alignment problem because it pulls both ways. I will be driving and it pulls me right then when I correct it then it wants to pull me to the left. Has anyone had this problem before and how did you fix it?

I have a 69 blazer that does the same thing I dont drive it yet so I never found out what it was would be nice to no.

[ChadGiles70]

Some options that I am looking at is that the gear box is to tight or to loose. The Ball joints can be to tight as well so it didnt show up on the alignment. I paid $40 for the alignment. I would like to see some pictures of the shackle to see if thats the problem. ALso someone wrote that it could be the Drag link. I want to know exactly how they thing thats the problem. Please respond.

[travis.vaughan]

an alignment for four wheel drive is going to cost alot more than that. they have to set it up on the machine take measurements take it back down order alignment parts then put back on the machine install the parts which labor charges apply. it should be more like 150.00 or more. i will take pictures soon.

[travis.vaughan]

also if the drag link is bent you can not adjust toe accurately. toe does not affect steering it only affects tire wear and if toe is bad enough to affect steering you would see the tire aiming out or in.

[old man jimmy]

Originally Posted by ChadGiles70

Some options that I am looking at is that the gear box is to tight or to loose. The Ball joints can be to tight as well so it didnt show up on the alignment. I paid $40 for the alignment. I would like to see some pictures of the shackle to see if thats the problem. ALso someone wrote that it could be the Drag link. I want to know exactly how they thing thats the problem. Please respond.

Without checking it out in person, all any of us can do is guess, and give you ideas to check out. I'm guessing drag link because I have had to replace it 3 times on mine over the years, and it's the only front end trouble I've ever had with mine. And yes I do keep them well greased. When new they came with a one piece link, but all I've ever been able to find are two piece with a turnbuckle in the middle. But I guess it's just as good. I think the last set ran about $80.00. Good luck, and hope you find the problem.