1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ClassicNut · 07-08-2010, 01:21 PM

We have completed a full body off restoration. The truck has 17 275 60's. 30" tall around 10.5 wide on 8" wide rims. The entire front end has been replaced, including the steering box. Power steering was added from a '75.

The truck won't hold the road. Wanders all over. Sometimes darts. If you turn the steering loose it tracks straight for a little while and then will take off. When we put the small tires back on the front it seems to drive perfectly fine. The alignment is fine although it turns sharper to one side then the other. Any ideas?

Thanks for any help.

Kerry

Jonboy · 07-08-2010, 01:25 PM

The wider heels do have a tendency to grab ruts in the road, and make it pull. As far as the shorter turning on one side, make sure that the center link is on correctly. Mine was upside down and backwards, and my turning radius was horrible. It also would not turn to the left. Flipping that and turning it, and it turns perfectly.

ClassicNut · 07-08-2010, 10:33 PM

Thanks for the information. I have the same size tires on a 2000 truck with none of these types of symptoms. We have been told it is because of the height of the tires compared to the stock which I believe were 28 tall. We will check out the center link.

Hubscrub · 07-08-2010, 11:05 PM

my truck has been doing the same thing since i put it back together my 71 that is and it won't turn to the left near enough and too much to the right

and wanders while driving i will check my center link also, and if i find something else out i will pass along to you

joebuick · 07-08-2010, 11:59 PM

Hey Guys,, I am anxiously waiting to see if somebody comes up with a cure for the road walking problem. My 80 K10 started doing the same after changing steering column and gearbox. We never touched the center link,,,but now i'm thinking maybe the PO did do that??? Hmmmmm

swissarmychainsaw · 01-22-2014, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hubscrub

my truck has been doing the same thing since i put it back together my 71 that is and it won't turn to the left near enough and too much to the right

and wanders while driving i will check my center link also, and if i find something else out i will pass along to you

Don't lean on your own understanding, turn to the list for a little help! :-)

This sounds like a classic symptom of having your pitman arm on at the correct spot.

The other option is that your tie rods are not evenly adjusted.

With your steering wheel centered you should be able to turn 1 3/4 turns in both directions, or at least the same amount.

Wandering is a sign of worn pitman and idler arm. I just replaced mine and it took all that badness away. Bad tires could cause or contribute also.

Hubscrub · 07-09-2010, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicNut

Thanks for the information. I have the same size tires on a 2000 truck with none of these types of symptoms. We have been told it is because of the height of the tires compared to the stock which I believe were 28 tall. We will check out the center link.

any update?, i must tell that i checked my center link today and it was on backwards

and i fixed it and it drives sooo much better and turns great, lessons learned

BruthaMan · 07-09-2010, 11:36 PM

I'll have to check my center link as well.

Since the restoration, I've noticed this very same problem. I called it "floating around the road." It makes for a challenging drive, to say the least. Hit a bump and WHOO, hold on!

I've had alignment done already and we adjusted the steering box, but no change.

Hubscrub · 07-09-2010, 11:40 PM

i agree it was to the point were i didn't enjoy driveing it, i had mine apart so long i forgot how stuff went

i will do better next time i take apart

68GMCCustom · 07-09-2010, 12:06 AM

Sounds like it may need some more caster. Also, are the spindles/wheel bearings properly tightened?

po_bird · 07-09-2010, 09:32 PM

did you have the alignment done with the larger wheels on?

grinch4om · 07-10-2010, 09:48 AM

pictures of before and after?

joebuick · 07-10-2010, 11:21 PM

Hey,,, Now you really got my attention. How can you tell when the center link is on backwards? Joe r

Hubscrub · 07-10-2010, 11:39 PM

it just looks wrong

, on my 71 the tie rods were on the outside in a weird angle, now they are on the back side with the nuts toward the front, just looks right and the holes for them is 90 degree from the ground

Hubscrub · 07-10-2010, 11:43 PM

classic nut, have you figured out your problem?

Lated · 07-11-2010, 12:11 AM

Don't know if the '74s had coil sprung rears, but if yours does you may want to check that your rear is centered. When I lowered my '70 I installed an adjustable panhard bar on the rear. I didn't have the full weight of the truck on the rear tires when I centered it and once I tried to drive it it wandered all over the place. As it turned out, with the full weight on the ground the rear was off center by nearly an inch and a half. Fixed it and the truck drives perfectly straight now.

*nekkidhillbilly* · 01-22-2014, 11:18 AM

ive had cars that are brand new do this cause of just out of round tires worth a check

07-08-2010, 01:21 PM	#1
ClassicNut Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Greensboro NC Posts: 9	1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. We have completed a full body off restoration. The truck has 17 275 60's. 30" tall around 10.5 wide on 8" wide rims. The entire front end has been replaced, including the steering box. Power steering was added from a '75. The truck won't hold the road. Wanders all over. Sometimes darts. If you turn the steering loose it tracks straight for a little while and then will take off. When we put the small tires back on the front it seems to drive perfectly fine. The alignment is fine although it turns sharper to one side then the other. Any ideas? Thanks for any help. Kerry __________________ Kerry 1982 Chevy Corvette 1974 Chevy Stepside 1957 Chevy BelAir 2 Door Hardtop 1993 Cadillac Allante 1971 Dodge Charger R/T

07-08-2010, 01:25 PM	#2
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. The wider heels do have a tendency to grab ruts in the road, and make it pull. As far as the shorter turning on one side, make sure that the center link is on correctly. Mine was upside down and backwards, and my turning radius was horrible. It also would not turn to the left. Flipping that and turning it, and it turns perfectly. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

07-08-2010, 10:33 PM	#3
ClassicNut Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Greensboro NC Posts: 9	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. Thanks for the information. I have the same size tires on a 2000 truck with none of these types of symptoms. We have been told it is because of the height of the tires compared to the stock which I believe were 28 tall. We will check out the center link. __________________ Kerry 1982 Chevy Corvette 1974 Chevy Stepside 1957 Chevy BelAir 2 Door Hardtop 1993 Cadillac Allante 1971 Dodge Charger R/T

07-08-2010, 11:05 PM	#4
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. my truck has been doing the same thing since i put it back together my 71 that is and it won't turn to the left near enough and too much to the right and wanders while driving i will check my center link also, and if i find something else out i will pass along to you __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14 Last edited by Hubscrub; 07-08-2010 at 11:06 PM.

07-08-2010, 11:59 PM	#5
joebuick Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cottonwood,NM Posts: 44	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. Hey Guys,, I am anxiously waiting to see if somebody comes up with a cure for the road walking problem. My 80 K10 started doing the same after changing steering column and gearbox. We never touched the center link,,,but now i'm thinking maybe the PO did do that??? Hmmmmm

07-09-2010, 11:36 PM	#8
BruthaMan US Army Veteran Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,049	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. I'll have to check my center link as well. Since the restoration, I've noticed this very same problem. I called it "floating around the road." It makes for a challenging drive, to say the least. Hit a bump and WHOO, hold on! I've had alignment done already and we adjusted the steering box, but no change. __________________ 1972 C10 Highlander - The making of a daily driver

07-09-2010, 11:40 PM	#9
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. i agree it was to the point were i didn't enjoy driveing it, i had mine apart so long i forgot how stuff went i will do better next time i take apart __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

07-09-2010, 12:06 AM	#10
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. Sounds like it may need some more caster. Also, are the spindles/wheel bearings properly tightened? __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

07-09-2010, 09:32 PM	#11
po_bird Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: MUSKOGEE, OK Posts: 229	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. did you have the alignment done with the larger wheels on? __________________ 72 SIERRA LB 74 C10 SB 85 C10 SB 75 EL CAMINO SS

07-10-2010, 09:48 AM	#12
grinch4om dang its hot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: frankfort kentucky Posts: 1,349	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. pictures of before and after?

07-10-2010, 11:21 PM	#13
joebuick Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cottonwood,NM Posts: 44	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. Hey,,, Now you really got my attention. How can you tell when the center link is on backwards? Joe r

07-10-2010, 11:39 PM	#14
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. it just looks wrong, on my 71 the tie rods were on the outside in a weird angle, now they are on the back side with the nuts toward the front, just looks right and the holes for them is 90 degree from the ground __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14 Last edited by Hubscrub; 07-10-2010 at 11:41 PM.

07-10-2010, 11:43 PM	#15
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. classic nut, have you figured out your problem? __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

07-11-2010, 12:11 AM	#16
Lated Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 255	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. Don't know if the '74s had coil sprung rears, but if yours does you may want to check that your rear is centered. When I lowered my '70 I installed an adjustable panhard bar on the rear. I didn't have the full weight of the truck on the rear tires when I centered it and once I tried to drive it it wandered all over the place. As it turned out, with the full weight on the ground the rear was off center by nearly an inch and a half. Fixed it and the truck drives perfectly straight now. __________________ “If you don’t have time to do it right now, how will you ever find time to fix it.” - author unknown '70 SWB Step-Side (More rust than metal)

01-22-2014, 11:18 AM	#17
nekkidhillbilly Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: hazard, ky Posts: 1,674	Re: 1974 C10 Wanders all over the road. ive had cars that are brand new do this cause of just out of round tires worth a check



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