steering a little sloppy...need help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pcmcobra · 02-07-2007, 06:23 PM

After getting my truck done, I put new a arm bushings up front, new ball joints, and new outer tie rod ends. After getting my truck dropped and aligned, I notice more now than before my steering has a little too much play for me. Tell me where I need to start.
thx

C10-Driver · 02-07-2007, 07:24 PM

How much play do you have in your steering box? I am going through the same thing... Completely rebuilt and installed a 73-87 style front-end for my 70 SWB and my truck still wandered all over the road. Found that I had quite a bit of slop in my steering box which was likely my problem. I can't tell you if it is better or not because my truck is currently going through a frame-off restoration.

*72lb4x4* · 02-07-2007, 07:41 PM

Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the rag joint.

Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the steering shaft and pitman arm.

Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the pitman arm and the tie rod ends, etc.

The above should give you an idea of whether the rag joint is bad, the box is bad, etc.

As C10 asked, how much play is there? For example, a few inches, or almost half a turn of the steering wheel.

pcmcobra · 02-07-2007, 07:57 PM

a few inches.
I will do the "rock" thing, and see what turns up.
thx

boxrodz · 02-08-2007, 01:32 AM

I imagine the bigger wheels extenuates the play in the steering. But, there's a simple fix. Just unbolt the wheels, and put on the stockers. And, just send those wheels my way... J/K

But seriously, 72lb4x4 has some good suggestions. I would just add to check the idler arm as well.

If the steering box does have some play, you can try to slightly tighten the 'Preload Adjuster' (1/8 - 1/4 turn). But, overtightening it will damage the steering box.

Restrorob · 02-08-2007, 07:19 AM

Ditto the gearbox adjustment as boxrodz said, But use CAUTION when starting the truck after adjustment. Keep your hands away from the steering wheel. If the box is adjusted too tight the wheel could spin either direction once fluid pressure is applied breaking fingers and or wrist.

02-07-2007, 06:23 PM	#1
pcmcobra Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 1,684	steering a little sloppy...need help After getting my truck done, I put new a arm bushings up front, new ball joints, and new outer tie rod ends. After getting my truck dropped and aligned, I notice more now than before my steering has a little too much play for me. Tell me where I need to start. thx __________________ 1986 C10 SWB 6.0/6l90e Miami...Flee it like a native Last edited by pcmcobra; 02-07-2007 at 06:32 PM.

02-07-2007, 07:24 PM	#2
C10-Driver Chevy Truck Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC Posts: 1,176	Re: steering a little sloppy...need help How much play do you have in your steering box? I am going through the same thing... Completely rebuilt and installed a 73-87 style front-end for my 70 SWB and my truck still wandered all over the road. Found that I had quite a bit of slop in my steering box which was likely my problem. I can't tell you if it is better or not because my truck is currently going through a frame-off restoration. __________________ . 1970 Chev C/10 SWB, 355 SBC, 700R4, 3.73 Posi, Air Ride (Click to view Build Thread) (SOLD) 1978 Chevy C/10 SWB 1970 Pontiac Lemans .

02-07-2007, 07:41 PM	#3
72lb4x4 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: DFW Posts: 1,427	Re: steering a little sloppy...need help Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the rag joint. Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the steering shaft and pitman arm. Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the pitman arm and the tie rod ends, etc. The above should give you an idea of whether the rag joint is bad, the box is bad, etc. As C10 asked, how much play is there? For example, a few inches, or almost half a turn of the steering wheel.

02-07-2007, 07:57 PM	#4
pcmcobra Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 1,684	Re: steering a little sloppy...need help a few inches. I will do the "rock" thing, and see what turns up. thx __________________ 1986 C10 SWB 6.0/6l90e Miami...Flee it like a native

02-08-2007, 01:32 AM	#5
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	Re: steering a little sloppy...need help I imagine the bigger wheels extenuates the play in the steering. But, there's a simple fix. Just unbolt the wheels, and put on the stockers. And, just send those wheels my way... J/K But seriously, 72lb4x4 has some good suggestions. I would just add to check the idler arm as well. If the steering box does have some play, you can try to slightly tighten the 'Preload Adjuster' (1/8 - 1/4 turn). But, overtightening it will damage the steering box. __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin...

02-08-2007, 07:19 AM	#6
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: steering a little sloppy...need help Ditto the gearbox adjustment as boxrodz said, But use CAUTION when starting the truck after adjustment. Keep your hands away from the steering wheel. If the box is adjusted too tight the wheel could spin either direction once fluid pressure is applied breaking fingers and or wrist. __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*



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