Steering issue - 70 GMC 3500 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CCCC · 09-14-2012, 08:12 PM

Bought the truck with about 150k miles on the chassis/susp. On the 500+ mile highway run home the steering performance was solid with very little "play" or "wander". But, now on rougher roads, with ruts, etc., the steering wheel tosses back and forth in rutted/rough places.

Inspection shows no troublesome wear/play. So:

1. Might this be a common issue with one ton trucks of this vintage and can it be corrected with a pneumatic "damper" (shock absorber?) on the steering cross link. A 69 K20 here with big tires had such a damper already installed when I bought it and it gives no such "tossing" effects.

2. Might this particular issue be centered in the steering gear box and can anyone tell me the best way to check for undue wear/play in that component?

3. Other thoughts?

A similar inquiry got no replies on the "Suspension" forum. All helpful info will be appreciated.

09-14-2012, 08:12 PM	#1
CCCC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Pedro River, SE Arizona Posts: 734	Steering issue - 70 GMC 3500 Bought the truck with about 150k miles on the chassis/susp. On the 500+ mile highway run home the steering performance was solid with very little "play" or "wander". But, now on rougher roads, with ruts, etc., the steering wheel tosses back and forth in rutted/rough places. Inspection shows no troublesome wear/play. So: 1. Might this be a common issue with one ton trucks of this vintage and can it be corrected with a pneumatic "damper" (shock absorber?) on the steering cross link. A 69 K20 here with big tires had such a damper already installed when I bought it and it gives no such "tossing" effects. 2. Might this particular issue be centered in the steering gear box and can anyone tell me the best way to check for undue wear/play in that component? 3. Other thoughts? A similar inquiry got no replies on the "Suspension" forum. All helpful info will be appreciated. __________________ CCCC 67 Sting Ray Coupe 327 4sp; 68 K10 Suburban 327 4sp; 69 K20 Lifted 383 4sp; 69 C80 Fire Truck 478 V6 5sp/2sp; 69 C20 Longhorn 327 4sp; 70 C30 Wrecker 350 4sp; 70 C30 Flat Bed 350 4sp; 71 C20 LWB 350 4sp; 72 K5 Blazer 350 4sp; 72 C30 Flat Bed Gooseneck Hauler with sleeper 350/TH400; 72 C20 Longhorn 402 4sp; 52 Mack LTL Supercharged Cummins 5sp x 3sp; 01 Dodge 5.9 HO Cummins 6spd; 02 Safari Trek 2430 8.1 Vortec on Workhorse Chassis; 03 Silverado 2500 HD 4wd Duramax/Allison Moved but still in the family 70 C20 Custom Camper 350/TH350; 72 K5 Blazer CST Highlander 350/TH350 Recently sent to new homes 72 C30 MoHome 402 4sp; 72 K5 Blazer Conv 350 4sp; 75 GMC 6000 Aerial 350 w Allison; 72 GMC 3500 Utility 350 4sp; 70 GMC 3500, 350 4sp



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