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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Emporium,Pa
Posts: 248
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Ok probably another dumb question
Ive ran a search already for this info but didnt find what I was looking for. My '71 has a nice little "wander" when I hit 40-50 mph. At lower speeds the steering is as solid as a rock no "wander". Ive already replaced pitman arm, idler arm and driver side tie rods (inner and outer) havent gotten the passenger side done as of yet..........something else on the long to do list. Anyways my question is did my truck come with a stabilizer bar? Or is my alignment just outa wack?
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"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." [Cherokee saying] 2001 Dodge Ram Sport 1500 4x4. (old ride) 1987 GMC V1500 Sierra Classic ("new" ride) |
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#2 |
Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!!
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512
Posts: 10,770
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
Wouldn't be a stablizer bar, that just helps keep the truck from diving in the corners. If it is just wandering and not actualy pulling one way or the other I would tend to think that your tires may be past their prime or possibly running the wrong air pressure. Could also be your steering gear needs the slack adjusted. If it pulls one way or the other it probably is an alignment issue. Have the front end alignment checked. WES
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#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
front end alignment would be one of the first things to check// also checking the rear the panhard bushing and the trailing arm bushings can cause a wander problem
the front stabilizer bar was an option on these trucks
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Emporium,Pa
Posts: 248
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
The panhard/control arm bushings are on my "to do" list. Guess next payday Ill get some new bushings. Would the spring isolaters in the coil springs have anything to do with the wandering? Not exactly used to a truck with basically a three link control arm setup.
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"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." [Cherokee saying] 2001 Dodge Ram Sport 1500 4x4. (old ride) 1987 GMC V1500 Sierra Classic ("new" ride) |
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#5 | |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
Quote:
1:Look for box to frame movement...lose mounting 2:watch the shaft coming out for play...bad bushing 3:Look for play in rag joint...replace 4:Watch all other links for play.Especially the parts you haven`t done yet.That`s something that you`ll want to do either way. Good luck.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Emporium,Pa
Posts: 248
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
Ok bushings on their way (10.99 plus tax and shipping grand total of $17 dollars, about what the price of the dang things from Summit before tax and shipping be here in 3-5 days) The rag joint is lose too but I cant seem to find the damned thing. PO put in a auto column from something, jury rigged the stupid Nuetral saftey switch but I know where I can get a manual truck steering column just cant remember if the dang thing had tilt or not, its out of a 67 or 68 C10 I think it will work but still leaves the problem of finding the rag joint. Any ideas?
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"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." [Cherokee saying] 2001 Dodge Ram Sport 1500 4x4. (old ride) 1987 GMC V1500 Sierra Classic ("new" ride) |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Santa Maria, Ca.
Posts: 1,423
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
My truck did this when I first got it back on the road. I thought it was because it was a short wheel base with large tires. I took it to an alignment shop and they told me the steering box was no good and could not be adjusted. It was a rebuilt box from Kragen took it back and got another box and the problem went away.
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Emporium,Pa
Posts: 248
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
SOmeone mentioned adjusting the steering box...........my friend thats been helping me with the harder work on the truck (suspension, tranny and diff. fluid etc. thank god hes got a jack and a garage lol) told me that adjusting the steering box is a no no. Is he right or not? And how far do I need to adjust things?
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"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." [Cherokee saying] 2001 Dodge Ram Sport 1500 4x4. (old ride) 1987 GMC V1500 Sierra Classic ("new" ride) |
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#9 |
State of Confusion!
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 46,923
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
Some steering boxes can be adjusted. I have not played with the Power steering ones on these truck, but the manual boxes can be adjusted some.
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Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! |
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#10 | |
Bloo
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Barren County Kentucky
Posts: 6,285
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
adjusting the steering box s more of a temporary fix than anything.. it'll get loose again, could be sooner could be later. you have to make sure not to adjust it to tight; you can make it where it physically wont turn.
to me, i would assume your "caster" aspect of alignment is out... caster affects the steering, but not tire wear
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ASE Master Certified-GM Trained-Mechanic 1968 Chevy C30 157" WB Wrecker 1969 Chevy CST/10 SWB 1971 Chevy Custom/10 (first truck) 350, NV3500 5 speed 1971 Chevy K20 Custom Camper 4x4 350 TBI, SM465/NP205 1974 Chevy Custom Deluxe/10 1979 Chevy Custom Deluxe K10 farm truck beater 1989 Chevy K2500 Quote:
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#11 |
laying low
![]() Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,271
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
You first need to determine where the slack is before throwing a bunch of parts at it. You may need to take it to a reliable front end alignment shop and have them give it a thorough lookover. Your sector may not need adjusting or replacing. Sometimes a tow out condition will make them head off one way or the other and is easily adjusted. You can check it yourself with a tape measure. After already replacing some front end parts it needs to be realigned anyway. You will probably be money ahead by having a front end shop look it over first.
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
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#12 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Franklinton NC
Posts: 1,309
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
You can check the steering box by turning the shaft going into it and watching the pitman arm to see how much play there is before it moves.There should barely any play.Another thing jack up the front end as close to the wheel as possible and shake it top and bottom to check to check the ball joints and upper control arm bushings.Then jack it up by the frame and try to move the wheel ft to back to see if there is any play in the lower control arm(it should not move).Then check your trailing arms and panhard bar.Hope this helps.
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#13 |
DON'T TREAD ON ME
![]() Join Date: May 2005
Location: Crosby County, TX
Posts: 989
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
If you haven't rotated your tires, I'd recommend that. Usually a tire rotation is needed if it always pulls the same direction.
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Old Yeller |
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#14 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
Adjusting a steering box is not a no-no.That`s why there`s a provision to adjust it.Don`t just turn it in a bit then jump in for a drive.You need to carefully check it for binding.If it`s to tight it won`t turn,as Blue_71 said.That will be obvious.But,loose enough to turn but tight enough to bind in one spot is the problem.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#15 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,881
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
I remember when I had some work done on my K10 when I got it back from the shop just driving around town was fine. When I got it up to higher speeds it was wandering all over. They hadnt tightened the steering box down tightly to the frame.
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#16 | |
Hand Crafted C-10
![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Burien, WA
Posts: 5,180
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
Quote:
Though, maybe it is your steering box. It just seems month ago but my 10 YO steering box is now going bad...whoda figured. Last edited by ETsC10; 09-21-2008 at 10:28 PM. Reason: added |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Emporium,Pa
Posts: 248
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Re: Ok probably another dumb question
Ill take it down to the alignment shop sometime this week............as for throwing parts at it.......eventually these parts will need to be replaced anyways (better late than never I reckon) but I will check the mounting bolts on the box and torque them down if neccessary. Thanks yall
__________________
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." [Cherokee saying] 2001 Dodge Ram Sport 1500 4x4. (old ride) 1987 GMC V1500 Sierra Classic ("new" ride) |
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