How's Your Steering Ratio?

[adpostel]

I have noticed that my truck turns alot tighter to the left than to the right. The other day I was going around the block, and I almost couldn't even turn right out onto the street without hitting the curb across the street. I almost had to back up and straighten her out. I know the PO replaced most of the front end from an 84-86ish truck. Is this normal, or is something not right here? Shouldn't it turn equal amounts both ways?

[CCCC]

Originally Posted by adpostel

. . .my truck turns alot tighter to the left than to the right. The other day I was going around the block, and I almost couldn't even turn right out onto the street . . .

Your instincts are good - I'll bet on on "abnormal".

First, look for interference on one side of steering link/arm or near wheel - let's hope it is obvious. If not that, you could have a failure on a part of the worm gear/drive in the box.

Is this truck new to you? While not very likely, someone may have re-installed the steering box with the gear action not centered. I have never seen that and am not certain what would happen, but might give the effect you are experiencing.
Best wishes,
CCCC

[skidder111]

If it is a 4x4 and has an aftermarket steering stabilizer (the bolt-on type) it may not be centered properly on the tie rod.

[Sammy]

I had a stock 71 power gear box fail. I had never heard any of them fail and act this way. Mine a failed all at once making a slow speed L/H turn. It locked up completely, then would only go straight ahead or to the right. Suspected worm gear failure. So they do wear out internally even with out leakage or warning ahead of time.

[Jebb1978]

It may be the front end parts they used. My Dad drives an 84 K10 and it has the same issue only on that side. Weird, my truck turns tight on both sides and it's much older.....

[truckster]

Originally Posted by Sammy

I had a stock 71 power gear box fail. I had never heard any of them fail and act this way. Mine a failed all at once making a slow speed L/H turn. It locked up completely, then would only go straight ahead or to the right. Suspected worm gear failure. So they do wear out internally even with out leakage or warning ahead of time.

I had a used NASCAR that would only turn left. Weird.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

More then likely the tie rod sleeves are out of adjustment. Point the wheels straight ahead & look under the front of the truck. The pitman arm & idler arm should point straight back. The inner tie rods ends should be in the same relative position to the frame channels. If they are off you need to adjust the sleevs to get them even & set the toe-in.

[adpostel]

No, the truck isn't new to me, although it has been undergoing a build for the past couple of years. I used to drive it everyday, and I did remember it being odd then, but I never thought to actually look under the hood to see if anything was abnormal. I guess I'll be checking it all out now. I just got my insurance and registration, working on getting it to the inspection shop. I'm ready to drive this thing and have some fun.....