What is it?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Livrat · 01-19-2011, 12:44 PM

I have a customers Cheyenne 4X4 in the shop and after pulling the front clip I discovered these springs.. I have a theory of what they do but have never seen any before and do not know exactly what they are for.. They are attached to the steering knuckle and center link..
Any ideas??

vectorit · 01-19-2011, 01:13 PM

Home made steering dampeners?
I've never seen something like those, on anything..

**John Fabris** · 01-19-2011, 01:14 PM

my guess is an attempt to help keep steering center, or attempt to reduce bump steer.

**special-K** · 01-19-2011, 01:19 PM

I've never seen that before,either. It would do basically nothing other than keep a load on the tie rod end. A tie rod end that is not worn out wouldn't need it. Pretty goofy if you ask me.

chas350 · 01-19-2011, 01:37 PM

Like posted above^^ I think it would help the steering wheel stay centered and drive straiter on the road, as the spring would increase tension as the wheel is turned....but the other side would get slack possibly, gotta look at the pis again lol

treveiger · 01-19-2011, 03:45 PM

Never seen that before but i think the guys above are right, thats what it looks like to me.
Posted via Mobile Device

Longhorn Man · 01-19-2011, 06:06 PM

they'd hardly do anything at all. The anchor moves with the spindle.

BLAZERMAN · 01-19-2011, 06:14 PM

Old school steering stabilizer sold by HE I believe back in the early 70s. Im with Special-K as far as just preloading a worn out tire rod end..its surprising what some guys will do instead of fixing something right.

BLAZERMAN · 01-19-2011, 07:05 PM

Here it is.

danleaman · 01-19-2011, 07:13 PM

They used to put something like that on semi trucks back in the day to help stabilize the front end in case of a front tire blow out, back in the day.

BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 · 01-19-2011, 07:23 PM

Old school aftermarket steering stabilizers.

The way they are attached they will NOT stretch when the wheel is turned, it's hooked to the knuckle and tie rod which both move together. But it will (in theory) lol, absorb some of the vibration, if you had worn tie rod ends.

**special-K** · 01-19-2011, 08:20 PM

WOW! Gates Commandos!! That's cool to see the old Hickey stuff.

treveiger · 01-19-2011, 10:35 PM

Thats pretty cool i have to admit

msgross · 01-19-2011, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

they'd hardly do anything at all. The anchor moves with the spindle.

With the difference in pivot points they would slightly flex... what is the parts magazine? Looks like something in an old school JC Whitney catalog...

Livrat · 01-19-2011, 11:04 PM

Thanks for all the repsonses!!
My theory (although wrong) was to help return the steering to center with large tires..
Look like Blazerman has the answer.. too cool!!

Guess they go right along with the vintage Hicky sidewinder winch thats nestled between the frame horns...

**too much stuff** · 01-19-2011, 11:13 PM

Too cool. First i have seen those.
Rob, what book is that you have pictured?

BlazinC5 · 01-19-2011, 11:16 PM

Well, At least they didn't cost that much...

Back then.

BLAZERMAN · 01-19-2011, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by too much stuff

Too cool. First i have seen those.
Rob, what book is that you have pictured?

Thats a 1973 Hickey catalog...I thought about copying the whole thing for you guys but the prices would bring a tear to your eye!

BLAZERMAN · 01-19-2011, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

WOW! Gates Commandos!! That's cool to see the old Hickey stuff.

I figured if anyone would know those tires it would be you!!

Duncan and son · 01-20-2011, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I've never seen that before,either. It would do basically nothing other than keep a load on the tie rod end. A tie rod end that is not worn out wouldn't need it. Pretty goofy if you ask me.

Hey Tim dont' sugar coat it, just tell it like it is... LOL
As usual .. good to hear from you Paul

**special-K** · 01-20-2011, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duncan and son

Hey Tim dont' sugar coat it, just tell it like it is... LOL
As usual .. good to hear from you Paul

LOL...Yeah,I guess sometimes I come on strong. I thought Hickey made good stuff and wouldn't want to insult an early innovator in off road aftermarket. I guess you gotta try to win or fail and they were tryin'. What ever happened to axle trusses? Did axle housings stop breaking or did everybody just stop jumping their rigs? I know environmentalists put a halt to tree climbing trucks with Sidewinder winches.

Hickey made some cool stuff. I wanted to find their roof rack for my Blazer I had. One of the coolest things was a drop hood for visibilty when climbing.

Hey Rob,don't forget Armstrong Rhinos.

01-19-2011, 12:44 PM	#1
Livrat Member #1049 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Troy Montana Posts: 3,940	What is it?? I have a customers Cheyenne 4X4 in the shop and after pulling the front clip I discovered these springs.. I have a theory of what they do but have never seen any before and do not know exactly what they are for.. They are attached to the steering knuckle and center link.. Any ideas?? Attached Images

01-19-2011, 01:13 PM	#2
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: What is it?? Home made steering dampeners? I've never seen something like those, on anything.. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

01-19-2011, 01:14 PM	#3
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	Re: What is it?? my guess is an attempt to help keep steering center, or attempt to reduce bump steer. __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB

01-19-2011, 01:19 PM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: What is it?? I've never seen that before,either. It would do basically nothing other than keep a load on the tie rod end. A tie rod end that is not worn out wouldn't need it. Pretty goofy if you ask me. __________________ "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 ~

01-19-2011, 01:37 PM	#5
chas350 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 581	Re: What is it?? Like posted above^^ I think it would help the steering wheel stay centered and drive straiter on the road, as the spring would increase tension as the wheel is turned....but the other side would get slack possibly, gotta look at the pis again lol __________________ "I'll Procrastinate Tomorrow" quote by LEEVON 71 K10 long fleet (sons truck) new 370hp 355, sm465 np205, 3.73's 33's 70 K20 long fleet 98 G3500 work van

01-19-2011, 03:45 PM	#6
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: What is it?? Never seen that before but i think the guys above are right, thats what it looks like to me. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

01-19-2011, 06:06 PM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: What is it?? they'd hardly do anything at all. The anchor moves with the spindle.

01-19-2011, 06:14 PM	#8
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,826	Re: What is it?? Old school steering stabilizer sold by HE I believe back in the early 70s. Im with Special-K as far as just preloading a worn out tire rod end..its surprising what some guys will do instead of fixing something right. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

01-19-2011, 07:05 PM	#9
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,826	Re: What is it?? Here it is. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

01-19-2011, 07:13 PM	#10
danleaman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 43	Re: What is it?? They used to put something like that on semi trucks back in the day to help stabilize the front end in case of a front tire blow out, back in the day.

01-19-2011, 07:23 PM	#11
BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 Firefighter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Yellville, Ar, USA Posts: 1,943	Re: What is it?? Old school aftermarket steering stabilizers. The way they are attached they will NOT stretch when the wheel is turned, it's hooked to the knuckle and tie rod which both move together. But it will (in theory) lol, absorb some of the vibration, if you had worn tie rod ends. __________________ '72 Chevy SWB 350 Auto '67 GMC LWB 350 4 speed '70 Chevy 4x4 Stepside 350 Auto Yellville, Ar. USA

01-19-2011, 08:20 PM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: What is it?? WOW! Gates Commandos!! That's cool to see the old Hickey stuff. __________________ "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 ~

01-19-2011, 10:35 PM	#13
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: What is it?? Thats pretty cool i have to admit __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

01-19-2011, 11:04 PM	#15
Livrat Member #1049 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Troy Montana Posts: 3,940	Re: What is it?? Thanks for all the repsonses!! My theory (although wrong) was to help return the steering to center with large tires.. Look like Blazerman has the answer.. too cool!! Guess they go right along with the vintage Hicky sidewinder winch thats nestled between the frame horns...

01-19-2011, 11:13 PM	#16
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,717	Re: What is it?? Too cool. First i have seen those. Rob, what book is that you have pictured? __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto



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01-19-2011, 11:16 PM	#17
BlazinC5 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cheney Washinton Posts: 378	Re: What is it?? Well, At least they didn't cost that much... Back then. __________________ 71 2wd Blazer My build, Restarted 05 Buell firebolt 94 1500 Z71 No rice for me,,, I'm full

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