Where to start with over-steer?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ubtripn · 09-18-2012, 11:03 AM

Hi Folks,

I just replaced the shocks, tie-rod ends, idler arm, installed power-steering and put new, stock sized tires and rims on my 68 with an alignment and I still have a squirrly, over-steer problem.

Should I install a sway bar?

Could it be that I have the power-steering with the faster ratio (for lack of knowing the right term.)

I just don't know where to begin. She drives straight and I installed new upper and lower ball joints so I don't know what to do.

Thx for any advice.

CC69Rat · 09-18-2012, 11:31 AM

So it feels like a dump truck when you turn? The truck wants to go straight and the wheels want to turn?

ubtripn · 09-18-2012, 11:35 AM

Yeah, kind of, it leans heavily and just moving the steering wheel a couple of inches gets way too much response.

**mr48chev** · 09-18-2012, 11:42 AM

What did they set the caster at? Years ago when I did front end work and alignments for a living I found that not enough caster on some vehicles caused a condition similar to what you are experiencing and although the vehicle drove great at slow speeds it was twitchy and too sensitive to the slightest touch on the steering wheel.
If it takes off on it's own when the road surface changes you might still have something loose in the front end or steering.

**Boog** · 09-18-2012, 11:57 AM

This condition is common when going from non power steering to power steering. It takes some getting used to. I remember many years ago I put a power steering setup on a friends 1 ton ramp truck. He said on a couple of turns he nearly ran up on the curbside. He was so used to having to put so much effort into the old setup it took some getting used to the new one requiring less effort. Also the gear ratio in the standard and power sectors do differ some.
Now if it's a matter of the truck leaning too much on turns a sway bar will most definately help that. Just a front one is very noticeable.

ubtripn · 09-18-2012, 12:05 PM

Thanks friends, I will check the castor and get on installing a sway bar asap. Thanks again.

**lolife99** · 09-18-2012, 12:09 PM

Post up some pics of your tie rod assembly.

ubtripn · 09-18-2012, 12:44 PM

Ok, will do, it will be a little while. Thanks for the help =)

airdale94 · 09-18-2012, 12:56 PM

Did you get a printout of the actual adjusted readings? If so what are they?

CC69Rat · 09-18-2012, 02:01 PM

Is it worse turning one direction vs another? Radial tires I guess or when you say 'stock' are you rrferring to bias ply?..

Does the truck sit level side to side? If something is wrong or possibly loose it could be dangerous to drive (?) It may not be to that extreme.. but, just thinking out loud.
Posted via Mobile Device

09-18-2012, 11:03 AM	#1
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Where to start with over-steer?? Hi Folks, I just replaced the shocks, tie-rod ends, idler arm, installed power-steering and put new, stock sized tires and rims on my 68 with an alignment and I still have a squirrly, over-steer problem. Should I install a sway bar? Could it be that I have the power-steering with the faster ratio (for lack of knowing the right term.) I just don't know where to begin. She drives straight and I installed new upper and lower ball joints so I don't know what to do. Thx for any advice.

09-18-2012, 11:31 AM	#2
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Where to start with over-steer?? So it feels like a dump truck when you turn? The truck wants to go straight and the wheels want to turn? __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

09-18-2012, 11:35 AM	#3
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: Where to start with over-steer?? Yeah, kind of, it leans heavily and just moving the steering wheel a couple of inches gets way too much response.

09-18-2012, 11:42 AM	#4
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,705	Re: Where to start with over-steer?? What did they set the caster at? Years ago when I did front end work and alignments for a living I found that not enough caster on some vehicles caused a condition similar to what you are experiencing and although the vehicle drove great at slow speeds it was twitchy and too sensitive to the slightest touch on the steering wheel. If it takes off on it's own when the road surface changes you might still have something loose in the front end or steering.

09-18-2012, 11:57 AM	#5
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,514	Re: Where to start with over-steer?? This condition is common when going from non power steering to power steering. It takes some getting used to. I remember many years ago I put a power steering setup on a friends 1 ton ramp truck. He said on a couple of turns he nearly ran up on the curbside. He was so used to having to put so much effort into the old setup it took some getting used to the new one requiring less effort. Also the gear ratio in the standard and power sectors do differ some. Now if it's a matter of the truck leaning too much on turns a sway bar will most definately help that. Just a front one is very noticeable. __________________ 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 Last edited by Boog; 09-18-2012 at 12:24 PM.

09-18-2012, 12:05 PM	#6
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: Where to start with over-steer?? Thanks friends, I will check the castor and get on installing a sway bar asap. Thanks again.

09-18-2012, 12:09 PM	#7
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Where to start with over-steer?? Post up some pics of your tie rod assembly. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

09-18-2012, 12:44 PM	#8
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: Where to start with over-steer?? Ok, will do, it will be a little while. Thanks for the help =)

09-18-2012, 12:56 PM	#9
airdale94 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Topeka,KS Posts: 778	Re: Where to start with over-steer?? Did you get a printout of the actual adjusted readings? If so what are they? __________________ 68' C20. 283CI w/55CC 305HO heads, NP435 Close Ratio, Corp. 14 bolt FF 3.21, 75' front end swap (everything but the X-member).

09-18-2012, 02:01 PM	#10
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Where to start with over-steer?? Is it worse turning one direction vs another? Radial tires I guess or when you say 'stock' are you rrferring to bias ply?.. Does the truck sit level side to side? If something is wrong or possibly loose it could be dangerous to drive (?) It may not be to that extreme.. but, just thinking out loud. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)



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