72 K5 steering help

[Leswig]

hello

Seeking some help with the steering on my 72 k5 4x4
I am having troubles tightening the steering on my blazer. I have replaced all tie rod ends, drag links, ball joints and gear box.
any help would be greatly appreciated.
thank you
Les

[Mike C]

I would start by making sure the steering box is bolted down tightly. Next I'd make sure your wheel bearings are adjusted correctly and the axle u-bolts are tight. Then go get an alignment.

[swyfor5]

Have you changed/upgraded your front upper leaf spring bushings? The upper bushings on the top of the rear end of the front leaf springs that go through the frame. Mine were shot, and I upgraded to ORD's FUSH setup, and I love it! Many times lift kits are added and these are overlooked. Check out ORD's FUSH kits.

[Leswig]

Mike,

I have done all that, which is why I was asking for help...kind of stumped at the moment ... If you have any other suggestions, I would be more than happy to entertain them and try them out.

[Leswig]

swyfor5,

I have not upgraded or changed those...Will check into those and perhaps upgrade that soon. thank you

[pound41]

Have you replaced the universal joints.

[Leswig]

pound41

yes I have, every single one of the dam things...lol

[BLAZERMAN]

It sounds like you've gone thru it pretty good, I would get under the front end and have someone cycle the steering back and forth....look for slop or things that shouldn't be moving, that steering box can look solid till you cycle the wheels on the ground , any stress cracks in the frame should show up then. Same thing for axle u bolts...I've seen the locating pins on leaf springs break and allow the axle to move. Some of these things can feel pretty solid while the front is off the ground but show up under pressure.

What exactly is your a blazer doing? Sometimes tires can cause some ill handling so don't overlook them as well.

[Ol Blue K20]

Also don't overlook the rag joint it can look good but be weak under pressure.

[wannabefastcrf]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Also don't overlook the rag joint it can look good but be weak under pressure.

this would be one of the first things I would check. The rag joints can "stretch" over time. I do a lot of demo derbies and these things all get ripped out to prevent them from tearing in two if they are old.

[Leswig]

blazerman,

There is a lot of play and slop while steering. Not so much traveling left or right, just the steering slop..and just a smidgeon when I let off the gas (after hot rodding it)

[Leswig]

newbie restore moment here....what is a rag joint? Laugh if you must...lol....but this is my first restore by myself (help when needed of course)

[jjzepplin]

It is a round piece that looks as if it were made from a sidewall of a tire that goes between the steering box and the steering shaft.
I found that alot of my "slop" was in my bias ply Cepek tires. Traded them out for some radial 10ply sidewall Swampers and voila! ON RAILS.
Also put some aluminum wheels on and it got even better. Wheels were flexing at the hub it seems.

[JJH Jimmy]

My guess would be that your steering box is shot. Also you may want to check the alignment (toe in, toe out). You can check the alignment your self with a couple straight edges across the rotors and a tape measure. You want the front wheels to be slightly toed in 1/16" to 1/8".