my k5 is "crab walking" does anybody else have this problem?

[AlBsure]

I know that the front axle is wider but my truck seems to crab walk. And I makes the driver side tire spear to stick out more then it should. Any opinions??

[Senorx]

I always thought this meant the frame was bent. Subscribed for an explanation from the PROS.

[AlBsure]

O man I hope not.

[CrewCab59]

Did you install the lift kit ? Have you checked the rear springs length from the front hanger to center pin. Have you checked the center pins , spring perch ?

You can also check the wheel base from side to side.

[GMC-YA68]

I'd start at measuring the wheel base from side to side like said above. What is the story behind the lift kit? brand new? already on the truck?

[Keith Seymore]

Rear axle thrust angle can cause dog tracking. Some alignment shops can check for that.

Make sure the rear axle is perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle.

[bigeasycigars]

I would check to make sure that the pin on the leaf spring that would sit in a hole on the 2" block has not sheared off.

Also there should be some type of pin on the 2" block that will fit in the hole on the axle pad.

If those pins are broken or not even there, it possible that when the axle is under enough torque, that it could have shifted to cause that sidetracking problem.

Hope this makes sense.

[AlBsure]

First of all thanks for the reply... I didn't think of doing any of the things mentioned. I did install the lift myself. The fronts are my 8" lift that I had de'arched. And the rear came with the truck when I bought it 4 years ago. I know what holes you speak of on the axle pirch I will look at that in the am. Also will take measurements from side to side using my axles as center points. Thanks again.

[blaze it up]

That happened to me ounce before my spring perches were welded in. The wrong spot

[AlBsure]

It seems like thats what's going on here. I feel like my front axle is kicked over to the driver side a bit.

[turp mcspray]

Measure your rear, from frame to axle. A sagging rear leaf spring a common cause of dogtracking.

[flashed]

I have seen many trucks like that and always wondered what caused it .Im in to see the fix .

[AlBsure]

Ok I will keep you all posted.. thanks I can use the help

[vancelot69]

Subscribing to this thread also. My wife says mine is side tracking too, and I always thought it was due to a bent frame as well.

[DANTES JIMMY]

just fyi the front axle is wider than the rear on almost all gm products so that both tires arent in the same mud rut bigger tire amplify this

[ptc]

This is a serious alignment issue.... inspect the trailing arms to the rear and make sure they are not bent. inspect all suspension parts front and rear for any breaks or bends or deformity.

Then put it on an alignment rack or a frame machine (if possible) and take your measurements as stated above to see if everything is aligned with the frame and front and rear axles.

good luck to you.

[67Steven]

When looking at the side of the truck, do both side views of the tires look the same? (rear tires look the same, front tires look the same) Are they both centered, is one farther back or farther forward than the other side?

I would throw a tape between (inside-inside) the axles, I bet you measure longer on the passenger side. I would do as others have said, make sure the spring perch (or block if you have it) has the center bolt in the hole, and not next to it or sheared off.

If it is the same, start measuring from known points on the frame to the rear axle, check both sides at the exact same points. This may help you track down where the issue lies.

See if your axle is centered under the body. I use a 4' level on the outside of the tire and measure to the same point of the body.

If nothing else, you might check to make sure the springs themselves measure the same from the eye bolt to center pin, I had a pair that had the same stock number but were 1/4" different (main leaf only...)

Good luck!

[AlBsure]

@67Steven the front driver side sticks out further. . I'll get in the garage this weekend this post has a bunch of good advise and I want to take advantage of it. I know the front axles are 1.5 longer on both sides but the driver side is a bit wider

[RLONG]

I had to do a lot measuring on mine and found out that my spring pad on the back axel were twisted and made the truck dangerous to drive. Measuring is a good place to start.

[1tuff71]

My $.02 would be a bent frame. Not too big a deal for a good body shop to fix right.

[Mike C]

I would check and make sure one of your springs is not installed backwards. The leaf springs are not always drilled in the middle. I would think a frame being bent bad enough to dog leg the truck like that would have a BUNCH of other stuff whacked as well.

This should be pretty easy to bird dog with a tape measure. One of the reasons the front is wider than the rear is to be able to keep the tires out of the springs for a reasonable turn height and steering radius while keeping the springs as far apart as possible.

Having a different mud track is a secondary effect not the primary.

[GMC-YA68]

Just tell people you have 4 wheel steering and call it good...ha!

[67Steven]

Originally Posted by AlBsure

@67Steven the front driver side sticks out further. . I'll get in the garage this weekend this post has a bunch of good advise and I want to take advantage of it. I know the front axles are 1.5 longer on both sides but the driver side is a bit wider

Actually, I meant measure between the front axle tube and the rear axle tube, front to back, on both the left and right side of the truck. Check wheel base and see if it is off there.

Good Luck this weekend!

[superlifted]

Im in the same boat. My k5 has the same problems. I have a 6 inch spting lift 14 bolt rear end 3/4 ton front end out of a 77 sub. I thought of the zero rate shims but I want to fix the true problem before just putting those on.