Truck walks while driving - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HvyChevy454 · 10-01-2002, 03:38 PM

For some reason all of a sudden my truck tends to walk left and right while driving. I know the driverside front has too much camber and no more room to adjust it, still havent gotten that sorted out, but it feels like the steering is loose, but it doesnt feel loose when parked.
Also the back end does it too. i have a 2.5'' block drop in the back. But when i changed lanes it feels like the rearend breaks loose or wiggles back and forth.
Finally at about 50 the steering wheel starts to vibrate noticeably.

Whats happening to my truck? All this started all of a sudden about a month ago.

Jmac05 · 10-01-2002, 04:46 PM

may need to get it re-aligned

68gmcjon · 10-01-2002, 05:11 PM

Our new gran prix was doing the same thing your describing. wheel vibrating, things in the cab would even start to vibrate. although the back end didn't keep loosing grip like you say. we had it re-aligned and put new tires on it and it drives like a dream!

palallin · 10-01-2002, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HvyChevy454
Also the back end does it too. i have a 2.5'' block drop in the back. But when i changed lanes it feels like the rearend breaks loose or wiggles back and forth.

When you dropped it, did did you replace the panhard bar? Unless you changed it or adjust it, it will pull the rear-end off-center because of the lowered geometry. Some kits come with replacement bars and/or brackets, but I can't speak for any in particular.

1967LWBstepside · 10-01-2002, 05:26 PM

My 2 cents . . .

Could be a bad tire (separating internally), worn steering gear (mine is really worn), out of balance tire or tires, and of course the front wheels might out of alignment. What do the tie rods and ball joints look like? Should check them out too.

GMC71k20 · 10-01-2002, 09:17 PM

my rear end was wiggling and kickin me in different directions, i found out both my shocks were blown out and my bushings were shot. i re-bushed it and got new shocks and it doesnt wiggle anymore

crazy longhorn · 10-01-2002, 10:02 PM

One more thought on the rear end......have you retorked the u boltsafter a few miles run time? It takes a little time for the new bolts to "take a set", & they will get loose. good luck......crazy AL

**GMCPaul** · 10-02-2002, 08:45 AM

Measure from rear brake backing plates on either side to frame to see if rearend is centered. If not check the bushings in the pan hard bar if shot or missing replacing them may center it if replacing does not center it then you need a adjustable pan hard bar. Generally though the adjustable bar is not needed until you drop the rear 4-5"
You should also examine the bushings in your rear trailing arms if they are shot or missing they will cause this and need replaced.
The front end definately should be aligned also and anything worn keeping the front end from being properly aligned should be replaced. By not replacing these worn parts you run the risk of damaging further parts if bushings are gone by metal on metal wear, the chance of causing a accident that takes yours or others lives, and greater wear on tires and all other suspension parts leading to even more problems.
Time to raise it up and check her out from front to rear.
GMCPaul

Tennman · 10-02-2002, 08:53 AM

I would bet a dollar to a donut its a tire ! Rotate your tires would be the first and cheapest thing you could do to try and fix or narrow your problem down ! Good luck from a retail tire and wheel man.

ckhd · 10-02-2002, 09:15 AM

I was thinking the panhard bar or the u-bolts too - at least for the walking. The vibration is probably a tire problem.

Don't have too much experience with the "Tarzan" suspension though...

HvyChevy454 · 10-02-2002, 04:13 PM

ok here is everything i left out

less than 1k on front and rear tires
front driverside sidewall seperated from the bead @ 400mi
rear M/T reccomended tubes wrinkled in tire both went flat
replaced them
front stabilizer bar mount is pushed up about 1''
new poly bushings in it
new shocks
front: Red Ryder BB gas shocks
Rear: Adjustable air shocks
Front end is out of whack
driverside front tire has 1.0* Camber w/ no room to adjust
Steering
rebuilt pump
feels tight w/ no play
tie rods appear to have been replaced before
Bushings
new poly bushings throughout rear (-)panhard bar
Drop
2.5'' squaretube block drop
been meaning to get the panhard bar, just gotta find time to
get down to Mothertruckers

-Gonna check the u bolts now

HvyChevy454 · 10-03-2002, 06:45 PM

one rear nut was a little loose but not all that much. there isnt anything that i can wiggle on the front it all seems tight. the driverside front wheel bearing is a little loose but nuthing problematic. today the truck felt like it was getting looser, i dont know whats wrong?
all so i noticed the steering twisting side to side when it vibrated too

HvyChevy454 · 10-04-2002, 08:19 PM

any other ideas?

crazy longhorn · 10-04-2002, 09:08 PM

The steer wheel was shaking back & forth? if that be the case,I would take a good look at idler arm . can you shake it up /down?

1-PU70 · 10-05-2002, 10:48 AM

Wander could be bad ball joints, but if you dont have a rear pan hard bar you cant tell for shure. If your steering wheel shakes it is not an alignment thing. Your tires will NOT shake from alignment. Out of balance tire, bad tire, bent rim, Or an idler arm whill cause wheel shake. If your tires take more then 4 oz to balance get a diferant tire. Good luck

Jesse 67 c-10 · 10-05-2002, 07:55 PM

scary thought, but check your lug nuts, sounds like something's bent in your front susp. maybe a spindle. fix it before something lets go though!
Jesse

HvyChevy454 · 10-06-2002, 10:33 PM

yeah it looks like it is the idle arm, im still trying to figure out if i have stock springs or not im pretty sure they are aftermarket b/c i pulled yellow tags off em #3935895, i checked all the major spring guys web sites to find a match but nothing has turned up. Another thing that leads me to beleive they have been replaced, other than a large amount of rake, are the ball joints rubber boots look like a pickle fork as been taken to them.

10-01-2002, 03:38 PM	#1
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	Truck walks while driving For some reason all of a sudden my truck tends to walk left and right while driving. I know the driverside front has too much camber and no more room to adjust it, still havent gotten that sorted out, but it feels like the steering is loose, but it doesnt feel loose when parked. Also the back end does it too. i have a 2.5'' block drop in the back. But when i changed lanes it feels like the rearend breaks loose or wiggles back and forth. Finally at about 50 the steering wheel starts to vibrate noticeably. Whats happening to my truck? All this started all of a sudden about a month ago. __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti

10-01-2002, 04:46 PM	#2
Jmac05 L.E.D. Tail lights, Baby! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Corona, Ca Posts: 290	may need to get it re-aligned __________________ *Prov 3:5-8* "Hook 'em" L.E.D. Taillights for sale NOW!!! If interested, visit: www.earlyclassic.com or our website: www.jmcled.com All 67-72 GM Taillights are on sale untill 5 p.m. on Dec 15th, with Guaranteed Christmas delivery! joel.mcwaters@jmcled.com

10-01-2002, 05:26 PM	#5
1967LWBstepside 'Heavy Metal' Redefined. Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Starkville, MS, USA Posts: 107	My 2 cents . . . Could be a bad tire (separating internally), worn steering gear (mine is really worn), out of balance tire or tires, and of course the front wheels might out of alignment. What do the tie rods and ball joints look like? Should check them out too. __________________ 1967 C10 LWB stepside, 250 engine, GM HEI, aftermarket A/C., Clifford Performance intake, Stovebolt split headers, Carter AFB 500, X-pipe & Dynomax Super Turbos, 1 piece custom driveshaft, cyprus bed wood & stainless bed strips. Starkville, Mississippi \| My Truck Page

10-02-2002, 08:45 AM	#8
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,721	Measure from rear brake backing plates on either side to frame to see if rearend is centered. If not check the bushings in the pan hard bar if shot or missing replacing them may center it if replacing does not center it then you need a adjustable pan hard bar. Generally though the adjustable bar is not needed until you drop the rear 4-5" You should also examine the bushings in your rear trailing arms if they are shot or missing they will cause this and need replaced. The front end definately should be aligned also and anything worn keeping the front end from being properly aligned should be replaced. By not replacing these worn parts you run the risk of damaging further parts if bushings are gone by metal on metal wear, the chance of causing a accident that takes yours or others lives, and greater wear on tires and all other suspension parts leading to even more problems. Time to raise it up and check her out from front to rear. GMCPaul __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

10-02-2002, 08:53 AM	#9
Tennman 71 Chevy 4x4 Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: McMinnville,Tn. USA Posts: 450	I would bet a dollar to a donut its a tire ! Rotate your tires would be the first and cheapest thing you could do to try and fix or narrow your problem down ! Good luck from a retail tire and wheel man. __________________ Tenn.man(a.k.a.Danny Cummings)

10-01-2002, 05:11 PM	#3
68gmcjon Got earplugs? Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Winfield, Kansas Posts: 556	Our new gran prix was doing the same thing your describing. wheel vibrating, things in the cab would even start to vibrate. although the back end didn't keep loosing grip like you say. we had it re-aligned and put new tires on it and it drives like a dream! __________________ 1968 GMC Original A/C, bucket seats, PS,PB 396 bored to 402, Dynomax cerama-coat headers, Super 40 Flowmasters, 272/284 Crane cam, Crane gold roller rockers, holley 750 cfm double pumper, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, HEI ignition, 9.5:compression Alltogether 411HP and 446ft/lbs Dana 60 w/ 3.54 gears Turbo 400 tranny Why would you have anything other than a big block? HAHA

10-01-2002, 09:17 PM	#6
GMC71k20 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: mass Posts: 1,277	my rear end was wiggling and kickin me in different directions, i found out both my shocks were blown out and my bushings were shot. i re-bushed it and got new shocks and it doesnt wiggle anymore

10-01-2002, 10:02 PM	#7
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	One more thought on the rear end......have you retorked the u boltsafter a few miles run time? It takes a little time for the new bolts to "take a set", & they will get loose. good luck......crazy AL

10-02-2002, 09:15 AM	#10
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	I was thinking the panhard bar or the u-bolts too - at least for the walking. The vibration is probably a tire problem. Don't have too much experience with the "Tarzan" suspension though... __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?

10-02-2002, 04:13 PM	#11
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	ok here is everything i left out less than 1k on front and rear tires front driverside sidewall seperated from the bead @ 400mi rear M/T reccomended tubes wrinkled in tire both went flat replaced them front stabilizer bar mount is pushed up about 1'' new poly bushings in it new shocks front: Red Ryder BB gas shocks Rear: Adjustable air shocks Front end is out of whack driverside front tire has 1.0* Camber w/ no room to adjust Steering rebuilt pump feels tight w/ no play tie rods appear to have been replaced before Bushings new poly bushings throughout rear (-)panhard bar Drop 2.5'' squaretube block drop been meaning to get the panhard bar, just gotta find time to get down to Mothertruckers -Gonna check the u bolts now __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti Last edited by HvyChevy454; 10-02-2002 at 04:16 PM.

10-03-2002, 06:45 PM	#12
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	one rear nut was a little loose but not all that much. there isnt anything that i can wiggle on the front it all seems tight. the driverside front wheel bearing is a little loose but nuthing problematic. today the truck felt like it was getting looser, i dont know whats wrong? all so i noticed the steering twisting side to side when it vibrated too __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti

10-04-2002, 08:19 PM	#13
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	any other ideas? __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti

10-04-2002, 09:08 PM	#14
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	The steer wheel was shaking back & forth? if that be the case,I would take a good look at idler arm . can you shake it up /down?

10-05-2002, 10:48 AM	#15
1-PU70 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 1,036	Wander could be bad ball joints, but if you dont have a rear pan hard bar you cant tell for shure. If your steering wheel shakes it is not an alignment thing. Your tires will NOT shake from alignment. Out of balance tire, bad tire, bent rim, Or an idler arm whill cause wheel shake. If your tires take more then 4 oz to balance get a diferant tire. Good luck __________________ 1970 CST/10 402,700R4,3:73 posi,AC,PS,PB,TLT,PW,Buckets with heaters

10-05-2002, 07:55 PM	#16
Jesse 67 c-10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 599	scary thought, but check your lug nuts, sounds like something's bent in your front susp. maybe a spindle. fix it before something lets go though! Jesse __________________ Edmonton, Alberta, 67 c-10, Long fleet, front disks, 5 lug rear end, 327 with Vortechs, edlbrock manifold, comp cams XE 256, 600cfm carb. Backed by a getrag 5 speed and 1 piece driveshaft. 1993 Dihatsu Hijet Jumbo cab 4x4, currently converting to battery electric power.



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10-06-2002, 10:33 PM	#17
HvyChevy454 Slowly getting CRSS... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lutz, Florida Posts: 656	yeah it looks like it is the idle arm, im still trying to figure out if i have stock springs or not im pretty sure they are aftermarket b/c i pulled yellow tags off em #3935895, i checked all the major spring guys web sites to find a match but nothing has turned up. Another thing that leads me to beleive they have been replaced, other than a large amount of rake, are the ball joints rubber boots look like a pickle fork as been taken to them. __________________ -Nic Lutz, Fl My Team Website The Heavy Chevy Website ------------------ 72 Cheyenne 10 LWB GM 12-bolt 3.08 w/ Auburn Posi 91 454 Edel Performer RPM Intake 750 cfm carb Comp Cam 268/.495 Hedman Headers Dual 3'' Exhaust 71 Cheyenne 20 4x4 Fact. A/C PS PB Tilt Currently in the works... Speak Softly and Carry A Big Block... There is No replacement for Displacement... "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.