Front spring shackles

[62 short step]

Will longer shackles tilt the front axle forward? I'm trying to fix my caster issue without using caster wedges. I've had 3 different corp 10 bolt axles under my 61 4x4 and they all have the same problem. It will not self center after I turn to the left or right. I have brought it to the alignment shop and the can't or will not do anything. Any suggestions? Thanks, 62 short step.

[FormerMember]

They will tilt it back, which is what you want...

Sounds like you need more caster. I like mine at about 6-8 degrees.

The problem is that it may mess with pinion angle.

[62 short step]

Is that my only choices, wedges or the longer shackles? My alignment shop said the adjustable balljoints would not be enough, and mine looked good anyways.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by 62 short step

I've had 3 different corp 10 bolt axles under my 61 4x4 and they all have the same problem. It will not self center after I turn to the left or right. I have brought it to the alignment shop and the can't or will not do anything.

Maybe it's not an alignment issue? You'll have the same symptoms if the steering box is binding up a bit... might be able to loosen the adjustment just a tad, or it could be worn out and need replacing. Just a thought...

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by 62 short step

Is that my only choices, wedges or the longer shackles? My alignment shop said the adjustable balljoints would not be enough, and mine looked good anyways.

it would be helpful to know where your caster is...

You could cut the knuckles off and weld them back on with the correct caster.

I've done it a few times.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Maybe it's not an alignment issue? You'll have the same symptoms if the steering box is binding up a bit... might be able to loosen the adjustment just a tad, or it could be worn out and need replacing. Just a thought...

Well it did it with a rebuilt manual box, now its doing it with a rebuilt power box. Still something I can check.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by grendel

it would be helpful to know where your caster is...

You could cut the knuckles off and weld them back on with the correct caster.

I've done it a few times.

I'll have to call and ask him, hopefully he'll remember. If not I will have to bring it back to him. Is there any way to check caster at home? I thought about cutting the knuckles off but I was looking for the easy way out!!

[Stocker]

Another long shot -- does the truck have a steering stabilizer? It could be boogered up (technical term ) inside...

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by 62 short step

I'll have to call and ask him, hopefully he'll remember. If not I will have to bring it back to him. Is there any way to check caster at home? I thought about cutting the knuckles off but I was looking for the easy way out!!

Got an angler finder?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Raci...3756.m14.l1318

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Another long shot -- does the truck have a steering stabilizer? It could be boogered up (technical term ) inside...

Yes it does. I'll check it too.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by grendel

Got an angler finder?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Raci...3756.m14.l1318

Sure do. I'm guessing put it on the knuckle?

[special-K]

I`m curious what`s causing this.It`s not in the axle if it`s the same with a few and I`ve never run into such a problem on any truck before.I know there are spindle shims,but I`ve never seen them needed.Basically,there`s no adjustment because there should never be a need for it under normal circumstances.Is there actually a reading showing your castor is off?Is it a consistant reading?It sounds like a problem in steering.If I did anything with the axle I`d shim the spindles.What was the alignment shop`s suggestion?

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by special-K

I`m curious what`s causing this.It`s not in the axle if it`s the same with a few and I`ve never run into such a problem on any truck before.I know there are spindle shims,but I`ve never seen them needed.Basically,there`s no adjustment because there should never be a need for it under normal circumstances.Is there actually a reading showing your castor is off?Is it a consistant reading?It sounds like a problem in steering.If I did anything with the axle I`d shim the spindles.What was the alignment shop`s suggestion?

Tim, yes the reading for the caster was off and I know should have asked him what it was. Wasn't thinking that day, anyways I', lost too. The alignment shop said he would leave it alone and just drive it. Well I just can't do that, I like everything to be close to perfct if I can! I'm going to check everything that you all suggested and if all of it checks out ok I'm going to live with it I guess. Thanks for the help guys!!

[FormerMember]

Well, can you tell us about the truck?

Modified suspension?

Something has to be throwing it off.

BTW, yes, put it on the knuckle.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by grendel

Well, can you tell us about the truck?

Modified suspension?

Something has to be throwing it off.

BTW, yes, put it on the knuckle.

Its a 61 4x4 stock suspension all new shackles & bushings. The front spring on the drivers side is sagging, I had asked a while back if this would affect it and the suggesions seemed that it would not. I'm thinking maybe it is? The only thing not stock is the 89 blazer corp 10 bolt up front. When I measure from the ground to the fender lip its a 1 3/8 difference, being the driver side is lower than the passenger side. Maybe I should get some new leafs up front?

[special-K]

I really don`t think the springs could be the problem.But,it would be another nice thing to get done to make the truck better.I`ll ask around about your caster problem.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by special-K

I really don`t think the springs could be the problem.But,it would be another nice thing to get done to make the truck better.I`ll ask around about your caster problem.

Thanks Tim, I appreciate that. Yes the new springs would make it better!

Grendel, looks like I have about 8 degrees of caster on each knuckle. Well, I do have positive caster. I checked all the other things that others suggested and all looks good!! I do realize its an old truck and will not be perfect, I might just have to live with it.

[283 Man]

I wish I could come help you out Jeremy .Maybe all forum members can help with their thoughts.. good luck hopefully is easy to fix.Morton

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by 62 short step

Thanks Tim, I appreciate that. Yes the new springs would make it better!

Grendel, looks like I have about 8 degrees of caster on each knuckle. Well, I do have positive caster. I checked all the other things that others suggested and all looks good!! I do realize its an old truck and will not be perfect, I might just have to live with it.

Caster sounds about perfect and should return to center.


How's the steering stabilizer? Got the ball joints in too tight? Steering box itself? Something is binding... those tires should return on their own.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by grendel

Caster sounds about perfect and should return to center.


How's the steering stabilizer? Got the ball joints in too tight? Steering box itself? Something is binding... those tires should return on their own.

I'll recheck everything again just to make sure. Thanks guys.

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by 62 short step

I'll recheck everything again just to make sure. Thanks guys.

Super dumb question:

You are driving the truck, right?

It's not sitting still???

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by grendel

Super dumb question:

You are driving the truck, right?

It's not sitting still???

Yep its a driver!

[special-K]

So,what you have is a truck that wants to go left or right and never straight w/o effort?Like it`s driving on the crown of a pipe?And,the caster is within limits?Could it simply be toed-out?I`ve had a truck with both arms of the knuckles got bent from running into a barn.I`m talking about where the tie-rod ends bolt in.The arms were straighter from the tires both hitting posts.This caused extreme toe-out.I could see that some rust was loosened where the iron stretched.The tie-rod was totally unharmed.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by special-K

So,what you have is a truck that wants to go left or right and never straight w/o effort?Like it`s driving on the crown of a pipe?And,the caster is within limits?Could it simply be toed-out?I`ve had a truck with both arms of the knuckles got bent from running into a barn.I`m talking about where the tie-rod ends bolt in.The arms were straighter from the tires both hitting posts.This caused extreme toe-out.I could see that some rust was loosened where the iron stretched.The tie-rod was totally unharmed.

It mainly wants to go right, and I had the toe set at the alignment shop. The guy said the ball joints and axle looked fine. He also said the rear axle could be out of square making it pull to the right. I measured it the best I could using common points on the frame to make sure. The rear axle seems to be in square. I'm going to check a few things on it tomarrow after work again, just so I cover all the bases. Thanks!

[BIG HEAD]

Check Your Frame For Square. A Frame Has Three Sections. Front ,middle , And Rear. Every Thing Is Based Off The Center. So Measure It First.

It Sounds To Me Like A Twisted Sector Shaft In Your Gear Box. Are You Getting A Print Out From Your Alignment Shop? You Should Have Half A Degree More Camber On The Right Side. If They Are The Same It Will Drift To The Right On A Road That Is Sloped To The Right For Water Run Off.