4x4 sloppy steering questions

[99-LS1-SS]

What is the most logical place to start to address the steering play? I have an '85 K10 and I have to chase the steering a little more than I want to. I just got this truck earlier this week and I want to make sure it is safe and reliable.

Are the various ball joints the main contributor or is it more likely the steering box or a combination of them all? Logic tells me it's all of them but I don't have a lot of experience with this model in a 4x4. I can change the most of what could be wrong but I don't want to change things that don't need it. My whole purpose for buying this truck was to have something that is functional, reliable and that I didn't have to sink a lot of money into. Obviously if it is a matter of safety then I will do what I need to do.

I guess is there some checklist or order that I need to fix stuff or rule it out on the front end of these trucks?

[75gmc454]

Make sure the steering box is still attached to the frame. They are bad about the frame cracking and the box coming loose.

[78 Big10 454]

+1 to what 75gmc454 wrote. I had that problem on my '78, too. I had a front end shop correct the problem; however the same thing happened on my '72 Burb and I found a 4WD speciality shop that had an adaptor that bolts to the frame to correct the problem without the hassle of welding.

[donut]

Does NC have safety inspections? One of the mechanics may be able to help you out with a demonstration, maybe.

In Maine they did, (SC not so much) and the mechanics would do the "testing" in front of you.
Def, as mentioned, start with the steering box. You can get a rough idea by observing the parts as someone turns the steering wheel.
With the 2nd person (not necessary but helpful) Jack trucks front end off of the ground.
Hands at 3 and 9 o'clock, rock wheel and look for slop. Repeat with hands at 12 and 6.
With wheels off of the ground about an inch, put a big prybar under the tire and lift a little, kinda rock it up and down. you should be able to observe any slop in your balljoints.
Not real precise, but works (I use the same procedures on my 2wd's also) Kinda stinks when you make an inspection appointment, drive 20 miles to it, and fail because your wheel bearings are a little sloppy.

[Keith Seymore]

After you determine that all the components are safe and sound then you can try cranking the caster up (using tapered shims between the leaf spring and axle pad). That makes a big difference on these trucks.

K

[chengny]

Provided that your wheel bearings are tight, it is almost always excess play in the drag link. One end connects to the Pitman Arm and the other end to the steering arm (change the adjusting sleeve as well).

After you get the proper overall length, turn the adjusting sleeve to align your steering wheel so its centered when the wheels are straight ahead.

From NAPA:

[99-LS1-SS]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

After you determine that all the components are safe and sound then you can try cranking the caster up (using tapered shims between the leaf spring and axle pad). That makes a big difference on these trucks.

K

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question but, which way do I shim it? Does the pinion need to point more towards the transfer case?

[splehigh]

The drag link was the cause of the play in mine. The joint that attaches to the pitman arm had a lot of slop in it.

Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while the truck isnt running and you should be able to look at the joints and tell where the slop is.

[99-LS1-SS]

I think the drag link is the problem. I had a friend turn the steering wheel and there was definitely slop in the drag link area.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 99-LS1-SS

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question but, which way do I shim it? Does the pinion need to point more towards the transfer case?

You would need to rotate the pinion more downward (IIRC) -

K

[Ski-me]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

You would need to rotate the pinion more downward (IIRC) -

K

Try and find an alignment shop that will do a "check" on the alignment. Afterwards, say thanks but leave. I had a local shop (with coupon) do $10 alignment checks with actual readings. That will give you at least a place to start.

Caster and Camber are much more involved to change on these trucks and not readily done at any alignment shop without paying a LOT more money. The only real thing they can adjust is the toe. Which is something you can do at home as well with decent success.

Caster and camber can be adjusted (slightly) with new ball joints installed and using a taper sleeve on the upper joint, to adjust the ball joint angle. If you have old ball joints, I would highly doubt you are going to make any adjustments (sleeves are probably siezed).

Caster can be changed by shimming the pinion angle at the spring pack to axle connection, either up or down.

Here is a pic of my readings with the "recommended windows".....

[spencer2986]

My 1972 has a 6 inch lift and when I'm in neutral and turn the steering wheel left, the front end raises and when i turn it right, it goes down. Any ideas why this may happen?

[Organism_ike]

Originally Posted by spencer2986

My 1972 has a 6 inch lift and when I'm in neutral and turn the steering wheel left, the front end raises and when i turn it right, it goes down. Any ideas why this may happen?

http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...erm=Threadjack

Please create your own thread for this issue, and I promise you will get many more responses.
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[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by spencer2986

My 1972 has a 6 inch lift and when I'm in neutral and turn the steering wheel left, the front end raises and when i turn it right, it goes down. Any ideas why this may happen?

Yes, it's because of the way the drag link "pushes-pulls" front to back (instead of side to side) in combination with your lift. What was done to "correct" the steering? Steering block? dropped drag link?
I would venture to guess that whatever was done, was not enough.

[86c20]

ok so what happens if your shims are opposet from the other? my k30 has this and has the "the death wobble"