Turning wheels causes front end to raise and lower. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

spencer2986 · 12-20-2012, 05:36 PM

I bought a 1972 4x4 that was a conversion and when I turn the steering wheel left, the front end raises up and wants to pull the steering wheel back left. When I turn the steering wheel right, the front end dips down. I have a dropped pitman arm for it and the drag link is level. Can anyone help me out as to why this could happen? Thank You in advance.

INSIDIOUS '86 · 12-23-2012, 04:42 AM

That's called caster. Take a bike with a raked front and turn the wheel a lot and it wil pick the front up. That's about as good as I can explain
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*bk2life* · 12-23-2012, 06:25 AM

yeap. all vehicles produced after about 1890 have camber/caster built in to help make the wheels go straight will driving, and coming out of a turn.

**special-K** · 12-23-2012, 10:41 AM

Solid axle 4wds show this effect more. That's why you have to be sure to keep tires rotated every 5,000 miles.

spencer2986 · 12-23-2012, 11:01 AM

Alright sounds good. TY for the responses and Happy Holidays!

martindc1 · 12-23-2012, 11:43 AM

Now hang on he said when he turns the wheel to the right the front end dips down. Caster causes the front end to raise while turning the wheel both left and right. Unless I am understanding his description wrong.

So here is the question: When the wheels are centered, is the effect the same for when you turn the wheels right versus left? Or is the effect different depending on which way you turn the wheels?

spencer2986 · 12-23-2012, 11:45 AM

^^^Good question.

12-20-2012, 05:36 PM	#1
spencer2986 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 44	Turning wheels causes front end to raise and lower. I bought a 1972 4x4 that was a conversion and when I turn the steering wheel left, the front end raises up and wants to pull the steering wheel back left. When I turn the steering wheel right, the front end dips down. I have a dropped pitman arm for it and the drag link is level. Can anyone help me out as to why this could happen? Thank You in advance.

12-23-2012, 04:42 AM	#2
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: Turning wheels causes front end to raise and lower. That's called caster. Take a bike with a raked front and turn the wheel a lot and it wil pick the front up. That's about as good as I can explain Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

12-23-2012, 06:25 AM	#3
bk2life Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: phx, az Posts: 868	Re: Turning wheels causes front end to raise and lower. yeap. all vehicles produced after about 1890 have camber/caster built in to help make the wheels go straight will driving, and coming out of a turn.

12-23-2012, 10:41 AM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Turning wheels causes front end to raise and lower. Solid axle 4wds show this effect more. That's why you have to be sure to keep tires rotated every 5,000 miles. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-23-2012, 11:01 AM	#5
spencer2986 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 44	Re: Turning wheels causes front end to raise and lower. Alright sounds good. TY for the responses and Happy Holidays!

12-23-2012, 11:43 AM	#6
martindc1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 218	Re: Turning wheels causes front end to raise and lower. Now hang on he said when he turns the wheel to the right the front end dips down. Caster causes the front end to raise while turning the wheel both left and right. Unless I am understanding his description wrong. So here is the question: When the wheels are centered, is the effect the same for when you turn the wheels right versus left? Or is the effect different depending on which way you turn the wheels? __________________ Currently truckless, previous trucks: 67 K20, 87 K10 aka V10 & 72 C10

12-23-2012, 11:45 AM	#7
spencer2986 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 44	Re: Turning wheels causes front end to raise and lower. ^^^Good question.



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