truck sways and wanders over road

[spencer2986]

Truck had 6 inch lift, tires are new BFG 315X75X16.

What can cause truck to sway uncontrolable down the road. remedies already taken are 2 stabalizer shocks.

Should there be any other stabalization besides the leaf springs and shocks in the rear?

[vectorit]

Have you verified that your steering gear, and all associated parts are in perfect working order and or not worn out?

[spencer2986]

There is not slop in the steering while sitting still.

[Luther Grimace]

I have experienced this when I installed a 6 inch lift on a 88 or so K5 Blazer. When I got done installing the 6 inch lift it was like driving an old CJ. I believe alot of the loose steering feel comes from the push/pull steering set up. I know on that truck, they ended up putting a sway bar and steering stabilizers on. If I had to guess I would think crossover steering would help greatly. Possibly a panhard bar? I don't really mess with lifts over 4" so somebody prolly has better advice.

[vectorit]

I'd also verify that the leaf spring bushings are not perished.

[spencer2986]

I will double check that tmro. I was going to ask about a track bar and was wondering how recommended this would be if not almost mandatory?

[72chevyk10]

and check for play in the front wheel bearings. if those are loose it will send the truck all over the place

[lowrollin70gmc]

What pressure are you running your tires at? Also, what load range are they? I tend to run a higher pressure than most to firm up the tires. A good way to tell is to run some chalk across the tire and roll the truck forward and adjust until it scrubs evenly.

Mine steered great once I put in new leaf spring bushings in and I run 50psi in my 315/70/17s.

[spencer2986]

Originally Posted by lowrollin70gmc

What pressure are you running your tires at? Also, what load range are they? I tend to run a higher pressure than most to firm up the tires. A good way to tell is to run some chalk across the tire and roll the truck forward and adjust until it scrubs evenly.

Mine steered great once I put in new leaf spring bushings in and I run 50psi in my 315/70/17s.

I will have to get that info tmro. I just remember them being 315X75X16 BFG All-Terrain ko

[dieseldawg142]

mine steered great once I put in new leaf spring bushings in and I run 50psi in my 315/70/17s.[/QUOTE]

x2, cured the problem on my blazer

[spencer2986]

Is there a way to see if the bushings are bad or not really?

[spencer2986]

I fooled around with the trucK a bit today and noticed the left front wheel dragged pretty bad so I will have to see whats up with that. Also, can someone post a front view of what the leaf spring and bushings is supposed to looK liKe when standing directly in front of the vehicle.

[coops714x4]

have you had the front end alignment checked ?? if your not finding anything it could be something this simple and if there is a problem they will find it for you. just be sure to take it to a reputable shop. Coop

[spencer2986]

Well i need a new caliper. TrucK is getting aligned next weeK.

[LONGHAIR]

With 6in lift, I would be willing to bet that there are wedge shaped shims bolted to the spring s. These are intended to help the driveline angle, but in reality all they do is screw-up the caster of the front end. This will cause wandering of a truck even if everything else is perfect.

[spencer2986]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

With 6in lift, I would be willing to bet that there are wedge shaped shims bolted to the spring s. These are intended to help the driveline angle, but in reality all they do is screw-up the caster of the front end. This will cause wandering of a truck even if everything else is perfect.

If i recall correctly, there are angled shims. Once I get the truck aligned, will they know where the caster needs to be set or is there more to it?

[LONGHAIR]

"Technically", those are the caster adjustment, it's just that they are doing the wrong thing. Tilting the pinion up to help the drivline angle goes against steering well..... You would think that these manifacturers would know this, but it's been going on for many years.

Alignment of a straight axle 4x4 is a complicated thing. In simple terms, the only thing they can "adjust" is the toe. Caster is by shimming or more accurately removing the existing ones. Camber "adjustment"can be done, but you should never have to...and if you do it is to compensate for something that is bent (not good), plus it is very expensive.

[76stepsidechevy]

I had to take those shims out of my front 6" springs to get the truck to steer again. Looks like ill be cutting the knuckles and rewelding so I cant set the pinion angle to get a front driveshaft back in it at some point.

[spencer2986]

Man, didn't realize how much of a headache this could be just trying to find out a reason for this wander. Maybe I will take those shims out if its still bad after alignment, then go from there.

[76stepsidechevy]

yea, thats the joys of having a cv front shaft. I'd like to try to run a single cardon shaft up front but I think the angles will probably be too steep.

[spencer2986]

Is there supposed to be a space in between the leaf spring and the bushing? You can see the gap on the left side of the leaf spring.

[coops714x4]

Is this a K20 truck?? almost looks like a 3/4 ton hanger with 1/2 ton springs ... that "gap" shouldn't be there..

[Gene]

Looks like the springs are from a 67? I have heard they are narrower.

[spencer2986]

I bought it like this and am not sure what 1/2 to 3/4 are supposed to look like in comparison but yes its supposed to be a 3/4 ton truck. Heres another image if you can tell anything form it.

[LONGHAIR]

The only other thing that I see is that someone is trying to cure caster issues with dual stabilizers...they won't do it.