72 c 20 hit a bump lanechangin

[t72c20]

is there another frt suspension that would work on a 72c20. luv my truk, better than my 98. but would love to have it steer like a Camaro, or is that like having your own cake and eating it too. I heard of someone using vette spindles, but didn't get to hear outcome.

[scottybaccus]

A Camaro suspension is actually very much like what's on your truck. Tell more about your truck. Is it lowered? How? How much? Is it wore out? New parts? What size wheels and tires?


There are all kinds of fixes, but we need more info to properly diagnose the concern. I specialize in custom chassis, so I'm going to approach your questions just as if you'd walked in my door. There's no point in spitting out answers before we both understand the problem.

[andrewmp6]

I would talk to http://www.hotchkis.net/index.html or http://scandc.com/new/

[panhandler62]

There is a lot of information in this thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=419251

[t72c20]

original custom camper equipment, total frt end replaced 8yrs ago probably due again. 245- 16" tires. Is not lowered. wouldn't mind giving it a semi lowered look, but don't want to take away from its towing or hauling capabilitys.

[t72c20]

I know new tires would help, but there is a lot of play in the wheel, without any obvious parts bad. gonna start with alignment, but I bet they say no because of some kind of issue, guess ill know where to start.

[scottybaccus]

There is nothing about stock suspension that should cause a lane change swerve on bumps, except badly worn components. So action one will be rehab of what's there.
Now, what do you have in mind for this truck? What are you using it for? Any plans to lower it? Do you tow very often?

You can enhance handling and steering several ways.
A quicker steering gear will feel more like a performance vehicle. It would match performance trucks like the 454ss and Camaro.
Polyurethane bushings in the suspension will firm things up, at the expense of increased road vibration.
A C30 sway bar, with urethane bushings will reduce body roll in a corner. A rear sway bar will help, too.
Lowering ride height will do that to a much higher degree.
If you really envision pro-touring road handling, we can get into coil-over shocks with adjustable damping for compression and rebound.

You need to come up with that vision of what you want in the end, before you can begin. I would want to know that before even undertaking the rehab we are calling job one.

[michael bustamante]

if yuou have al;ot of play and the ball joints and tie rods feel tight check the steering gear for play

[t72c20]

I know worn components are a factor in this. Im not going to be able to afford a big new upgrade, I guess I was hoping for a simple spindle or a arm swap before I start getting parts . that comes from somebody that doesn't know what Im doing when it comes to frt suspension. This will be an everyday driver, its not that I plan to do a whole lot of hauling or pulling, its just cool that a lot of my friends come get me when it comes to pulling or hauling something, that's why Im a little leary of lowering it slightly. still trying to figure out how to post pictures. Im computer illiterate, one finger bandit.

[Mike C]

You need to find what is worn out, but a swap to a faster, variable ratio steering box will do the most to make it drive like a newer vehicle along with more caster in the front end. A switch to 17 or 18 inch wheels and a lower profile tire that is the same overall height will help as well.

Sway bars front and rear along with a set of Bilsteins and you will also notice a difference.

[t72c20]

Had the wife work the steering wheel back and fourth, while I laid under neath. Lots of play in the pittman, and inner tierod. Pulled pins got about 4 turns on each. I feel like Im driving a new truck .

[earl84]

Glad you got it worked out. What do you mean by "pulled pins"?

[t72c20]

cotter pins, I don't think they were the right size in diameter, "cotter pins" I wouldn't think that I could get about 3 or 4 turns each. I put thicker pins in. Still gonna plan a complete rebuild. thanks guys

[Dan@Hotchkis]

I'd second getting fresh bushings and ball joints and a fresh steering box if they haven't been looked at in a while. A lot of bad handling characteristics can be solved by making the system more consistent. After that there are a lot of really good options for getting your roll center and rates down to really tighten up the ride. Of course I'm partial to ours!

www.hotchkis.net