Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HeavyHauler · 07-01-2020, 08:49 AM

I lowered my 1968 Chevy C10 4.5 inches in the front and 6 inches in the rear then had it wheel aligned at a local repair shop.

I am now getting alot of what I think is called bumpsteer. When I hit a bump or pot hole the wheels will want to switch directions on their own without steering input and then I have to man handle it to keep it going straight.

Anybody had this happen and what did you do to correct it?

I used the following parts to lower the truck along with converting to 4 wheel disc brakes.

Front: Early Classics 2.5 Drop Spindle with 2 inch lowering springs from Western chassis. My truck came from the factory with 1 1/16 sway bar but i added poly bushings. I replaced ALL bushings,ball joints,tie rod ends,pitman arm and idler arm with new over the counter auto parts stuff from Oreillys and Autozone. Installed 5 lug front disc brake kit from Early Classics. New shocks from Bell Tech.

Rear: Western Chassis 6 inch drop springs with double adjustable track bar. Installed new 5 lug conversion axles and rear disc brake kit. New shocks from Bell Tech.

67/Heaven · 07-01-2020, 09:17 AM

Check this post

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa....php?p=7953452

**americanmusc1e** · 07-01-2020, 09:23 AM

Did the shop you had it aligned at give any feedback? Mine's only lowered 2" on the front (cut coil springs, not optimal), but I don't have any bumpsteer issues.

I know excessive toe out can cause issues like that and my first thought was to take it to an alignment shop. Did the alignment shop you took it to have any experience with lowered vehicles?

jonmc56 · 07-01-2020, 10:00 AM

Yes, happened to me after lowering my truck (4/6 drop using ECE drop spindles & springs). Turned out that I had installed the drag/center link in backwards, which is very easy to do. After I corrected the center link, it was completely resolved.

68 P.O.S. · 07-01-2020, 03:16 PM

On mine, when I did a 4-6 drop, I rebuilt the front end with Moog parts as well. That tightened things up and afterwards I added a Moog ssd10 steering stabilizer. It helped out a good bit, but wasn't a 100% cure by any means.

**HO455** · 07-01-2020, 06:23 PM

Here is a link to my repair thread. Post 273 I wrote about my bump steer testing and posted my alignment specs. Now my truck has factory spindles so that should mean it should experience less tie rod angle for any given spring height.
I have seen spring compressors used when checking for bump steer in the down direction and well up is easy.
There are plenty of threads in the suspension section and of course the ever popular "Make it handle" thread where bump steer is discussed and remedies are shown.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...698377&page=11

**Stocker** · 07-01-2020, 10:38 PM

Any chance you also changed wheels and / or tires? In particular, wheels with more negative offset can contribute to bump steer. Wider tires up front (and some tire brands) can cause tramlining, where the tires tend to follow cracks or seams in the pavement. Not quite the same as bump steer, but might make it feel even worse.

**lolife99** · 07-02-2020, 01:26 AM

I bet the centerlink is on backwards.
The inner tie rod nuts should be on the front side of the centerlink.

RustyPile · 07-02-2020, 08:47 AM

In addition to all of the above, adding high amounts of caster will aggravate bump steer..

SCOTI · 07-02-2020, 06:52 PM

Several good suggestions worth checking out posted above.

What were the alignment numbers? They should have given you a print-off for your records.

HeavyHauler · 07-06-2020, 01:47 PM

Here is a pic of the passenger side of the centerlink. Hopefully you can tell me if I installed the centerlink correctly from this pic.

HeavyHauler · 07-06-2020, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmc56

Yes, happened to me after lowering my truck (4/6 drop using ECE drop spindles & springs). Turned out that I had installed the drag/center link in backwards, which is very easy to do. After I corrected the center link, it was completely resolved.

I just posted a pic of mine to see if you guys can let me know if installed correctly.

HeavyHauler · 07-06-2020, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

Any chance you also changed wheels and / or tires? In particular, wheels with more negative offset can contribute to bump steer. Wider tires up front (and some tire brands) can cause tramlining, where the tires tend to follow cracks or seams in the pavement. Not quite the same as bump steer, but might make it feel even worse.

Yes I have new wheels and tires. On the rear 20x9.5 with 275/45/20 and on the front 20x8 with 255/45/20. They are US MAG Ramblers.

HeavyHauler · 07-06-2020, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by americanmusc1e

Did the shop you had it aligned at give any feedback? Mine's only lowered 2" on the front (cut coil springs, not optimal), but I don't have any bumpsteer issues.

I know excessive toe out can cause issues like that and my first thought was to take it to an alignment shop. Did the alignment shop you took it to have any experience with lowered vehicles?

They gave me a print out but I dont know what the numbers mean as far as how it makes the truck handle.

HeavyHauler · 07-06-2020, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

I bet the centerlink is on backwards.
The inner tie rod nuts should be on the front side of the centerlink.

I just posted a pic of how I mounted my centerlink.

SCOTI · 07-06-2020, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyHauler

They gave me a print out but I dont know what the numbers mean as far as how it makes the truck handle.

Take a picture of the alignment printout & post it as an image attachment.

Custom 68 · 07-06-2020, 04:41 PM

It looks like your center link is correct but check out this link.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400205

07-01-2020, 08:49 AM	#1
HeavyHauler Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: USA Posts: 416	Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct it? I lowered my 1968 Chevy C10 4.5 inches in the front and 6 inches in the rear then had it wheel aligned at a local repair shop. I am now getting alot of what I think is called bumpsteer. When I hit a bump or pot hole the wheels will want to switch directions on their own without steering input and then I have to man handle it to keep it going straight. Anybody had this happen and what did you do to correct it? I used the following parts to lower the truck along with converting to 4 wheel disc brakes. Front: Early Classics 2.5 Drop Spindle with 2 inch lowering springs from Western chassis. My truck came from the factory with 1 1/16 sway bar but i added poly bushings. I replaced ALL bushings,ball joints,tie rod ends,pitman arm and idler arm with new over the counter auto parts stuff from Oreillys and Autozone. Installed 5 lug front disc brake kit from Early Classics. New shocks from Bell Tech. Rear: Western Chassis 6 inch drop springs with double adjustable track bar. Installed new 5 lug conversion axles and rear disc brake kit. New shocks from Bell Tech.

07-01-2020, 09:17 AM	#2
67/Heaven Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 180	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct Check this post http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa....php?p=7953452

07-01-2020, 09:23 AM	#3
americanmusc1e Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,079	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct Did the shop you had it aligned at give any feedback? Mine's only lowered 2" on the front (cut coil springs, not optimal), but I don't have any bumpsteer issues. I know excessive toe out can cause issues like that and my first thought was to take it to an alignment shop. Did the alignment shop you took it to have any experience with lowered vehicles? __________________ -- Josh Instagram: @americanmusc1e OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread 1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily. DM me if you can't see photos i posted

07-01-2020, 10:00 AM	#4
jonmc56 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 286	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct Yes, happened to me after lowering my truck (4/6 drop using ECE drop spindles & springs). Turned out that I had installed the drag/center link in backwards, which is very easy to do. After I corrected the center link, it was completely resolved. __________________ '69 C10 CST '68 Chevelle Malibu My 69 CST Build Thread

07-01-2020, 03:16 PM	#5
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,662	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct On mine, when I did a 4-6 drop, I rebuilt the front end with Moog parts as well. That tightened things up and afterwards I added a Moog ssd10 steering stabilizer. It helped out a good bit, but wasn't a 100% cure by any means. __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo Last edited by 68 P.O.S.; 07-01-2020 at 04:06 PM.

07-01-2020, 06:23 PM	#6
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,393	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct Here is a link to my repair thread. Post 273 I wrote about my bump steer testing and posted my alignment specs. Now my truck has factory spindles so that should mean it should experience less tie rod angle for any given spring height. I have seen spring compressors used when checking for bump steer in the down direction and well up is easy. There are plenty of threads in the suspension section and of course the ever popular "Make it handle" thread where bump steer is discussed and remedies are shown. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...698377&page=11 __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

07-01-2020, 10:38 PM	#7
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,728	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct Any chance you also changed wheels and / or tires? In particular, wheels with more negative offset can contribute to bump steer. Wider tires up front (and some tire brands) can cause tramlining, where the tires tend to follow cracks or seams in the pavement. Not quite the same as bump steer, but might make it feel even worse. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

07-02-2020, 01:26 AM	#8
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,701	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct I bet the centerlink is on backwards. The inner tie rod nuts should be on the front side of the centerlink. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

07-02-2020, 08:47 AM	#9
RustyPile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Elkhart, Texas Posts: 1,853	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct In addition to all of the above, adding high amounts of caster will aggravate bump steer..

07-02-2020, 06:52 PM	#10
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct Several good suggestions worth checking out posted above. What were the alignment numbers? They should have given you a print-off for your records. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

07-06-2020, 01:47 PM	#11
HeavyHauler Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: USA Posts: 416	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct Here is a pic of the passenger side of the centerlink. Hopefully you can tell me if I installed the centerlink correctly from this pic. Attached Images

07-06-2020, 04:41 PM	#17
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,939	Re: Anybody else get alot of bumpsteer after lowering your truck? How did you correct It looks like your center link is correct but check out this link. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400205 __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"



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