Author Topic: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?  (Read 4585 times)

Offline Chevygold

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Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« on: December 14, 2020, 01:36:19 PM »
Hi all, I know it's a truck and won't handle like a sports car but it seems to roll a lot round the bends, 76 C10 Cheyenne long bed, is there anything that can be done to improve things a bit?
Shocks look quite new so guess they're OK, ride is really nice in a straight line but roundabouts are the worst possibly feels worse sitting on the wrong side for our roads (UK)!
Any suggestions?
Graham

Offline zieg85

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2020, 04:21:50 PM »
Stabilizer bars do wonders if your truck doesn't have them
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2020, 05:54:35 PM »
They made front sway bars for that truck. You'll see the mounting holes on the lower control arms.

Just had my K10 bushings replaced, what a HUGE difference, super flat around corners>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline bd

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2020, 06:08:24 PM »
Begin by checking the front end steering and suspension components for wear and inspect the frame for cracks around the steering gear and upper shock absorber mounts.  Make sure the tires are properly inflated and have the alignment checked.  Once the front end passes inspections, good quality shocks make a difference, too.  Try some KYB Gas-Adjust KG5409 front and KG5415 rear for a sporty ride, or Bilstein 24192941 front and 24009331 rear for a more forgiving ride.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Chevygold

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2020, 12:46:32 PM »
Thanks all I'll need to look into these points, I haven't seen any anti roll bars when I've been crawling around under there I'll have a look at the bushes while I'm there as well, if I need anti roll bars any recommendations re size etc?
Thanks again
Graham

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2020, 01:33:42 PM »
I think they change with the weight rating.

The '80 C10 I'm working on did not have one. I think 1/2 ton used a 1" diameter bar.

I saw a C20 at the truck recycle place I get parts from that had one. I bought it, and it is 1.25", heavy bar.

They had to cut the brackets off the frame, I bought Energy Bushings.

Maybe someone here know if the factory welded the frame brackets or were they just bolted on. ??
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline zieg85

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2020, 02:27:16 PM »

Maybe someone here know if the factory welded the frame brackets or were they just bolted on. ??

Riveted but grade 3/8" bolts work great
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2020, 02:59:17 PM »
Thanks man!


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1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2020, 05:26:56 PM »
Definitely do the dry park check and then check with the front end jacked up. X2 on the Bilsteins and Sway bar
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Chevygold

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #9 on: March 20, 2021, 01:30:14 PM »
OK Guys, thanks for the pointers, had a good check around and no sway bar fitted, bushes aren't too bad but might change them anyway as they're not bad for price. Had a good check all round the frame for cracks round the steering box but all good there.
Looks like new bushes and a sway bar first and see how things are after that, control arms are drilled for the mounts not sure about the frame will have to take another look.
Thanks Graham

Offline Chevygold

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #10 on: February 03, 2022, 11:37:31 AM »
OK been a while but here's the update, my brake fluid change ended up a suspension rebuild with all new brake flexible hoses!
Only done the drivers side suspension so far but quite a transformation, the bushes didn't look too bad but the difference is like night and day, will attack the other side next and see where I am after that.
Another job done, both axle seals were leaking so changed them as well as found oil when flushing out the rear brakes, yes I did check the vent from the diff and it was clear.
Thanks
Graham

Offline Shifty

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #11 on: February 03, 2022, 02:07:06 PM »
+1 on Bilsteins, definitely helped on my 3/4 4x4 which is pre-ordained to ride like a M1 Abrams.  ???
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #12 on: February 03, 2022, 07:06:47 PM »
Good to hear you're making progress.

A sway bar makes night and day difference.
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Chevygold

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #13 on: February 04, 2022, 01:01:29 PM »
I'd love a sway bar but the shipping to the UK means it will have to stay on the wishlist :-(
I'll see if a further improvement occurs after I've done the other side, lets hope so!
Graham

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Why does my truck handle like a 2CV?
« Reply #14 on: February 05, 2022, 02:44:12 PM »
UK, that explains it. We don't have a 2CV reference over here and when we talk about the bushes, that's usually where we pee out our beer.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10