Steering Issues, from body lift?

[MyOldScottsdale23]

I just bought a 85 Scottsdale that has seen better days. It has bad steering problems and I don't know if it's from being treated bad or if the body lift has compromised it somehow. It jumps around on it's on and has bad bump steer. It also will oversteer to the left and won't turn very far at all to the right. May have been some junk part swaps or something. Any ideas on how to help? Thanks in advance!

[firefighter]

How tall is the body lift?
Is it just body, or is it suspension lift too?
If you are having steering problems, it sounds like the steering geometry has been changed due to the lift.
I know if you put a suspension lift on, you need to change the steering arm.
I look forward to hearing more about the lift kit.

[Irish_Alley]

body lifts only effect the steering intermediate shaft. not the steering geometry itself. what size tire are you running

[Engineer]

Those exact symptoms sound like a suspension lift with a factory arm.

Doesn't sound like a body lift induced issue to me.

[bake74]

Those exact symptoms sound like a suspension lift with a factory arm.

Doesn't sound like a body lift induced issue to me.

     Also you should check the front end suspension parts.  Do what they call a dry park check.  Leave vehicle off, have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you look under in front for parts that are loose or not responding with the steering shaft turning.  Or sluggish parts, that will have a very big impact on how it drives down the road.

[MyOldScottsdale23]

It has a 3" body lift and 3" blocks front and rear. I think the shaft between the gear box and the firewall is different but it looks stretched like the telescopic part is open too far and the coupling at the gearbox looks stretched or bent. I would post pic but my phone is my only Internet.

[bake74]

It has a 3" body lift and 3" blocks front and rear. I think the shaft between the gear box and the firewall is different but it looks stretched like the telescopic part is open too far and the coupling at the gearbox looks stretched or bent. I would post pic but my phone is my only Internet.

      It has blocks up front ?  That is bad news and a no-no in my opinion.  It was probably a home job, which in case it most likely is not right at all.  It is dangerous to have blocks up front, it not done absolutely perfect your truck will wonder all over, and from what you say it sure sounds like that to me.  It would really help if you could get a couple of pics so everyone can see what you are talking about, if at all possible.

[Engineer]

The 3" front block is your problem.

If you want to keep the suspension lift I suggest a spring lift for the front, and you MUST use a raised steering arm, or dropped pitman arm or a combination of both with any lift.

In many states the block in the front is illegal. At the very least it is unsafe. During cornering it can roll out from between the spring and axle.

[Irish_Alley]

yes please get us pics. blocks up front vile lost a friend due to someone doing this stupid stunt

[MyOldScottsdale23]

Wow that's scary. I can't thank you guys enuf. It does make sense now that you point it out. I'll be taking the lift off as soon as i can get to the salvage yard to get some stock u-bolts.

[Blazin]

Front blocks bad. The reason it turns sharp one way and not the other is because of them.
Try putting a couple positive arch rear springs in when you take the block out. This will give you a couple inches at the least.
That can be adjusted out in the drag link if you put 3" front springs in. Correct way is to get the drop arm.

Re using U bolts is a NO NO too. U bolts stretch when tightend. Get new U bolts, they are fairly inexpensive for the piece of mind they provide.

[MyOldScottsdale23]

New bolts, got it. I had planned on taking all the body and blocks out anyway and goin for a 4" suspension lift with springs. I guess now I will have an easier time convincing the wife that it needs  to be done NOW, lol.

[bake74]

New bolts, got it. I had planned on taking all the body and blocks out anyway and goin for a 4" suspension lift with springs. I guess now I will have an easier time convincing the wife that it needs  to be done NOW, lol.

     When life or death is involved, I find it is easier for my wife to say ok.   

[Blazin]

The wife never says " why don't ya just git rid of that hunkajunk allready " ?

[MyOldScottsdale23]

I actually sold a 2008 LTZ Duramax Crew and bought this truck. So, she isn't complaining yet. What she don't know is I will end up spending it all on this truck eventually.