73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: 87OldYeller on September 02, 2009, 07:48:06 pm

Title: Play in steering
Post by: 87OldYeller on September 02, 2009, 07:48:06 pm: I have a lot of play in my steering, hit a dip or hard bump in the road and the truck is all over the place. I know most of the suspension it is wore out. But I want to go with something better than stock. I will be replacing gear box and all. Any suggestions ?
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: Captkaos on September 02, 2009, 07:54:15 pm: All my trucks get rebuilt with PST bushing if they are 1/2Tons.
As for the steering box, you only option is a rebuilt version of what you have.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: eventhorizon66 on September 02, 2009, 08:01:55 pm: Quote from: Captkaos on September 02, 2009, 07:54:15 pm
All my trucks get rebuilt with PST bushing if they are 1/2Tons.
As for the steering box, you only option is a rebuilt version of what you have.

So I take it you are pleased with the PST bushing kits?
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: Captkaos on September 02, 2009, 08:05:57 pm: Definitely, the R10 will get them next.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: 87OldYeller on September 02, 2009, 08:07:52 pm: I do not know if this exist or not. but a friend of mine has talked about an easy turn gear box, basically it is suppose to be manual steering, but has a different gear ratio, was suppose to be OEM on older model Chevy. I have never heard of this.. anyone????

(Think my friend might be an idiot) *L*
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: 87OldYeller on September 02, 2009, 08:09:44 pm: Cool thanks looking into it now.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: Captkaos on September 02, 2009, 09:56:41 pm: There is only one that is easy to turn and it is the box that comes on them. The manual setup it FAR from easy to turn.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: LOW 1 TON on September 03, 2009, 11:43:13 am: If you are willing to swap out your main front cross member there are 2 companies that make new ones that have rack and pinon to replace all the old steering you have currently. One company is Porter built and the other is Thornebeck. I hear they make a huge difference in the handling.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: Captkaos on September 03, 2009, 03:21:21 pm: Porterbuilt has Corvette setups for these also that bolt in. Although I think they would be more than what you are after as they truck version starts around $1000.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: mooseknuckles on September 06, 2009, 07:15:16 pm: My '86 has some play in the steering too, and I was wondering if a steering box out of a Z28 would bolt up. I haven't really looked at it that closely, but maybe someone else has an idea or a swap that works.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: 87OldYeller on September 07, 2009, 09:11:45 pm: i do not think the bolt up is the same.... But i was looking to do away with power steering.. but looks like i will be keeping it..
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: Captkaos on September 08, 2009, 05:05:27 pm: Camaro box won't work and you DO NOT want to go manual on a 73-87.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: rustys82 on September 08, 2009, 05:46:26 pm: i was looking in the summit catalog and there is power steering box by AGR specifically for our trucks. it is a variable ratio 13:1 for highway and 17:1 for low speed. catalog p/n AGR-244352 found in truck performance section. $369.95
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: Captkaos on September 08, 2009, 05:59:10 pm: The factory ones are variable ratio 13:1 - 17:1. That is a factor rebuilt box. I have one. Call them and they will tell you the same.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: rustys82 on September 08, 2009, 06:58:03 pm: thats good to know. thats also crazy. who needs agr anyway.lol
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: 87OldYeller on September 08, 2009, 07:17:53 pm: Yea looks like i am gonna keep the power. I mean i just put a new pump on it about a month a go.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: psychomidgit on September 15, 2009, 09:29:54 am: Well, maybe you could look into ORD's crossover steering setup. That's one of the things I was thinking about considering my whole front end is shot too. It's supposed to significantly tighten the steering up from stock. Does anyone know about or have any experience with that? ???
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: Captkaos on September 15, 2009, 05:15:32 pm: Can't do crossover on a 2 Wheel drive.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: psychomidgit on September 16, 2009, 06:58:03 am: Oops, lol.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: 87OldYeller on October 21, 2009, 07:20:19 pm: Well i was changing out my wheels and tires again today, after i jacked up one side to remove the passenger side front tire while it was bolted on i pushed and pulled on it and the idler arm is wore out bad it has a-lot of play in it.(up down and side to side) So looks like that is most of the problem.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: 69byrd on October 21, 2009, 08:45:05 pm: On my truck both the idler arm and the pitman arm were wore out. I replaced both of them and the play in my steering went away.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: 1980c10 on October 21, 2009, 08:57:31 pm: I replaced both my pitman arm and idler arm, both ball joints, and three tie-rod ends. i also replaced all of my shocks and replaced my front springs with belltech 2" drop springs. I also removed some leaves from the rear springs, shackles and a new set of tires tires. used to be pretty wild to take down the road. now it is really good, very comparable to a newer truck. my recommendation is to fix what you know is worn and go from there. You may just be happy with your handling after the bad stuff is taken out of the equation and front end replacement parts are cheap for these trucks.
Title: Re: Play in steering
Post by: 69byrd on October 21, 2009, 09:02:58 pm: I agree with you on the ride quality after rebuilding the front end. Mine rides better than my new truck.