73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: BULLDOG on March 15, 2011, 03:48:58 pm
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So how do you tell what parts are worn out on the front end of a 83 k20?
Right now the truck wonnderes a little and there is a slight shimmy.
How can I tell if its the ball joints or the tie rod ends or the steering box or maybe bushigs?
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First do what they call a dry test. Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth with the truck off and inspect all the front suspension parts, then you should be able to see if something is excessively loose or not.
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the parts you will be you pitman arm(attached to steering box), idler arm(the other frame rail about same position as pitman), inner and outer tie rod end both sides. with the truck off the ground, grab the front tire right side and left side, move back and forth, listen for a clunk and feel for play. if you have some check the previous mentioned parts,
Use the same test except grab tire tire top and bottom, if this fails check the wheel bearing.
this is a good test anytime your truck is lifted off the ground, only takes a few seconds.
but also do as bake '74 says in your situation
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So what kind of ball joint and tie rod ends do you all use and bushings and who makes a good steering box?
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I use moog.
Don't you have a solid front axle?
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Yep solid axil
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also after i replaced my ball joints and wheel bearings on my k10 it still wandered my steering stabilizer was shot i changed it and all was right with the world it helped the most in my opinion