73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: NFC002 on December 12, 2012, 04:25:14 pm
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I have a 1980 2wd stepside 350 auto with a tilt wheel
The problem i have is the steering responds to quickly,it doesn't wander or pull when braking,it just turns to fast and when driving on irregular roads it makes it difficult to control when correcting.everything seems tight in the front end.My question is there something wrong or would a steering stabilizer help correct this
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Are you saying that you have no sway in the steering wheel compared to the tires moving ? You turn the steering wheel right and the tires respond in kind, you keep the steering wheel straight and the tires stay straight ?
Or are saying that when driving on irregular roads if you keep the steering wheel straight your truck will wonder all over the road ? Please verify which situation you have.
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Is it the factory gearbox? Get an alignment by a real alignment shop.
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yes i believe its the factory steering box
what is happening is when driving down the road and the truck shifts in the lane for whatever reason when i adjust the wheel the truck responds fast so i end up correcting the opposite way so I'm constantly correcting side to side. if i take my hand off the wheel the truck tracks true until it drifts .my kid is a new driver and I'm afraid he will over correct and loose control. maybe its the box but its not sloppy the steering is just really sensitive thanks
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Steering response being to quick is not one of the things are trucks are known for. Like Vile said, have it aligned by someone who knows what they are doing. There are several things or combination of things that could cause what you are experiencing.
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Sounds like too much tow out on the front alignment. Either get it aligned professionally or do it yourself which can be done but is challenging.
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Sounds like too much tow out on the front alignment. Either get it aligned professionally or do it yourself which can be done but is challenging.
Can you expand on how to do it your self? Not to hijack the thread but my truck pulls to the right and can't afford to pay someone right now. Thanks!
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Do a search on the web for " how to align a vehicle at home", read several articles and decide if you can handle the task.
The worst thing to do is try and not do it right and wear out all 4 of your tires.
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Thanks for the input folks. I'm going to put on a stabilizer because i allready ordered it . it can't hurt and i will also get an alignment. i will post in here again and let you know how it all works out
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Sounds like too much tow out on the front alignment. Either get it aligned professionally or do it yourself which can be done but is challenging.
Can you expand on how to do it your self? Not to hijack the thread but my truck pulls to the right and can't afford to pay someone right now. Thanks!
Here you go.
http://www.carcraft.com/howto/48938/
Jack the front end off the ground. Position the 2x4 so the nail contacts the center of a front tire, then rotate the tire until the nail scribes a line around its entire circumference. Repeat for the other front tire. Lower the car to the ground. Make sure the wheels are facing straight ahead and the steering wheel is centered. Measure the distance between the scribe lines at the front of the tires and at the rear (have a friend hold one end of the tape measure). To minimize tire wear and add stability, shoot for 1/16-inch toe-in (the front measurement should be 1/16-inch less than the rear)
Tips:
1. Ideally done with 2 people but it can be done with 1 person but it's a lot more tedious. Plan on spending an hour or two.
2. Procedure should be done in a large parking spot that's flat and smooth
3. The vehicle should be kept in Neutral and with parking brake NOT engaged
4. Once you get the tow in set, push the vehicle several feet to recheck and correct
5. Once you find out how much work it is, you might decide to never do it again and have the professionals (with the right tools) do it.
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My friend who is a professional mechanic who does a lot of "back yard work" helped me put a new front end in my '84. He lined up the front end using a piece string. He said that was the way his father taught him. When I brought it to a front end shop after about 2000 miles, they lined it up and said it was pretty darn close.
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Check all the suspension bushings and steering joints. Make sure the frame isn't broken. If everything is in decent order take it to an alignment shop.
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Is there any chance you or the p/o changed the power steering pump or box?
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I have a 1980 2wd stepside 350 auto with a tilt wheel
The problem i have is the steering responds to quickly,...
Sounds nice to me!! Sometimes I wish I had something close to this problem.