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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: ah1115 on September 20, 2013, 10:25:18 am

Title: What am I missing?
Post by: ah1115 on September 20, 2013, 10:25:18 am
Im having a lot of play in my steering. The ball joints look to be bad. I'm ordering new upper/lower ball joints & inner out tie rods. Is there anything else you would recommend swapping while this is getting done? Im ordering today so any quick input will be appreciated.
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: bd on September 20, 2013, 10:32:11 am
Check the inside of the frame around the steering box mounting very carefully for cracks.  The 4X4's especially have a tendency to crack there from flexing.  Have someone turn the steering wheel while you watch the gearbox for movement relative to the frame.
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: ah1115 on September 20, 2013, 10:35:24 am
Thanks!
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: bd on September 20, 2013, 11:02:41 am
You're welcome!  I should have added, whether or not the frame is cracked, there are kits available to repair/prevent cracking, but if cracked, require welding.  See Autofab Steering Box Gusset Kit (http://autofab.com/c-335656-browse-by-vehicle-chevy-trucks-blazer.html) and Warrior Products Frame Plates (http://www.warriorproducts.com/catalog-new/catalog/other-truck-suv/undercarriage/chevy-gmc-frame-braces/).
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: ah1115 on September 20, 2013, 11:06:11 am
It doesn't look to be cracked. I was kind of wondering what else should I just swap while im in there. Picked up what I mentioned above and a tie rod sleeve. I think the bigger tires I recently put on just wore all this out.can you believe  Advanced wanted $393 for these parts and Jegs had the same ones for $278. These local parts stores have quite the markup.
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: flips87c30 on September 21, 2013, 11:11:29 am
I would replace all your u-joints in the front while your at it. Front axle u-joints and the front driveshaft. when my front driveshaft u-joing went bad it cracked in half and sent my driveshaft through the bottom of my freshly built transmission. So what Im sayin is always have new u-joints ;D
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: ah1115 on September 21, 2013, 04:05:03 pm
That doesnt sound like a good time. I just might have to take that advice.
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: flips87c30 on September 21, 2013, 11:22:24 pm
Ya I was experiencing death wobble a few weeks back and it turned out to be a siezed up front axle u joint. changing them is cheap insurance.
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: Irish_Alley on September 21, 2013, 11:39:44 pm
flips sound like your double cardan joint failed. they need to be rebuilt also if your tearing it apart. the part number is 612-NUJ. its less than $30 and your drive shaft will be like new. also what type of tires do you have? and have you dont a dry test. get someone to turn/rock the steering wheel and see where it stops moving or where you see a lot of play
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: flips87c30 on September 22, 2013, 09:10:55 am
Death wobble is fixed now it rides like a dream.I replaced all tierod ends and my steering box (it leaked anyway). but the real culprit was my front axle universal.. back when the front driveshaft went, The double joint was fine it was the u-joint in the front that sheared. I had to find a new drive shaft at the junk yard and replaced the u-joint and double joint. After putting in a new transmission.
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: ah1115 on September 22, 2013, 10:38:42 am
Sounds like I better place another order as I have the death wobble as well. I've only had that going down feeling on 2 wheels. I tried to find that Cardan on jegs or advance. Where is that part number from? Also anyone know if this login is for the store login here? I cant seem to access it
Title: Re: What am I missing?
Post by: Irish_Alley on September 22, 2013, 07:34:36 pm
I used it at Napa. They can cross it. Maybe auto zone can cross Napa number but I just felt with Napa on special parts