73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: Thundergun on September 30, 2014, 10:24:25 pm
-
Hi guys. First off thanks so much for all the great info on this forum!!
Okay i identified a serious amount of slop in my steering - it's this rod that goes between the steering box and ?. I can see the slop at the bushings.
I just don't know what part it is? Also, the truck is lifted 4" - do i need a different part?
-
Here are some more photos.
-
ok im not sure what part your talking about think i know but not 100% but lets play connect the dots.
you have the steering box, then you have the pitman arm, after that you have the front drag link, then adjusting sleeve, then rear drag link and thats connected to the steering arm
-
It appears that in all of your pics, especially the first one, that the FRONT drag link is just about in the middle of each image.
I'm guessing that's the part you are referring too?? I'm gonna say that Irish is probably thinking the same thing?
Try posting another pic with something pointing too or touching(I.e. your finger) the part in question.
-
Your leaf spring does not look to good either. If that is a four inch lift spring it has seen some serious wheeling or you have definitely got your use out of it. As for your steering issue I would say you are talking about the drag link in between your pitman arm at your steering box and steering arm at your axle.
-
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/timthescarred/Steering3.jpg)
Top to Bottom:
Pitman Arm
Front Drag Link
Adjusting Sleeve
Rear Drag Link
Steering Arm
-
Thanks a ton guys!
First, yes i apologize for not being clearer. But you guys nailed it. Okay the front drag link it is. I see significant play in the bushings of that part.
Yes, i believe the front leaf springs need to be replaced, along with a lot of bushings and several other parts.
Now, can anyone tell me if it looks like all the correct steering parts are in place to accommodate a 4" lift?
Also, can anyone direct me to a good place to get a new drag link? or can i just replace the bushings?
Thanks!!
-
ok im not sure what part your talking about think i know but not 100% but lets play connect the dots.
you have the steering box, then you have the pitman arm, after that you have the front drag link, then adjusting sleeve, then rear drag link and thats connected to the steering arm
Thanks Irish! Drag link it is. Can you tell me where i might be able to find a good replacement?
-
It appears that in all of your pics, especially the first one, that the FRONT drag link is just about in the middle of each image.
I'm guessing that's the part you are referring too?? I'm gonna say that Irish is probably thinking the same thing?
Try posting another pic with something pointing too or touching(I.e. your finger) the part in question.
Thanks LTZ. You are correct, it's the drag link as others identified below. Yes, next time i will take better pics or at least point to it!
-
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/timthescarred/Steering3.jpg)
Top to Bottom:
Pitman Arm
Front Drag Link
Adjusting Sleeve
Rear Drag Link
Steering Arm
Thank you for posting this labeled diagram! The drag link it is. Much appreciated and I will do a better job with the pics I post in the future.
-
You should be able to buy the parts at Napa, O'reillys etc.
I was looking at the middle pic and noticed that your leaf spring has an issue. You really need to look at it. I suggest that you support the frame,take the U-bolts loose, lower the front end and look closely at the leaf spring. Just a thought.
-
You should be able to buy the parts at Napa, O'reillys etc.
I was looking at the middle pic and noticed that your leaf spring has an issue. You really need to look at it. I suggest that you support the frame,take the U-bolts loose, lower the front end and look closely at the leaf spring. Just a thought.
Thanks Don. Will do. The truck sits lower in the front and you can see the leafs are sagging significantly. New front leafs are near the top of the list of things to buy (a never ending list).
is that what you are referring to? Or do you see something else?
-
Thanks Don. Will do. The truck sits lower in the front and you can see the leafs are sagging significantly. New front leafs are near the top of the list of things to buy (a never ending list).
is that what you are referring to? Or do you see something else?
I suspect a vey serious problem that needs to be put at the top of the list. As in, if you were my 15 year old son- that is looked at first before it moves out of the driveway again. I would bet money that the bottom leaf is broken. The reason I say this is because there is a gap on the bottom leaf near the front of the spring and the spring looks like a V instead of having an arch to it.
I had a broken leaf spring in the rear and it looked exactly like yours. I bet that once you take it apart you will see that the spring is cracked across the leaf. Look at it closely and see if there is a crack on the side right behind the U-bolt. If there isn't one, it is probably cracked between the two U-bolts where you can't see it. I could be wrong and maybe the spring is "tired". Does the other side look like this as well?
-
Thanks Don. Will do. The truck sits lower in the front and you can see the leafs are sagging significantly. New front leafs are near the top of the list of things to buy (a never ending list).
is that what you are referring to? Or do you see something else?
I suspect a vey serious problem that needs to be put at the top of the list. As in, if you were my 15 year old son- that is looked at first before it moves out of the driveway again. I would bet money that the bottom leaf is broken. The reason I say this is because there is a gap on the bottom leaf near the front of the spring and the spring looks like a V instead of having an arch to it.
I had a broken leaf spring in the rear and it looked exactly like yours. I bet that once you take it apart you will see that the spring is cracked across the leaf. Look at it closely and see if there is a crack on the side right behind the U-bolt. If there isn't one, it is probably cracked between the two U-bolts where you can't see it. I could be wrong and maybe the spring is "tired". Does the other side look like this as well?
Thanks Don. yes the other side looks the same. Thankfully the truck is a project truck and doesn't get driven. But this will get priority as this is a serious problem. Thanks for bringing this up. I knew it sagged, but didn't think too much of it. But your probably right. I'll report back once i get a look at it. Actually, I'll probably just buy new front springs and replace them regardless.
-
Your welcome. There actually wasn't anything wrong with your pictures. We just knew that you didn't know what it was called, did your best to explain and we were able to figure it out with a little investigation.
The only reason I suggested pointing was to make sure we are all on the same page and we are so problem solved!
Now I would definitely get a look at that spring and let us know what you find.