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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: bmaier on July 30, 2008, 12:04:39 am

Title: steering wheel position
Post by: bmaier on July 30, 2008, 12:04:39 am

over the past weekend i changed my front leaf springs, shocks, and the power steering pump w/ a new pulley. everything works and runs perfectly. however, when i was out driving my pickup i noticed i had to hold the steering wheel in a different position to steer straight. before all this the steering wheel was centered (the bowtie in the middle was straight across) and now to steer straight the bowtie is about 45 degrees off. anyone know what happened and if this is bad? what should i do?  ???

Title: Re: steering wheel position
Post by: VileZambonie on July 30, 2008, 08:26:28 am

Just adjust the drag link until it's straight again. The drag link connects the pitman arm to the steering arm

Title: Re: steering wheel position
Post by: HAULIN IT on July 30, 2008, 09:10:58 am

B, What happened is this... The springs were sagging/sagged & someone adjusted the toe & made the steering wheel straight across. Now that you have raised the truck by installing the new springs, the drag link from the box to the Left knuckle is at more of an angle. Your toe is still the same, just the steering wheel is now tilted, as Vile said "adjust as needed". Lorne

Title: Re: steering wheel position
Post by: bmaier on July 30, 2008, 06:37:03 pm

i havent looked at it in detail but that drag link is fairly easy to adjust isn't it?

Title: Re: steering wheel position
Post by: HAULIN IT on July 30, 2008, 10:15:29 pm

Yes, assuming it's not all rusted up. You just loosen the pinch bolts on each end of the sleeve & turn it, tighten the bolts. It may take a couple times to get it just right.