wandering steering 86 Chev K-20

[lmbrjack]

Can someone please help an old guy that is about broke and does not know what to do next?  I bought an 86 Chev K-20 that I want to restore, but first, I want to get it driveable. It wanders from side to side when driving on uneven pavement. I have replaced ball joints, tie rod ends, drag links, repacked wheel bearings,rag joint good,steering column has no play.  Replaced tires, front end alignment,replaced steering box 4 times--2 from Auto Zone, and 2 from local Chevy dealer--all remans.(can't find new old stock); replaced all spring bushings and shackles. When motor is off, there is about 2 1/2 to 3inches of play before the wheels start to move; with engine running, there is about 2-2 1/2 inches before the wheels start turning; I give up!  I took it to local Chevy dealer; for $80 he would do a diagnostic on steering and suspension.  Dealer said front not in alignment with back end. He said from left side to right side. there was 1  inch difference in  between front and back. I do not believe that this would cause play in the steering;  Steering works easy.  I was wandering if the pump would have enough pressure to make the steering work, but not enough to keep the play out when the motor is running. Please help!

[Irish_Alley]

How bad does it wander. When its off and you turn the steering wheel wheres the slop at before the wheel turns. Myabe its be but a stock wheel 3" of play doesn't seam much

[lmbrjack]

It will wander across the lane if you let it.

[zieg85]

Has the front axle u-joints been checked?  If they are frozen this could contribute to your problem.

[lmbrjack]

axle u joints are fine; had them out when repacking wheel bearings and changed the ball joints.

[Irish_Alley]

Does it pull or just goes wherever it wants due to the road

[zieg85]

Bias ply tires? 

[lmbrjack]

Goes wherever wants

[lmbrjack]

Radial 10 ply mud and snow, new

[topp]

Check the rag joint. While someone else turns the wheel letting you know when they start turning, until you see the box start turning.  You'll find play there.

Also, check the steering box to frame bolts, and behind the box for cracks.

Both of these problems will cause wander like that on a K series vehicle.

[lmbrjack]

Rag joint is in good shape--no play; changed box4times; frame is perfect, no cracks;

[zieg85]

If your caster and camber readings are close to zero that would also cause wandering.

[VileZambonie]

You gave the answer to your problem in your description. You said you can turn the wheel back and forth about 2.5 inches before the wheel moves. That's too much play. Have an assistant rock the wheel back and forth while you observe the steering shaft, the coupler, the pitman arm, the drag link, steering arm etc.

[lmbrjack]

I checked steering column, rag joint;  The play is in the steering box itself. I changed it 4 times already.  None of them corrected the problem.  Is it possible that the steering pump itself is producing enough pressure to make the steering easy but not to take the play out? Is there a way to check pressure reading on the pump and what should that pressure reading be?

[VileZambonie]

Pump pressure has nothing to do with play. The truck should be off with the wheels on the ground when you do a dry park check. Have an assistant rock the wheel back and forth and if you see the shaft rotating but the pitman arm isn't moving (wheels pointed straight ahead) then yes the play is in the box. Check it again.