I know its a somewhat basic question (I read all the search result threads for steering here with no luck), but i'd rather get some input before I start replacing things.

I only drive this truck offroad, and usually slow. But today I took it out on some faster stuff, and the truck likes to pick its own path like it gets hit by a huge gust of wind. I was thinking to grab a new steering stabilizer first, but I doubt that will get it smooth, given I don't have power steering yet.

I bought the truck with 4" skyjacker springs, and they have that big 4" shackle for the front leafs, so i'm thinking that might have some sway side to side that lets the axle steer on its own.

What else would be the common cause for the classic follow the grove type steering (to the power of 10)? Power steering is top on my todo list, just need to figure out all the parts I need for that.

 

im sure you have checked all your steering jouints and rod ends. also you could rule out the axle move ment by simply looking out the window at the relation ship between the tire and the body. it will have a little move ment but not much. also did it shake at around 40 or 45. this could be the rod ends or hub/knuckle bearings wearing out.

 

Well, it even becomes noticeable at about 10-15mph. I'll get it on some jacks tomorrow to check play in the joints. Other than that, its hard to call. Hopefully someone had the same symptoms and solved it.

I know it's a 80', but I've ridden in a few with pretty solid steering. Mine rides alot smoother than most with these springs, the steering is the only thing making it feel old.

 

That 4" shackle, is that 4" center to center or 4" longer than stock (stock is ~3-3/8')?
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml#FAQ4

If 4" longer than stock, likely your caster angle has been changed about 4 degrees:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...es.shtml#FAQ12

and that can affect steering.

 

mine dont like the road ether but most of it is an ilusion. i dont have sway bars and i run the tires at 9psi. it will roll and move alot going down the road. you have to pay close atention the whole time. i dont know what tires you are running but i had my 32x11.5 sx's on 7" rims and when i went to 8" rims it helped alot, got more tire on the road. but it still dont like it much.

 

Worn out front leaf spring bushings can cause "wander", also.

 

My bad, the shackle is 6" eye to eye.

I've got 33x14's now on 10" rims, planning to get some 33x12.5 on 8".

Maybe what i'll do is gather all the parts for power steering, and see how it is with that.

 

yah I would like to know to solve this too. I never replaced my front leaf spring bushing .

 

Hmm check all your ends make sure its all tight, make sure the front ubolts are tight. A truck will have a natural tendency to wander with a locked rear. When i welded mine and put tsl's on it started going all over the place.

Power steering would help a lot too, i just did the conversion and i have SO much more control and i only need one hand to steer instead of my whole upper body hahah.

 

you mind if I pick your brain for EVERY part I need for that conversion? lol

Get this, my truck likes to pop out of reverse unless I hold the shifter while I reverse. Now imagine trying to back down a tight trail with no power steering and holding the shifter back....fun! xD

 

when you go to power steering,it mould be to your benifit to go with an IFS box and cross over steering. this will eliminate the posh pull steering. which, i just thought about, may be part of your problem. this will also give you the option for hydro assist later on down the road. other than that you just need the pump, resivour, hoses, and you may need to check on the crank pully. as it may run off a diffrent belt.

 

I hear you on that! I've caught myself having to decide if I'm going to let my coffee spill & turn with two hands, or hold the coffee and hope I have enough strength to turn the wheel with one hand. Especially bad pulling out of a parking spot in front of the coffee place. Not easy to make a 90 degree turn at 1-2mph with one hand. Come to think of it it's not easy with two...

Al, I'm glad to hear the power steering made that big of a difference on your truck. Even more motivation to finally install my power steering box. Only been sitting in my garage since Feb...I definitely know about the full upper body steering.