I have a 92 4x4 basic with a 5inch rough country lift. I have gone through the entire suspension system and replaced everything that showed wear. I had the stock rear springs rebushed and the front a arms bushed. I replaced all the ball joints and the outside tierod ends on both sides. I have brand new Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ`S 33 12.5 15 `s on aluminum wheels. I had them balanced and have checked the tire pressure.

The problem:

While at high speeds when the truck hits a bump it is downright scary how much it pitches and wanders. My steering has about 2 inches of dead steer in the wheel, meaning that from dead strait to turn the wheels there is a dead spot before the wheel turns. I wouldnt even say it doesnt turn, more that it requires alot more input to get them to turn.

One thing I did notice when I was redoing the front end was that the swaybar was very rusty under the bushings. After sand blasting the rust away the swaybar wasnt very snug to the bushings. Plus I replaced the swaybar links with a set from energy suspension, but they were a set for "all trucks"

My question is can the jumping around be caused by the swaybar being incorrectly installed/not fitted to the bushings snugg? Or perhaps the links didnt tighten up enough?

 

You probably would barely even notice if you took the sway bar off

Go back through everything and find why you have slop in the steering wheel, that is most likey your problem. May as well check the steering stabalizer while your at it.

 

Sounds like you need some New shocks and an alignment. the dead spot could be your power steering box getting bad.

 

All the shocks are new including the duel stabilizers up front. Less that 100 miles on them. tires have 75 miles on them and the alignment is 50 miles or so old.

I am stumped. only thing left as you said is the steering box....

 

Well that must be it then

 

LOL .. I was hoping it was a common issue that didnt require me to take apart the steering again. Although the local PAP has a tilt wheel I am thinking of grabbing for my truck. but it is gray and mine is blue : /

 

they make paint! get it dude.

 

Painting a steering wheel
That wouldnt work out to well....think about it...

 

he can use his old wheel. and paint the column plastic.

 

Oh yeah i got ya