Steering wander

[goalie29]

I have the dreaded steering wander. I've changed out everything but the pitman arm and the steering rag joint. My question: How hard is it to change the pitman and can the rag joint be replaced?

Any input is appreciated.

Bill Ankerholtz
93 Ty

 

[JSM]

If you replace everything and it still tends to wander, have the alignment shop put in more caster.

On the coil-overs I have found our trucks like more caster, without affecting anything else.

More caster = vehicle wants to go straight.

 

[dgoodhue]

I have found the stock suspension doesn't seem to like much wider then stock tires. I found many SyTy owner who's truck wonder with 275's.

 

[#2875]

i agree with the alignment theory. when your wheels are at different positions in (vertical) suspension travel, the steering linkage from tie rod end to opposite end will say the same distance causing your both wheels to point in or out. if your alignment is off it will cause your truck to follow every little crack in the road like a bobsled. i haven't found anyone in my home town that can do a decent alignment (i've tried 7 different shops/dealerships). the newest hot rod (magazine) has an article that shows you how to do your own alignment using crap from a hardware store and off the floor of your garage. it's my bet your wheels have too much toe in or toe out. i'm no expert but i'm pretty sure you can check this with a couple of sticks, some duct tape or 2 friends, and a tape measure. if you're anal retentive go to a local machine shop and borrow some large calipers. good luck.

 

[goalie29]

Had an alignment a few months ago. The wander is pretty bad. Seems that quite a few people have changed out their steering shaft. I'm thinking that my rag joint may be worn. Can this be replaced?

 

[MikeRenz]

did someone say steerin shaft? :lol:

yes, the steering shaft and the lower ratio steering box play factors in our sloppy steering. Get yourself a ZQ8 steering box, and get rid of the rag jointed steering shaft.

 

[#2875]

if i were you, i would have/would check all of these things before you just start rampantly changing out shit... unless you don't like money.

 

[JSM]

Had an alignment a few months ago. The wander is pretty bad. Seems that quite a few people have changed out their steering shaft. I'm thinking that my rag joint may be worn. Can this be replaced?

Just because someone put your truck on rack, and messed with some bolts doesn't always equal a good alignment.

I gave up 2 years ago on alignment shops and bought my own tools to do it. Takes a bit longer than the just sit in chair as someone messes your truck up, but it works great.

Of course a good alignment is impossible if stuff is worn out as others have mentioned.

 

[#2875]

again i must agree with jeff; just because someone gave you an alignment and took your $45 doesn't mean it's right. CHECK IT!

 

[Zewerr@hotmail.com]

You can try tightening up the play in the gearbox. It's pretty easy with basic hand tools.

 

[Tydriver]

You can try tightening up the play in the gearbox. It's pretty easy with basic hand tools.

When tightening the set screw and nut assembly on the steering box I noted that the wheel did NOT want to return to center or neutral position. Generally speaking, alot of suspension/steering places suggest that you do NOT make big adjustments here, I only went 1/2 turn and got less than favorable results.

I'd consider having more caster dialed in as well, I did this on my steering box with NO APPRECIABLE results. Then I contacted the people at www.powersteering.com and sent them my box. I had it converted to a quick (corvette) ratio box and sent back. This still did NOT help. I also eliminated the Rag-joint setup with a steering shaft and pinion bearings from www.flamingriver.com and that still did not help. All of this was completed after I rebuilt the front end and replaced the idler arm. When I rebuilt the front end I did the complete PST poly kit. So I guess what I can say here is, I DID everything related to the front end that a person can do and my truck still wanders :banghead: the only thing I have NOT done is add more caster other than the stock specs. Once the LS6 conversion is done and it runs again and it is still wandering (I know it will) I plan on this next.

 

[JSM]

[quote="TydriverOnce the LS6 conversion is done and it runs again and it is still wandering (I know it will) I plan on this next.[/quote]

It won't have that problem once I get done.

Granted big tires will always grip things a bit more. Make sure all the other stuff is good, then have the alignment shop put in as much caster as possible. (you will get about 6-7deg).

What do you have to lose? $49 alignment cost?

Or you could buy the level and do it yourself, and never need to pay again to have it done. ~$150.

 

[InvisiBill]

From http://www.syty.org/old/clean.html#Maint

Stock specs, as given in the manual:
            Caster  Camber  Toe     Cross Camber    Cross Caster
Left        +3.5    0.0     0.15    N/A             N/A
Right       +3.5    0.0     0.15    N/A             N/A
Tolerance   0.50    0.50    0.05    0.50            0.50

Enhanced Specs:
            Caster  Camber  Toe     Cross Camber    Cross Caster
Left        +3.5    -0.3    0.08    N/A             N/A
Right       +3.5    -0.3    0.08    N/A             N/A
Tolerance   0.00    0.00    0.06    0.30            0.30

You say to go with as much caster as possible, like 6-7? I print out this table when I get it aligned, and get their results printout when they're done. Removes as much chance of screwup as possible, and allows me to verify what they did.

What do you have to lose? $49 alignment cost?

Or you could buy the level and do it yourself, and never need to pay again to have it done. ~$150.

FYI, if you spend enough at Firestone, and the manager likes your truck, they'll throw in the lifetime alignment for the price of the regular alignment. =) With the way S-trucks eat front suspensions, that lifetime alignment is one of the best things I've ever bought.

 

[goalie29]

I'll probably getting a new alignment in the next month or so. I'd also like to replace the steering shaft. Where can I get one?

Bill

 

[#2875]

what's wrong with the one you have?

 

[lavaman]

[quote="TydriverOnce the LS6 conversion is done and it runs again and it is still wandering (I know it will) I plan on this next.

It won't have that problem once I get done.

Granted big tires will always grip things a bit more. Make sure all the other stuff is good, then have the alignment shop put in as much caster as possible. (you will get about 6-7deg).

What do you have to lose? $49 alignment cost?

Or you could buy the level and do it yourself, and never need to pay again to have it done. ~$150.[/quote]
**********************************************
Hey can ya list the special tools ya needed to buy for DIY aligning?

 

[JSM]

I have a gauge similar to this.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/saferacer_1821_294351

do a google search for caster camber gauge you will find several.

~$150.

Gauge comes with instructions for caster/camber. You do toe in/out last and that can be done with simple tape measure.

Key is to take you time and think through it as the bolts adjust both caster and camber at the same time and affect each other.

 

[lavaman]

Jeff,
I seen 'em in Racer Parts Wholesale, Intercomp, Mittler Bros. catalogs...so all I need is the Gauge and Magnetic adapter and I'll be all set??

Thanks for the info. Jeff! :tup:

 

[JSM]

I have the magnetic adaptor, but build an aluminum piece I strap to the wheel.

The best would be to find the right thread size so it can screw on the end of the axle. Magnetic adaptor on aluminum rims for some reason doesn't work. :tdown:

 

[Tydriver]

Magnetic adaptor on aluminum rims for some reason doesn't work. :tdown:

Awww come on, just goto Sears, pony up for an Aluminum Magnet, they are in the same aisle as the Stainless magnets !! They are cheap, if you cant find them ask the sales person, if he cant find them.. Ask him to get the manager. They aren't sold all that often so they are probably somewhat hidden :tup: