Sketchy Power Steering

[WranglerTJForum]

Okay, so maybe one of you guys knows the answer to this.

My 1973 K10 truck has power steering but it's a bit "flighty" (for lack of a better word) at higher speeds. It feels sloppy, not very precise, and the faster you go the more sketchy it feels.

I would like to upgrade the steering in such a way that it feels more modern. I'm guessing that the solution to this is a better power steering pump.

I found this one:

Quick Ratio Chevy K10 Power Steering Box

For 1968-1986 Chevy/GMC K-Series & 1987-1991 Chevy/GMC V-Series Borgeson Street & Performance Quick Ratio Chevy K10 Power Steering Box. Borgeson Universal now offers an all new modern quick ratio power steering box to replace the Saginaw/Delphi 800 series in 68-86 Chevy K10 trucks. This all new...

squarebodysyndicate.com

Not sure if that's what I need or if there are better options. Just wanted to pick your guys' brains since I'm new to these trucks.

 

[Shoote]

Have you checked the steering linkages for excessive play and the frame for cracks where the gear box mounts? Are the tires good?

 

[WranglerTJForum]

Have you checked the steering linkages for excessive play and the frame for cracks where the gear box mounts? Are the tires good?

Tires are brand new. I'll check the linkages and frame. I'll do a dry steering test while my wife rotates the steering wheel side-to-side.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Check ball joints and wheel bearing adjustment as well.

 

[Andronikos]

More caster will feel much more stable at higher speeds, and toe out will feel squirrely. Make sure stuffs not worn out and get an alignment.

 

[ali_c20]

K trucks will never drive like C trucks, even with everything in top condition. 2 Solid axles on 4 leaf springs is the same design as a coach.

 

[Red3833]

This is what worked for me,,
Red Head steering box
(I’ve had it in for almost 4 years now). Great customer service
Jeep XJ steering shaft
They aren’t that expensive
When you install it you’ll understand
this part, forget about the plastic piece in the middle, once it is in drill a small hole through both shafts and put nut and bolt in
Pitman Arm
make sure your pitman arm is level,
That angle makes a lot of difference in the geometry
I also changed all the tie rod ends but Red head, XJ, Pitman, made the biggest difference. I have 35s,4” lift
And less than a quarter turn of play in steering
These trucks will never be perfect
but mine is pretty close
hope this helps

 

[Rusty Nail]

Im with dude on the caster.
If that is unsatisfactory, there are any number of avenues in which to spend money.

Better then continue guessing which parts you want to buy...we can skip all that if you simply share your budget.

Just say how mush monies u want to spend AND THEN we can talk about new truck parts to "modernize" your new 50 year old truck!
Right this way Sir

 

[WranglerTJForum]

I've checked it out and everything looks good from what I can tell. Ball joints, wheel bearings, bushings, etc. I'm going to find a reputable alignment shop and have them check the alignment / caster to see what it comes back at.

I guess if that doesn't fix things, I could always go this route

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[Ricko1966]

Changing a steering box and replacing the steering coupler with a ujoint shaft will not fix,sloppy ball joints,worn out tie rod ends,worn out suspension bushings,worn out wheel bearings and a bad alignment. 1st things 1st make sure all your O E stuff is in good condition and alignment is good

 

[saltdog]

Echo all of the above. plus check for loose steering gear bolts to frame. Any looseness will make it super squirrelly esp at speed. Easy to check -rotate steering shaft back and forth while observing for any steering gear to frame movement.

 

[saltdog]

Its really a good idea to check the torque on everything too. Once you know torque is good you can apply "witness paint" to make sure nothing changes or if it does- its easy to see. Basically the paint line breaks if anything moves. Here's what I used and did for my steering box

 

[Rusty Nail]

Omg pictures?

YUNOHAZPIXNOOB