steering

[tsn98]

On my 87 V10, I have found there is a lot of play in my steering which makes it a two handed driver which isn't terrible but can be annoying. Even sometimes with two hands I still have to turn the wheel back and forth a little to make sure it stays in a straight line. Any way I can tighten this up or fix it? Don't expect it to be perfect but it would make it easier to drive if there wasn't the play. Thanks!

 

[Georgeb]

On my 87 V10, I have found there is a lot of play in my steering which makes it a two handed driver which isn't terrible but can be annoying. Even sometimes with two hands I still have to turn the wheel back and forth a little to make sure it stays in a straight line. Any way I can tighten this up or fix it? Don't expect it to be perfect but it would make it easier to drive if there wasn't the play. Thanks!

First thing you need to do is have someone rock the wheel back and forth while you look for sloppy components. Look at the tie rod ends, idler arm and pitman arm. Then check for slop in the steering box. Any number of those components could add up to that slop in the wheel. You may also want to look at the rag joint in the steering shaft.

 

[jetman]

Georgeb is right, whatever else may need to do, punt the rag joint, http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1812&highlight=jeep+steering . You will be glad you did.
As stated, rock it back and forth via steering shaft, identify the most worn component, work from there. It's all pretty easy stuff to replace.

 

[tsn98]

Georgeb is right, whatever else may need to do, punt the rag joint, http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1812&highlight=jeep+steering . You will be glad you did.
As stated, rock it back and forth via steering shaft, identify the most worn component, work from there. It's all pretty easy stuff to replace.

First thing you need to do is have someone rock the wheel back and forth while you look for sloppy components. Look at the tie rod ends, idler arm and pitman arm. Then check for slop in the steering box. Any number of those components could add up to that slop in the wheel. You may also want to look at the rag joint in the steering shaft.

Ok. Next time I have some free time I will look into these things and I will report in with any findings or other questions! Thanks

 

[Camar068]

agree with all the above. If it starts acting erratic and pulling left/right on it's own, might wanna have ur axle u joints replaced (might be sticking/stuck like mine were). Mine started doing that, $400 in parts/labor later it was fixed.

You'll notice a big difference with the jeep mod. The jeep shaft should be around $15 depending on where u are. It ellimnates the rag joint all together. A propane torch will do the job when you get to that part. While your in the yard, see if there are more and maybe sell them on here. I've got a spare (bought while in the city) but I can't bring myself to sell it...it works that well lol. That and the yards here think their **** is made of platinum.

Make sure ur draglink is level, look for cracks on your frame in the area where the steering box mounts, and maybe think about the extra frame support below.

http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/steeringkit.htm

 

[Camar068]

agree with all the above. If it starts acting erratic and pulling left/right on it's own, might wanna have ur axle u joints replaced (might be sticking/stuck like mine were). Mine started doing that, $400 in parts/labor later it was fixed.

You'll notice a big difference with the jeep mod. The jeep shaft should be around $15 depending on where u are. It ellimnates the rag joint all together. A propane torch will do the job when you get to that part. While your in the yard, see if there are more and maybe sell them on here. I've got a spare (bought while in the city) but I can't bring myself to sell it...it works that well lol. That and the yards here think their **** is made of platinum.

Make sure ur draglink is level, look for cracks on your frame in the area where the steering box mounts, and maybe think about the extra frame support below.

http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/steeringkit.htm

10 yrs later, same symptom same fix. U joints out again. Picking it up tomorrow. Shop verified nothing loose or worn steering wise yesterday so I went home to ponder on it. Last night I googled "86 K10 erratic steering".....which brought me to my own post lol.

 

[Camar068]

That was the issue....lack of maintenance on my part.

 

[Keith Seymore]

Even when they were new we would get some complaints about this.

After everything is well maintained, I would suggest:

a) Make sure the ball joints are not sticky. That can cause the front to be hard to control

b) Make sure the steering gear is tight. 12 in-lbs baseline setting, with 20 in lbs "overcenter".

c) Jack the caster way up. Like 10 degrees (or may I even say 12 degrees).

That would usually fix a customer complaint truck that the dealer was unable to fix.

K