Loosing steering!!

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damncajun

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So I bought this 76 Blazer with a 4" lift and had wondering, flighty, loose steering. Mainly at the 12 o'clock position back and forth a couple of inches in each direction before the wheels would react to the steering wheel. I figured I need to replace a few parts and I could get it good as new. Well I've replace some major parts and it's still loose!!! Heres what I've done:
Steering arm for 4" lift
Adjustable drag link
Reman LMC steering gear box
Borgeson u-joint steering shaft (no more rag joint)
Dual steering stabilizers

What am I missing?!

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dvdswan

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Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the steering system. You could have worn rag joints, bad TREs (tie-rod ends), or bad ball joints. Do this with the engine off and engine running. IMO this is the best way to find worn steering parts.
 

K201979

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Tie rod ends ?
Bout the only thing left in the steering. Did u have the weight off them when u checked them? I wouldnt think balljoints would give u those symptoms, but maybe:33:
 

damncajun

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Bout the only thing left in the steering. Did u have the weight off them when u checked them? I wouldnt think balljoints would give u those symptoms, but maybe:33:
Reckon I'll replace them and see what happens

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bucket

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Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the steering system. You could have worn rag joints, bad TREs (tie-rod ends), or bad ball joints. Do this with the engine off and engine running. IMO this is the best way to find worn steering parts.


This exactly. Do this before replacing anymore parts.
 

bucket

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Also, if the tow-in is way off, the truck will drive very screwy, similar to how you describe.
 

damncajun

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Also, if the tow-in is way off, the truck will drive very screwy, similar to how you describe.
Is that adjusted by the tie rod?

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K5ride

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I had a 75 K5 with 4 inch lift that felt like that, years ago. I eventually found cracking on the frame where the steering box mounts. Easy fix. There are repair kits available that you weld in. A very common problem on lifted square bodys with big tires. Hope this helps. Let us know when you figure it out. Good luck.
 

damncajun

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I had a 75 K5 with 4 inch lift that felt like that, years ago. I eventually found cracking on the frame where the steering box mounts. Easy fix. There are repair kits available that you weld in. A very common problem on lifted square bodys with big tires. Hope this helps. Let us know when you figure it out. Good luck.
I put a new box on it. The frame is fine. Thanks tho

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Snoots

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Put an ORD frame kit on it anyway.
 

damncajun

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Put an ORD frame kit on it anyway.
Lol. I think I've replaced enough things that aren't broke trying to diagnose this steering.

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damncajun

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Alignment done. Drives straight but steering wheel is still everywhere! Bumb steering and sloppy. There's literally nothing else to replace! I'm getting to wits end here.

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