Loosing steering!!

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idahovette

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Did you get a print out from the shop that did the alignment? Tell us what it says or show us a picture of it showing the settings
 

damncajun

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Did you get a print out from the shop that did the alignment? Tell us what it says or show us a picture of it showing the settings
They didn't give me a printout with the numbers. I believe all he did was adjust the toe. Said there wasnt much to aligning these old trucks

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idahovette

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Too bad , looking at the caster/camber numbers could have given us a better idea if the angles were good. Does it have a steering stabilizer on it and how are the tires wear and pressure wise ?
 

bucket

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What's the size and type of tires? Did they happen to mention what the tow-in was set to?
 

damncajun

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Too bad , looking at the caster/camber numbers could have given us a better idea if the angles were good. Does it have a steering stabilizer on it and how are the tires wear and pressure wise ?
Brand new:
dual stabilizers
Sway bar bushings
Tie rod and ball joints
Knuckle ball joints, uppers and lowers
Drag link bar (adjustable)
Steering arm [4" lift]
Steering box
U-Joint steering shaft

Tires are new and properly pressured. So wear isn't available.

The only thing I know wrong with the steering components left is the pump. It leaks pretty good. I need to replace it for sure but would this cause the steering to act this way???

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damncajun

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What's the size and type of tires? Did they happen to mention what the tow-in was set to?
35s. They did not.

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idahovette

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Is the steering real free and easy feeling? Possible pressure regulator valve in the pump?
 

damncajun

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Is the steering real free and easy feeling? Possible pressure regulator valve in the pump?
Yes. Free play for about 3 inches either way before the wheels react.

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bucket

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The free play that you feel is only while driving, right? Three inches slop in either direction while parked should be very easy to find the problem.

If it's just what you feel while driving, it could just be a combo of the large tires and a crappy steering box. I know it just got replaced, but they often get a crap reman job.

Also, your tow-in as measured from the tread should be around a 1/4 inch or slightly more.

The tires aren't swampers are they?
 

damncajun

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The free play that you feel is only while driving, right? Three inches slop in either direction while parked should be very easy to find the problem.

If it's just what you feel while driving, it could just be a combo of the large tires and a crappy steering box. I know it just got replaced, but they often get a crap reman job.

Also, your tow-in as measured from the tread should be around a 1/4 inch or slightly more.

The tires aren't swampers are they?
BFG KO2s.
The issue is the same before and after I replaced all the parts. And its noticable while parked and driving.

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damncajun

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The only part I have not replaced is the power steering. Its leaking bad and whines when turned all the way. It also "binds" if you turn the wheel too fast. I'm hoping this is the culprit. Its literally the last piece of the puzzle.

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bucket

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Without having it in front of me, I'm sticking with my same thoughts.

Sloppy steering box, frame flex or maybe a combination of one of those and improper tow-in.

The power steering pump can cause a similar issue, but I've only seen that once or maybe twice. It's certainly not common and it wouldn't cause an issue when parked.
 

idahovette

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A lot of Reman boxes are notorious for being looser than your original. I'm with Bucket if it's loose standing still you've got problems in the gear or linkage.
 

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Stop tossing parts at it! Go to a Firestone and tell them you want a Complete Vehicle Inspection, and tell them the sloppy steering is your main concern. This used to be 19.99 for the inspection. Also, ask for an alignment check with a printout. That also used to be 19.99. Some places will do it for free. Post the printout here. I wouldn't go back to that alignment shop ever again. They are BSing you when they say there's not much to align. Full camber and caster are adjustable with shims. They either don't want to spend the time to properly adjust it, or they don't have a tech that is an old fart, and has done a bazillion of them. Plus, (and this is just my opinion) I think it's pretty shady not to provide the customer with a before and after printout, of any alignment work done. That's not cool.

There's still a lot of stuff that could be bad. *** see next post ***Hammered control arm bushings? Worn out control arm shafts? Maybe your shafts are loose, and the shims fell out?(doubtful, it would probably klunk). *** see next post ***Plus everything the guys already mentioned. Anyways, save yourself some cash and time, and get a pro on it. Just my 2 cents trying to help....
 
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Blue Ox

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While I agree with pretty much everything you're saying, you missed the detail that man has a K5 and it doesn't have control arms.

But you are 100% correct that everything has to be checked even if it's not adjustable from the factory.
 

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