Truck tilts when steering

[Griff]

Hey guys I tried using the search but couldn’t find anything, sorry if it’s been asked before...

I have a 79 k1500 with (what I believe to be) a 4” leaf spring lift.

When turning under load the whole truck tilts (the frame moves up from the front axle).
I have a raised steering arm and my drag link matches the leaf angle. I ordered a 2” drop pitman arm but it’s on back order until December

I’m just looking for some advice, any input is appreciated.
Is this normal? Is this even a concern? Personally I don’t care if the Truck tilts a bit when turning but the mechanic doing my (3rd) safety failed it because of this and this only. Would a level drag link from a drop pitman arm even fix the issue? I don’t know what to do. Here’s some pics, don’t mind the green frame, P.O. painted everything lime green and I’m still in the process of rock guarding it. Thank you!

Griff

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[bucket]

That looks to be more in the 6" lift range, based on the spring arc. The drop pitman arm should help, although some amount of body lean is normal if you aren't rolling.

 

[Griff]

As always thank you bucket for the quick and helpful response! Hopefully someday I can pay it back and help you with something lol.

With the tires on the ground, and a straight edge from eye to eye it measures 4.5” from the top of the leaf pack to the straight edge and 6.5” from the bottom of the leaf pack. Would that be a 4 or 6” lift? I figured 4” because I have 4” blocks under the rear but those springs might also be lifted

I also have shims under the front leafs I’m not sure if that makes any difference to the steering issue.

 

[73c20jim]

Bigger front sway bar??????

 

[bucket]

I've had a few trucks with a 4 inch lift, the springs have all been much closer to flat than those.

 

[Griff]

I think you’re right, my room mates got an 85 with a 6” lift and the leafs look the same as mine.

Alternatively I could go for a drop drag link but I think they’re about $300 and the pitman arm was $200... really wish the scrap yards around here had more squarebodies

Anyway I’ll talk to the mechanic on Monday and see what he says... wish me luck lol

 

[Chaz]

15 inch from top of axle shaft to bottom of frame is 6 inch lift...6inch tc ez ride srings.....

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[Chaz]

Full left turn or full right turn i still have 15 inches between top of axle and bottom of frame......

 

[Chaz]

And no sway bar hahah.....i was told drop pitman arms are bad......i just have the 4in raised steering arm

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[Chaz]

Second two pics are the full left and right turn showin the frame height

 

[Craig 85]

My last truck was a '79 K15 with a 4" Tuff Country EZ Ride front spring. It did the same thing you describe when standing still and turning lock to lock. I verified everything was tight, since I replaced all the steering parts when I put the lift in. The rear had the standard 6 leaf pack with a 4" block. Here are some measurements I took before getting rid of it. Measurements were to the center of the hubs.

1979 K15 4" lift Front Rear
Hub to fender lip 26.75 24.75
Hub to body line 32.0 32.0 Upper trim

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[bucket]

There's nothing at all wrong with a drop pitman arm. A drop drag link though, now that POS is a joke. The ONLY thing it does is fix the angle on the joints themselves, it does NOTHING to change the steering geometry. And you have to remove an end to adjust it.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Does it do this when stationary or moving?

 

[Griff]

That’s a fancy lookin tape measure does it glow in the dark or something? Lol

My truck also measures 15” from axle to frame so I guess I have a 6” lift lol sweet!

Bucket I’ve heard similar things about the drop drag link so I will definitely stay away from that.

It does this when stationary. I assume it might do it a bit when moving but I’d have a hard time measuring that lol.

I’ll get some pics and measurements when I’m home later of it lock to lock to see just how bad it really is.

Thanks again guys

 

[PrairieDrifter]

That’s a fancy lookin tape measure does it glow in the dark or something? Lol

My truck also measures 15” from axle to frame so I guess I have a 6” lift lol sweet!

Bucket I’ve heard similar things about the drop drag link so I will definitely stay away from that.

It does this when stationary. I assume it might do it a bit when moving but I’d have a hard time measuring that lol.

I’ll get some pics and measurements when I’m home later of it lock to lock to see just how bad it really is.

Thanks again guys

That's what I figured! I feel like these guys think you are saying that its doing this when you are driving so they are assuming you are talking about body roll while taking corners. But you're talking about just sitting at a complete stop, and you crank the wheel either way to full lock and the frame and the body of the truck lifts up as you turn to full lock either way.

I've noticed as well on a few squarebodies, mine and friends trucks, they've all done it. I've just attributed this to straight front axles and their steering geometry, and left it at that.