What to replace on front end of K20?

[mdpotter]

I've got a 1978 Chevy K20 Camper Special and it starts shaking, bouncing, etc. at about 50 MPH. The wheels and tires are brand new, but the rest of the front end is stock. I don't know a lot about the front ends on these trucks so I'm looking for some guidance on what parts to replace to make it more roadworthy. I haven't ruled out the driveshafts yet, but that's a whole other venture as I'm considering LS swap.

Shocks? Tie rod ends? Ball joints? Drag link? Stabilizer? All of the above?

 

[Rickf]

Before shooting the parts cannon at it, make sure the driveshaft u-joints are ok.

 

[Vbb199]

Out of balance tires or wheels
Wheel bearings
Bad ball joints
Out of balance driveline
Maybe shocks. Kinda doubt it.

I've driven on flat worn out shocks that collapse with your hand, I've never seen shocks shake a truck.


Could be any of those others, though.

 

[mdpotter]

Thanks for the help guys. I am betting that the wheels and tires aren't the problem as they are brand new and I also replaced the wheel bearings. I will look into all of the u-joints and driveshafts and see where that leads me.