2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission wandering 2500

[Cowboy]

OK< so I installed the Lukes Link, even though it had no appreciable movement,fit was perfect, both ends brand new, ALL other tie rod ends have no movement when steering wheel rocked, steering shaft has NO play,ballstud on drag link shows no movement, WHY DOES IT WANDER IN A CROSSWIND, or any slight steering input? 91000 EASY miles the whole truck shows no wear or damage ANYWHERE, its like a new truck, except for this maddening trait, anyone have any suggestions, I am selling it, but I wont let it go with this problem,I WILL fix it but I dont want to throw parts at it that it doesnt need (like the Lukes link) if I cant find the problem soon, I'm gonna have to take it off theclassified site. any help will be greatly appreciated ,thanks guys

 

[JDKammin]

The only other things I can think of are the hub bearings or the track bar. The slightest play in the trackbar can cause problems. Has the truck been aligned lately? I know I notice some difficulty driving with a crosswind and just chalked it up to a big truck catching alot of wind.

 

[Cowboy]

the alignment must be perfect, the tires I just replaced had 70,000 miles on them, and were worn,but even all the way across the tread, I just installed the Lukes link, ,and just now ordered a SBS from SUMMIT racing, (1 day delivery time) there is no other source of steering play or flexation that has been documented, so this is my last idea, well see how it works. by the way this is a shortbed, so its not that big, my f-150 is almost exactly the same size and hight,and handles like a sports car, but with 1/2 the power.

 

[DSpringstead]

Cowboy

I've read that the 2nd Gen are prone to"crown walking" for lack of a better term. I've also found that just being "in the range" of alignment is not always good enough. There are links here that explain all this. Let me tell you what I have (and don't have) to see if it helps.

I've replaced the steering box, have a SBS, new HD trac bar, had an alignment done -3. 7 LH & -3. 7 RH. The best is -3. 2 LH & -3. 5 RH. This will help in taking some of the wander out but not all. What I don't have is a steering dampner. But I believe that my intermediate shaft could stand to be replaced. Your about at that age. I plan to change out my linkage from a inverted "Y" to "T" steering. I don't know if this helps you but know your not alone.

 

[JCyrbok]

Cowboy

I've read that the 2nd Gen are prone to"crown walking" for lack of a better term. I've also found that just being "in the range" of alignment is not always good enough. There are links here that explain all this. Let me tell you what I have (and don't have) to see if it helps.

I've replaced the steering box, have a SBS, new HD trac bar, had an alignment done -3. 7 LH & -3. 7 RH. The best is -3. 2 LH & -3. 5 RH. This will help in taking some of the wander out but not all. What I don't have is a steering dampner. But I believe that my intermediate shaft could stand to be replaced. Your about at that age. I plan to change out my linkage from a inverted "Y" to "T" steering. I don't know if this helps you but know your not alone.

crown walk was the first thing I thought of. My truck does it on the hightway where the semi's make the grooves in the black top. When it does it it feels like I get hit by a gust of wind from the side.



J-

 

[fest3er]

OK< so I installed the Lukes Link, even though it had no appreciable movement,fit was perfect, both ends brand new, ALL other tie rod ends have no movement when steering wheel rocked, steering shaft has NO play,ballstud on drag link shows no movement, WHY DOES IT WANDER IN A CROSSWIND, or any slight steering input? 91000 EASY miles the whole truck shows no wear or damage ANYWHERE, its like a new truck, except for this maddening trait, anyone have any suggestions, I am selling it, but I wont let it go with this problem,I WILL fix it but I dont want to throw parts at it that it doesnt need (like the Lukes link) if I cant find the problem soon, I'm gonna have to take it off theclassified site. any help will be greatly appreciated ,thanks guys

More of the usual suspects:

• Ball joints
  
• Front and rear suspension bushings
  
• Cracked frame where steering gear mounts
  
• Front (and rear) stabilizer bushings
  
• Tire pressure not optimal
  
• Camber sleeves worn
  

 

[bboxall]

Wandering steering

One other thing you might want to try is front wheel bearings. Jack one wheel up and grab the tire top and bottom. If you can rock it up / down you have bearing slop.
Also, the track bar is huge on keeping the truck going straight and stable.

 

[Garlic]

My 96 has done that ever since I purchased it. It's not normal??? What the heck! I though that that was the way they were supposed to drive (The factory tech rep said so)(LOL)

 

[Cowboy]

well, found out what was causing the wander, I had pulled my 5th whl a month ago, then parked the truck,it stays in the garage for months, and is my only form of relaxation,washing waxing, maintenance,etc. I deflated the front tires to 45 lbs, and got distracted, never deflating the rears, which were 80 lbs,, yesterday, I dropped them to40 lbs, and it acts like its on rails, apparently, the rears were riding on the center of the tread, easily loosing traction in a lane change or curve. FINALLY!!!! what a PITA chasing that stupid mistake down, I think most guys would have checked that first. I want to thank you all for the help, you truly are the best source of support for our beloved oil burners REAL TRUCKS DONT HAVE SPARK PLUGS!!

 

[SMorneau]

I have mentioned tire pressure on these wandering threads many times. Glad you found your problem. The steering stabilizer brackets are an excellent addition to these trucks it will help.

These tables really work http://www.goodyear.com/rv/pdf/rv_inflation.pdf