Drives likes a Boat on a wake.

[CB HUNTER]

Hey TDR folks I need some advise if all Possible. I'm running out of money. My truck started floating down the road especially at high speeds(65-75) coming out of a turn?? I have had the front end check out and had all tie rods replaced, steering stablizar bar bushings replaced, steering arns, shocks replaced. I had the front end Lined up and new tires and it is still floating. Feels like the truck over and under turns, kinda scary in the mountain highways. Upper and lower ball joints looks good, driver side bearings have a little play, but I don't think enough to cause this? I can't see any play in the steering shaft but i have read this part could cause this. Any advise is appreciated. #@$%! 185,000 miles on truck.

 

[LRundberget]

The only other component you haven't mentioned is the steering gear. A worn steering gear can make it feel like it is both over and under steering. Also makes it wander a bit down the road too unless you constantly correct with the steering wheel.

 

[RRees]

Check the Pitman Arm. Make sure it's tight/torqued to specs also.

 

[MHowell]

The only other component you haven't mentioned is the steering gear. A worn steering gear can make it feel like it is both over and under steering. Also makes it wander a bit down the road too unless you constantly correct with the steering wheel.

I second that one. Had that exact problem on an older jeep.

 

[BDeMartile]

What were the alignment specs? Towed out even slightly can cause what you describe? As well as not enough caster.

 

[CB HUNTER]

right-camber-0. 22 caster 4. 55 Toe . 09



left-camber-. 04 caster 4. 44 toe-1. 96



cross camber . 16

cross caster-. 11

total toe . 14

 

[CB HUNTER]

pitman arm looks good. thx. anyone else

thinking steering gear box and how hard is this to replace? Im thinking that might be my next step?

 

[bighammer]

Check the Pitman Arm. Make sure it's tight/torqued to specs also.

For sure! When I had my truck aligned last fall, I went in the shop and looked under and asked if the nut on the output shaft was as loose as it looked. The tech put a wrench on it and probably got a good full turn on it.

 

[CB HUNTER]

I will put a wrench on it tonight and double check, you might be right. thx

 

[BDeMartile]

right-camber-0. 22 caster 4. 55 Toe . 09



left-camber-. 04 caster 4. 44 toe-1. 96



cross camber . 16

cross caster-. 11

total toe . 14

Im thinking with the high te on the drivers side that something is bent (steering arm?) and that the total toes is just making up for it gving yo

 

[BDeMartile]

right-camber-0. 22 caster 4. 55 Toe . 09



left-camber-. 04 caster 4. 44 toe-1. 96



cross camber . 16

cross caster-. 11

total toe . 14

Im thinking with the high toe on the drivers side that something is bent (steering arm?) and that the total toe is just making up for it gving you some right toe out when straight ahead. Just a guess but it would be consistant with your symptoms. Yes the loose pittman arm is a good place to look as well. I work on med duty trucks for a living and pittman arms that are loose are not uncommon especially on ihc's. If you do find the arm loose take it off check the splines for wear and at the least replace the pinch bolt. (they stretch) I hope some of this helps.

 

[CB HUNTER]

I check it out this weekend and everything seems tight. . I'm still leaning towards the steering shaft or steering gear. Just seems like thier is play when I'm steering in windy condiditons, its slow to turn back, not tight at all. Any other thoughts before I adventure that direction. I appreciate the feed back. .