Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Now what?????

[chazj]

Had new ball joints and other front end parts replaced as necessary at 175k miles plus new Bilstein shocks.

The truck has always had play in the steering as compared to newer vehicles.

Now even after the alignment, and although the truck remains straight as an arrow when letting go of the steering wheel on a straightaway, I find myself constantly correcting the truck.

NOW every time I slightly move the steering wheel the truck responds.

Am not sure if this is something I will have to learn to adjust to or if in time the truck will not be so sensitive?



The truck drove better than it does now if that makes any sense... .



Any suggestions that may improve the truck's handling or ways to tighten the steering appreciated.

 

[cerberusiam]

First thing you need to add is a steering box stabilizer. That will make a huge difference on one that has problems like that. http://www.genosgarage.com/BD-STEERING-BOX-STABILIZER-94-02-4WD/productinfo/BD-1032004/

If you still have problems a Borgeson steering box upgrade may be in order. Both made a big difference on my 3rd gen when it had problems just like you describe. It steered good but was totally unpredicatble at times when you did turn the wheel.

 

[BigPapa]

Sounds like you need to dial in a little more caster.

 

[Wooter]

"SAME PROBLEM" Had front end rebuilt, with just about every parts that were worn, replaed steering box with Borgenson, have steering stablizer on truck: After all of this has been done, the truck still wanders when ever I hit a grove in the road !!!
What started as the death wobble (some time back) has turned into a money pit wobble!!!

 

[cerberusiam]

How much caster are putting into the front end and what tires are you using? Maximum caster will generally make it more predictable and the wrong tires will totally screw up the feel.

 

[AEdelheit]

I agree with the caster, a steering box brace would make it more sensitive, might also double check the toe, and don't put too much trust in alignment shops, if you cannot figure I out don't go back to the same shop .

 

[VolsFan]

Do you have any kind of lift/level kit installed? I rebuilt all my tie rods w/ lukes links, added a borgeson box and put on two inch blocks in the front with the stock track bar and still had wander. After I got the 3rd gen bar, I centered the axle back up and got it aligned and truck handles like the half ton chevys at my work. Also, you can tighten the gearbox up a little bit on top, 5/8 set screw I think and tighten the allen screw half to full turn. My stock gearbox was shot at around 180k,(due to turning big tires its whole life) and dont even waste your time on a reman one.

 

[NIsaacs]

Also, you can tighten the gearbox up a little bit on top, 5/8 set screw I think and tighten the allen screw half to full turn.





I would not recommend this unless you dis-connect the pitman arm and check the free play from lock to lock, engine shut off. Dead ahead center the gears are always worn a hair more than turned slightly left or right. The same thing goes for the input shaft preload, just a slight drag. Too tight is worse than too loose.



Nick

 

[AEdelheit]

If the OP's issues any movement of the wheel causes the truck to move creating a situation where they are constantly correcting then the steering does not need to be tightened, it's too sensitive as is. I'm still voting for alignment though it also possible the ball joints are too tight and not wanting to return to center, this will create the same feeling and they will normally break in and the issue will go away. I've personally seen this with certain 3rd gen BJ'S but I'd say its also possible on a 2nd gen.

 

[LNaugle]

sounds like not enough caster... i call it "drives like a shopping cart"

 

[S.Morris]

Lift the front axle off the ground and remove the wheels. Take a big 3lb hammer and smack the steering knuckle on the side where the ball joints are installed. ( I am not explaining this very well... ... ) Sometimes ball joints are installed in a "bind" which makes a stress preload so to speak. Smaking the side with a "good" rap relieves the stress and your tight, constantly needing correction steering is cured.



Not sayin this is for sure your issue but I have seen it a couple of times, and was the cure in both cases.

 

[Dieseldemon]

If you have the stock track bar check the joint for excess play that will cause steering wander as it controls the frontend.