2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering still stinks, think I give up

[blmyachtsales]

here's the story. My truck handled like they all do so I installed a new box and DSS stabilizer then followed up with a new track bar and Lukes links all around and finally new u joints and ball joints. The truck still drove poorly so it got an alignment, same result. I found some specs from a tech on an old thread (very informative) and gave them to the guy that did the second alignment... . he said makes sense, when I drove the truck home guess what it still drove poorly. Now what? could the frame be bent in a way that gives a faulty caster reading on the alignment mahcine. I notive the excentrics are at slightly differnt settings (it seems they should be the same) also the steering doesn't like to return to center from a right turn, I give up. ... ... . no more death wobble though.

 

[FourBarR]

i have sympathy for all of you who have 4 wd. with all the steering,death wobble,pulling left and right,tach bars, ball joints etc. 2wd dont have these problems. i know there are lots of people who need 4 wd. but if you dont save yourself a lot of greef and get a 2wd. i can hear the screems now, but its true. only my opinion.

 

[Mackie007]

I had a `82 3/4 4x4 suburban that would not return to center after turns. On the freeway it was stressful to drive because it wanted to float all over road. Steering was very tight (no play) It would just not want to track straight.



Anyway I threw a bunch of money into it hoping to fix it, ball joints, steering box, shocks, tires, rims, control arm & four wheel alignment. None of that helped, turned out to be a bent axle tube. The axle shop found this when doing my 4. 10 gear exchange. Yep that fixed the problem.



Not saying that's whats wrong with yours, but it's a possibility.



Good Luck,

Mac

 

[NVR FNSH]

What are you comparing the truck to as far as steering goes? Do you have too high expectations? Not a slam - just an honest question. Have you tried different tires?



Brian

 

[ASTAR]

The no return to center tells me that you should try to adjust the cam bolts (axle end of the lower control arms) in a way that will rotate the pinion down. Just be sure to move them equally so that if you turn the left one 2 marks, turn the right one 2 marks also. Is is normal for them to not be in matching spots. I did this with the wifes 99 and it made a huge difference. Drove 100% better, and I used to hate driving hers.

 

[BLACKRAM]

I am sorry to hear about your steering. I have almost the identical setup, DT Track Bar, DSS, etc. I think my truck steers and tracks great. My other car is an E55 Mercedes, so I believe I have a good reference point. Perhaps you could try a different alignment shop, or different front tires? You may want to consider the "tramlining" effect of worn roads, as this will certainly make your truck (or any vehicle) dart about in the lane.

 

[ECappleman]

I would suspect the alignment shops job on caster. Sounds like you have it too far twords negative. What angle did you tell them to use? I haven't checked our trucks but most vehicles like 5-6 degrees. Astar's suggestion of adjusting your caster so that the pinion is further down should help. Just don't go too far or the steering will be stiff.

 

[blmyachtsales]

Thanks for all the replies, it's always good to get some fresh thoughts. I did not mention that I did get new tires after all the work and that did not seem to help. My previous daily drivers were all 4 wheel drives, land cruisers, jeeps, GM full size. weekenders have been sports cars and antiques i. e. corvettes, cars and trucks of 30's and 40's so I think I have a realistic reference point.



I am going to try playing with the caster myself, nothing to loose at this point.

 

[RWhites]

my 2001. 5 has stock tires & 105k miles and still drives like a champ. The 4x4 does drive a little different due to the single front axle.

 

[AMcKee]

What is the "death wobble" that you guys are referring to? My truck drives like a tire or two is out of balance, but there not, is this what you are talking about?

 

[RBallard]

There is no mistaking the death wobble. You can't drive with it, as soon as it happens you need to slow down. I had it happen 3 times with my 98 Ram, you hit a bump and then the wheel begins to bounce but gets worse as it cycles exponentially.

 

[DPelletier]

My guess would be either an improperly done caster adj. or another bad steering box and if I had to pick just one, I'd go with the steering box.



My truck (2001. 5) also steered poorly, with the steering wheel not returning to center and constant corrections to keep the truck going straight. A reputable alignment shop diagnosed the problem as a bad steering gear requiring box replacement. I took the diagnosis to the dealer and they replaced the box under warranty with no hassles. Problem solved. 2nd gen steering boxes are known to have a large number of bad boxes.



Dave

 

[Alphacowboy]

maybe i missed it, but what about the steering linkages? drag link and tierod, what did you do with these?

 

[blmyachtsales]

new tie rod ends, old drag link, lukes links all the way arround. Going to get a 3rd gen track bar next.

 

[AMink]

I have to do my front end too. Not bad, but want to tighten it up. How many Luke's Links does it take? Mine is in the transmission shop right now til early next week, or I count myself. I just want to get these things ordered! Thanks

 

[Hohn]

There's a good chance that replacing your track bar didn't do anything to help you if you used an OEM piece. They are often loose even when new! It's just a really poor design, imho.



My DT bar tightened up the front of my truck-- and it only had 22K miles on it! It's on there as much to KEEP things tight as it is to GET them tight. My truck steers quite well compared to other CTDs I have driven.



jlh