2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering

[DBeeman]

There is so much information out there, and so many "tricks" to correct the steering wander on 2nd Gen 4WD trucks. I am having a tough time trying to decide where to start. I can grab almost any of my front end steering components and get a good bit of movement. I have read teh steering box stabilizer helps, then someone else says it can cause more issues due to unnatural stress on the parts. Right now I am looking at the feasibility of replacing my current setup with the 4th Gen 2009 and up setup, I have read it will bolt right up, and offers a significant improvement over the stock setup on 2nd and 3rd Gens. Since I bought and started driving a Jeep as my DD, my poor truck has been a bit neglected, needs the steering work, looking at upgrading the fuel delivery to the VP44, replacing the serpentine belt, changing my transfer case fluid, and changing out the fluid in my diffs. I am thinking that I should sell the Jeep, and just dump the money into turning my truck into what I want it to be.

 

[fest3er]

Think your way through all the parts that keep the four wheels lined up; looseness and wear in any of them add to steering wander.

• Ball joints: the standard tests will show if they need to be replaced.
  
• Upper ball joint camber sleeve: not likely to need replacement, but it's possible.
  
• Tie-rod ends and track bar: if you can 'compress' the ball-n-socket joints with a large pliers or you can see lateral motion while rocking the steering wheel, replace them.
  
• Steering gear: if you can see a lot of lateral motion of the sector shaft while rocking the steering wheel, replace or rebuild the gear.
  
• Steering stabilizer (SSI, etc. ): if properly installed, this will eliminate the lateral motion of the sector shaft. When I replaced mine, I had to relearn how to steer the truck. As to stressing other parts, I'd rather replace a tie-rod end than the steering gear.
  
• Stabilizer (anti-sway) bar links: if they're loose, they can affect steering, though to a lesser degree than the other components.
  
• Suspension bushings: if you have over 80-100k miles on them, replace them. <- Note the 'full stop'; you'll never see the play using a static test. When I replaced mine, I had to relearn how to steer my truck.
  
• Front wheel bearings: if loose, can affect steering.
  
• Front tires: 'weak' sidewalls can affect steering. Improper inflation can also affect steering.
  
• Rear suspension: looseness in the rear suspension bushings and shackles can affect steering, too.
  
• Broken welds and cracked frames and frame components can also affect steering, especially where steering components attach to the frame.
  

Loose and worn components increase wear on all components. Think of it this way: if you firmly grasp the handle of a lawn mower, you can move it back and forth nearly forever with little wear or trouble; but if you use a 10# mallet and pound it back and forth, things will wear and break much faster.



Have I missed anything?

 

[DBeeman]

Having the ball joints replaced is what opened my can of worms. I have had the front end aligned again, replaced the steering box, which helped, but as you point out, I have other bits that are loose and I am sure they are contributing to the problem. I will be shopping for tires as soon as I am no longer furloughed, I think they are contributing. The truck has 98K miles on it, I'm sure there are numerous things that need some TLC. Thank you for the list, I really appreciate it.

 

[DBeeman]

I think I am going to break down and buy the entire factory service manual set for my truck in the very near future.