Stuck on steering

[DGerth]

Probably beating a dead horse but,,,, I've done a complete rebuild of my 99 4x4 front end, even added the bushing from Rock solid steering. 3 alignments, new tires and still the "wander" persists. At my wits end on this. Does anyone have any ideas on which direction to maybe head now?? Tks in adv, dgerth

 

[Tractorat]

Have you replaced the steering box ?

 

[fest3er]

Does 'complete' include the 8 trailing arm bushings? They may 'seem' OK, but after 100k miles, they really are worn out. My truck wandered all over even though I'd installed the SSI sttering stabilizer and replaced the steering gear (which required me to relearn how to steer the truck). When I had the 8 bushings replaced, I again had to relearnt o steer the truck.

And, as Trat said, the steering gear could be loose; the sector shaft bearings could be worn, or the gear-to-frame mount could be dicey.

The steering shaft slip joint could also be worn and loose.

Other less likely causes? Tires with soft sidewalls can contribute. (I need new tires and have few funds available. I'll likely buy Wrangler HTs from Sams Club because they're cheap and have the stiffest sidewalls of all the tires they carry. [My stock wheels are way out of true after 315k miles; it ain't worth spending any more.] I'd love to put Yokohama TY303s on again; the truck drove like a sports car. Alas, I'd need new 19.5" wheels and I just don't have the money.) Another remote possibility is the rear suspension bushings. If they're really bad, they can cause steering issues.

 

[petersonj]

Does anyone have any ideas on which direction to maybe head now?? Tks in adv, dgerth

Over the years I have done many things in trying to improve steering performance. Two things gave the most improvement. The first one was at 168,000 miles I set caster to 4 1/2 degrees. The second was a new steering gear box at 216,000 miles. Setting the caster to 4 1/2 degrees was the single most improvement as it greatly improved steering wheel return and the truck became very stable on straight or curvy roads.

- John

 

[DGerth]

Thank you for yalls response. Steering box is new not reman with less than 2K on it. All bushings new at same time as box. Also installed frame rail support. Have not tried caster setting but intend to, soon. Tks guys.

 

[AEdelheit]

Toe is a big factor, most alignment shops use way to much toe in and will cause wondering and excessive tire wear. I would make sure it is between 0.00-0.05 total toe in.