Truck wondering

[KWG]

So I've noticed my truck wandering while driving down the road. There is no noticeable play in the steering and I have a new tie rod and ends and ball joints are good. So I need to diagnose this problem, it's kinda like the wind pushing you around. I need new bilstien shocks so I'm wondering if that has something to do with it, also would bad track bar bushings do that. And one last thing, without pulling the track bar out what is a good way to tell if the bushings are bad. If anybody has experienced this truck wander, let me know how to fix it. Thanks

 

[jhenderson]

Have someone start the truck and work the steering back and forth. If the bushings are worn you'll see the bar move in in the mount. It doesn't have to move much to cause a problem. Be extra sure the drivers side bolt is tight. If not it will egg out the bracket.

 

[cerberusiam]

Bad track bar bushings, shocks, control arms bushings, and sway bar connector bushings will all cause a vague feeling in the steering that is triggered by road conditions.

Even with good track bar bushings there is still some movement so depending on tires, alignment, and other pieces you may still get a vague feel.

 

[KWG]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check that track bar when I get some help. The truck just rolled over 200,000 so I guess it's time to start up grading those parts.

 

[KWG]

I stopped by strapt performance today and picked up a carli adjustable track bar after installing it I noticed it wonders less and feels a lot better.

 

[S.Morris]

Have to do it......I wonder what the truck is thinking when it is WANDERING all over the road

 

[KWG]

Well played

 

[Blu-meanie]

All those who wander are not lost.

 

[KWG]

Yeah I figured it out shortly after posting that I spent wandering with an O

 

[CVR222NV]

I was "wondering" if another possible source of your "wandering" is play in your steering box? I have this same wandering issue and am getting ready to upgrade my entire front end including the 2008.5 steering box upgrade.

 

[KWG]

The carli track bar tightened it up a little because the oem bushings were shot. But I do notice a little play in the steering box, so I imagine that's where I'm getting it from. I will be installing a reman redhead gear box soon than a 3" carli kit.

 

[RDeFayette]

The carli track bar tightened it up a little because the oem bushings were shot. But I do notice a little play in the steering box, so I imagine that's where I'm getting it from. I will be installing a reman redhead gear box soon than a 3" carli kit.

I saw in the original post that you had new tie rod ends BUT I didn't see anything about having (re)aligned?
If not have it aligned.
Caster as much as possible 4.75* or better on BOTH sides.
toe-in 1/16-1/8" MAX total.
Camber Not adjustable but get the numbers anyway.
"with-in" spec is NOT close enough THESE are the numbers you WANT.
Get before and after readings.