I am well into my second thousand of miles since putting my truck on the road (57 3100), and it is a challenge to drive. I have the original straight axle with new kingpins and new tie rod ends, and 76 Chevy pickup power steering. Wheels are 15 X 8" rally with 235/70 Goodyear Eagle rubber, and the Goodyear dealer aligned it. If you read the anecdote at the bottom of page 15 in the June issue of Vintage Truck, it describes my experience perfectly. There is nothing loose, but the truck is all over the road, especially when it hits a bump, goes over RR tracks, or is subject to a quick flick of the steering wheel.

The Vintage Truck article suggests that returning to a narrow wheel will correct the problem. I sure like the looks of those 8" rallys, but I would rather enjoy the drive. The Goodyear techs said there is no adjustment to those old straight axles except the toe-in. My mechanic says the steering feels like a caster or camber out of whack, and that there are shims which can be inserted or removed for adjustment. The only place I can imagine inserting shims is between the axle and the leaf spring, and,since I put the truck together,I know there are no shims in it now. Help me out guys ??!!! Thanks in advance.

1957 Chevrolet Pickup Truck