The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1953 Chevy P/U all over road! What is most likely problem?

Hi-
Finally took my desert rescue pick-up for a ride after
getting basic mechanicals going. She's weaving all over road when I get up to 30mph. Has brand new tires.
What is most likely culpit? Will Front End Alignment help or is this likely a steering box problem?
Or front end parts?
Just wondering what others have found...
Ron A

Hello, Ron,

Welcome to Stovebolt.com.

I'd be pleased to stop by to meet you and your truck: 732-7989

You have already ID'd the possible problem(s):
- front end alignment (toe-in/out is easy to determine and adjust)
- steering gear needs adjustment (easy to determine and adjust)
- front end parts are loose/worn-out (easy to determine and relatively easy to replace)
- tires over-inflated - raise and lower the PSI by trial-and-error

Welcome to the Affliction.
Could be one of very many things including alignment: Tie-rod ends, draglink ends, kingpins, spring pin bushings, wheel bearings... I don't know what you have done so far, but I suggest you jack up the front end and put stands under the frame so you can inspect, shake, and wiggle everything to see where the loose-ness is.
Do you have a shop manual? If not, get one. Some are reprinted on the net.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0301.htm

Repair parts are available to completely rebuild your front axle and steering, some of them from NAPA and other local auto parts stores.

Good luck.

1st thing to do is have someone work the steering wheel back and forth in its free play while you watch what moves below, that'll give you a good idea what to start checking .... and take Tim up on a visit, 2 heads are always better

Bill

bias ply or radial?

Bias ply are notorious for wander....

Radials will wander, too, if they are over-inflated.

While you are going over the front end, also consider that a loose rear end will cause wander that may seem to come from the front end. Loose spring pack- busted spring(s)- bad spring mount bushings- bad spring mount shackles.

The most likely problem is EVERYTHING has been neglected and will need attention.

The nice thing is it's all fairly simple and when it's done will make the truck a real joy to drive.

Truer words were never posted.

They'll also wander if they're mounted on too narrow of a wheel for the width of the tire.

My bias wander but mainly if I get into a groove or rut in the road. Otherwise they are great. Two fingers on the steering wheel at 50 mph on a smooth road.

I would first suspect King Pins. Its what everyone doesn't want it to be, so they fix everything else first. Chances are you have 60 year old worn out king pins. I hope I am wrong, but its not THAT hard to replace them. Good luck!

The answer to your question is very likely: Every part that moves, front and rear. If all of the moving parts aren't worn out, they are out of adjustment. It is now time for you to become intimately familiar with the entire steering and suspension systems. It is way more fun than body work!
Carl

when I would hit the smallest dip in road my 51 would swerve all over the place. replaced front leafs now she stays straight even when I hit big dips.

Thanks for all your reponses. Very helpful. I adjusted steering and it is much improved. Also, I've been driving a Camry or similar for 20 yrs; I forget that these older worm gear vehicles are a little more work to steer. Right?
Ron A