The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop disc brake update/steering problem

I have driven a 52 3/4 ton chevy truck for the past 6 years and recently the king pins, bearings and the old huck brakes all began to wear out and cause trouble. I had bought a kit to upgrade to front disc brakes a couple of years ago, and since they don't make one for a 3/4 ton, I bought a half ton axle to use in the changeover. Now seemed like a good time to make the change. I had already installed modern tie rod ends and had new king pins installed in the 1/2 ton axle. It all looks great and stops well, but the steering is squirrely. It steers much easier than before, but it wants to go all over the road and seems to have play in the steering it didn't have before, and the tires squeal at every turn. What's wrong? Does the front end need alignment? Is it the toe-in, camber? Has anyone out there faced this problem? Any ideas to help would be appreciated.

When you re-build a front end, it needs to be re-adjusted at a shop, 'cause ten to one it is out of alignment. Re-aligning might help the free-play in the steering. good luck.

Part of the hidden cost of this upgrade is the need for a heavier tie rod-at least on the 1/2 tons. Take a good look at yours. Most of the vendors selling this upgrades also list a heavier, stouter tie rod as part of it. Maybe a sway bar and stabilizer would also help.