The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Steering Question?

'52 Chevy P/U. I have drift side to side. When parked the steering wheel feels fairly tight. But when driving there is some drift. Where to check first? 1.Steering Box (side adjustment or bottom front adjustment of box)? 2.Tye Rods? 3.King Pins?
Thanks and Adios, Kip

If you can slide under the truck, have someone move the steering wheel from side to side, enough to get past the play. Look at everything that is moving and better yet feel it with your hands. Are both ends of the drag link and tie rod end tight ? Is the steering box tight against the frame ? Try to identify any worn parts.

Jack up the truck and put a bar under each tire. Is there any up and down or side to side movement ?

When was the last time your toe in was checked. A poor adjustment there can make the front end wander.

534me makes a good point about the steering box being tight against the frame.
I bought a 71 C-10 and when I first got it, I was turning the wheel twice and steering once, all the way down the highway. I thought, the heck with this, I'll rebuild the front end. I did everything, springs, shocks, tie rod ends, pitman arms, balljoints, upper and lower control arm shafts, the works.
I thought, now I'll take the test ride that will show me how this truck is suppose to steer.
Well, I started down the road, and I'm still turning twice and steering once :confused:
Back to the garage, started checking things out, and found the mounting bolts, for the steering box against the frame were loose. Tightened them up; took another test ride and Just like new !

It sounds like you have bad king pins, mine felt tight when it was sitting still but were very loose. Also get it aligned when you replace them, it makes all the differance in tracking once you get everything tight.

kingpins loose enuff to do it should be easy to find in wheel play, but I vote for the toe adjustment - little off makes a big diff in tracking - been there myself just recently

Bill

Don't forget the castor wedges .

Thanks Hermanos! It's lookin like an alinement problem. I'll check back later.
Later On and Adios, Kip