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| | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 158 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 158 | Got my 4" drop axle I got from Sid installed with all new parts including tie rod assy and sway bar but have some bump steer with all the bumpy roads here in Boise. Thought about installing a steering stabilizer. Anyone in here got one installed with the drop axle in here? I have already adjusted the steering box (correctly). I have yet to head to the alignment shop yet but it is pretty close. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Steve in Idaho | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 | I had a 31 Ford streetrod with a dropped axle,that I used a stabilizer on. It worked out good.However a stabilizer is usually a cover up for a more serious problem.On the 31 I only took it to shows and it was for sale.I did sell the car and explained the situation to the buyer.He bought the car,and drove it for a few months,then sold it for a handsome profit. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,742 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,742 | A stabilizer is just a band-aid for a serious design problem, not a cure. You'll have to get the geometry right to make any noticeable change in performance, which usually involves changing the vertical position of the steering box. Altering the length of the Pitman arm opens up a Pandora's Box of new problems.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 158 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 158 | Thanks for the info so far guys.....Sid did heat and bend my steering arms so the drag link I made out of tie rod ends and an adjustment sleeve is level with the ground. Everything seems to line up straight but bouncing into the other lane is NOT cool.
Will the steering stabilizer help? It sure helped on my '72 Chevy 4x4 1/2 ton short box. Still got a little but not like before. By the way, I do NOT have power steering...only the original manual steering box. Will it help with the problem?
Thanks, Steve | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | I had some serious bump-steer problems after I installed my 3" axle from Sid. I raised the steering box about 1" and shortened the pitman arm 1 1/2". The object is to get the drag link parallel to the frame (not the ground, as your truck may sit at a "rake" now). Also, don't forget to put your caster shims back in between the axle and springs. I also installed a front sway bar and a steering stabilizer. I see the stabilizer as a safety feature, if a tire blows it won't try to yank the wheel out of your hands. It might help the bump steer but the drag link is the key to getting rid of it. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I just want to add my personal experience to this discussion. I have a totally stock 1951 1 Ton and there are absolutely no steering problems in town or on the highway. I have never experienced bump steer or anything like it. These trucks had very good road manners when they came from the factory. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 158 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 158 | Thanks again for the info guys... I found the culprit and cleaned up the problem. Guess I should drink less beer when working on the truck. When I initially set the toe I must have had one eye closed. The toe was over an inch OUT. Got it set at about 1/16 in now and drives straight with no bump steer.
I did re-check the draglink prior to anything else and it is level with the frame like I remembered. Thanks again for the input as it really helps to get many other opions!!
Steve in I-DA-HO | | |
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