The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Front end wobble/ Steering box play

Just looking for some insight into a front end wobble I have on my '58. I have play in the steering box and wonder if that might have something to do with the front end wobble. All new parts including a drop axle, tie rod ends and a custom drag link. I can grab the RH tire and move it back and forth pretty good. I am going to have my girlfriend hold onto the steering wheel today while I move the tire to see if the wheel moves while I move the tire from side to side.

Any other clues? Thanks

Forgot to mention what I was driving...lol

1958 Apache 1/2 ton

Thanks in advance for any and all help. The wobble comes and goes at higher speeds like say 50 +. Not a constant wobble but comes and goes. This is why I think it may be in corralation with the play in the steering box. If any of you have experienced the same issue and resoplved it please pass it on.

Thanks again in advance, Steve

Yes, the steering gear is the bigest contributer to front end play. There should be no free play when the wheels are straight ahead. A small amount oftan can be adjusted out but generally an o-haul is needed. Also if the play is decreased when the wheels are turned off center to one side it means the steering is not in the center of the steering box. If your special drag link is adjustable you can center it with the adjustment otherwise an other method will be neede. If your drag link is adjustable I'd like to know were you got it. Your wheels may be out of balance setting up the wobble &/or the shocks bad.

What's up gabster?

I created a drag link with an ES426S and sleeve ES409L. I cannot find the receipt for the other end. I did have to cut some off of one of the tie rod ends because of the length. Now it is adjustable.

Back to the wobble. The wobble is one which comes and goes. It is NOT constant. Not the tires, rims or balance. I turely believe that it has to do with the slack or play in the box.
When off the ground, there is NO play. But, when on the ground there is 3-4 inches before it is tight. I can turn the wheel side to side while driving and it will move with little movement. But, when I need to change lanes it is a different story.

Any other suggestions? Still waiting for my girl to come hold the steering wheel while I move the tire.

Thanks

If you haven't done the steering adjustment in awhile it probably needs it. Get yourself a cheap fish scale and do THIS. (starts on page 9-3)

I had a SERIOUS case of death wobble on my 38. The fix involved adjusting the slop out of the steering box, repairing the drag link, realigning the front end and getting the front shocks rebuilt. The biggest culprit seemed to be the shocks.