The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline SteeringWheel Shimmy

Members, I have a 54 3100.. The steering has always been loose to say the least. I have adjusted it as much as possible. The truck does seem to ride true when I let the wheel go...it's just sloppy as hell and had a slight wobble/ shimmy between 30-40 mph. The wobble would not happen before or after that speed.
Now the wobble/ shimmy in the steering wheel is much worse.
Is it the steering column & gear box,or front suspension parts, or unbalanced tires...or all the above?
I have found a rebuild column in the parts catalog and it doesn't seem to hard to replace...the front end parts scare me. Never done that kind of thing...should I give it a try or let the Pros do it?

Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks

I'm certainly no expert when it comes to these old trucks, but my recent experience with one of my modern daily drivers may help. I'd vote for a tire evaluation as the first place to look. I've had tires that looked fine but had radial belt separation. If you have any belt separation, it will cause a shimmy in a heartbeat. The tire shop should be able to detect it. That would sure beat doing a possibly unnecessary front suspension rebuild.

Depending on how long it has been since the tie rod ends have been replaced, the problem could be there. The ball and springs may be totally worn and it might be time for some more modern tie rod ends. First, I would check the tires and be sure the wheels are balanced. Another spot of wear is the pitman arm at both ends. And finally, the king pins. That is about all there is to a front end on a 54, except shocks.
It may be time for a total rebuild.

If it's a tire separation problem it should get worse as you go faster, and shouldn't go away. If it's a balance problem you should be able to drive through it (as you mention).

Next to stopping, your truck's steering is the next most important thing. First thing to do, is to secure the truck and put the front end in the air on jackstands.

With the tires on, check the kingpins. grab each wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and push and pull on the tire. If you can move it more than about 1/4", you should look further.

Check the draglink, and tie rods for wear. To do this you need to look for round holes that are not round but eggshaped. Also look for broken or missing parts to the ends. Also look at your steering arms and make sure they are not bent, cracked or loose on the back of each wheel.

Spin the wheels slowly and feel for rough wheel bearings.

I am sure you will find things that need attention, if not, take to an alignment shop and check the toe-in.