steering help

[75chev4x4]

Hey everyone just joined this great site. I have a problem with my 75 k20 pickup with the steering. I have replaced the tie rods drag link put on a drop Pittman arm new 2 inch lift springs all around new shocks sway bar bushings new steering box new rag joint and have had the alignment done twice. There still seems to be a looseness in the steering and it wants to wander a bit back and forth at speed. It seems to be loose right in the middle and I don't know what else I can try or replace to fix this. I am considering selling it for a 2wd version of my truck in hopes it would feel safer to drive at speed. Anyone else have experience with this or any ideas?

[GreaseDog]

Check the steering box area on the frame for cracks.

[75chev4x4]

I have checked for it before but I will look at it again to make sure none have started. Thanks

[75chev4x4]

Yea just looked no cracks. I dunno why its so loose.

[LeoP]

Has the steering box been adjusted?

[75chev4x4]

Its a brand new box. I have not played with the adjustment at all for fear of going too tight on the worm gear.

[ashworth]

inspect and repack bearings and check the brakes. it can feel sloppy if the rotors are warped or the bearings aren't right. where in oregon are you?

[75chev4x4]

I live in gresham not far from Portland.

[75chev4x4]

When I had the ball joints done not long ago they repacked the bearings. Could they just be bad?

[Loki]

what size lift overall and tire/wheel size? do you have a steering stabilizer?

[75chev4x4]

Its a 2 in lift with 265/70/16 so like 31.8 inch tires. I really wish I would have left the stock springs on now but oh well. I just bought today the ord steering box brace kit bolt in hopefully this might help. Anyone notice a difference when putting this on?

[75chev4x4]

Yes also have a new single steering stabalizer

[75chev4x4]

Ok so I ordered a new borgeson steering shaft cause my original seems to be worn out. I'm determined to get this thing driving good for summer. I am questioning if I got my steering box centered and I'm not actually on high center while driving straight and this is causing the wander. Ok so here is where I get confused. If I set my front tires straight un hook the drag link find the exact center of the steering box and hook up the drag link(I'm sure I will have to adjust the drag link to get it back on) how do I get the steering wheel straight again? Before I was using the drag link to get the steering wheel straight but this would obviously make the box uncentered or off high point again right. I know there is a simple answer for this I just havent figured it out yet. Anybody? Thanks

[LeoP]

turn the steering wheel all the way to lock in one direction, while counting the turns, turn the wheel all the way to lock in the other direction, 1/2 of the turns is the mid position, Good luck.

[75chev4x4]

Yea I understand that part but the wheel is off center in the middle of the box. How do u go about getting the wheel centered again?

[trickedout420]

Yea I understand that part but the wheel is off center in the middle of the box. How do u go about getting the wheel centered again?

take the wheel off and turn it how you want

[LeoP]

You'll have to do a steer ahead, done by turning the sleeves on the tie rods, IMHO, best left to a front end alignment shop. IIRC, the steering wheel can only be installed in one position.

[75chev4x4]

Yea I thought that to about the steering wheel. Ok so I finally got it. I didn't have the box centered correctly. Went out there today took drag link off found that the box was 3 and 1/3 turns lock to lock. made myself a pointer on the dash and taped a spot on the wheel so I could accuratley turn the wheel half the distance did that and checked the mark on the box with the flat spot on the input shaft gear and they were right on. Put the drag link back on so it fit snug while the wheel was locked at half way. Torqued everything and greased the drag link. Took her out for a spin and finally finally its firm in the center while driving straight. I believe she is finally at high point while driving straight. Feels much tighter while driving in a straight line. My steering wheel is off like crazy and I still need to get it aligned again. But it drives like it should now. I haven't figured out how they r gonna get the steering wheel straight yet but ill drive it crooked if I have to.still have the ord box brace coming and the borgeson steering shaft coming also. I figure these cant hurt to put on and maybe it will be even better. Thanks everyone for the help and I'm open to any other suggestions or comments. Ill keep everyone posted when I get the new parts on.

[75chev4x4]

Thanks leop u called it on the box not being on center!

[Loki]

sounds funny, but i had a simliar problem on my 85 blazer...didn't realize it til i took it off a flat bed and my bouddy saw the axle turn. turned it back and forth and saw the axle was shifting front and back cause the ubolts weren't torqued down. so i had to go readjust the drag link and realighn the steering and now i have full lock to lock steering on my wheeler. it's amazing what you can see with a second set of eyes. glad you got it fitured out