steering ??

phil · Apr 20, 2009

Just got my 75 gmc home. kinda scary, felt like i was all over the road.it's got 37/14.5r15 toyo's. Is this normal, somthin i have to get used to, or can I do somthin for more control. soon I will get a smaller steering wheel (get rid of the school bus one thats in there now).???? phil

Pat · Apr 20, 2009

Ball joints, tie rod ends, steering gearbox, wheel bearings, leaf spring bushings.

I'd start there then also shocks and sway bar bushings might help too.

Also look for obvious broken stuff like leaf spring center pins, bent leaf springs, bent tie rod.

You could also check the toe-in with a tape measure, if thats way off it could cause the bad handling too.

The last one is the least likely but everything I listed (and probably several I forgot) has happened to me- mabey I should write a book about death wobble :redneck:

phil · Apr 20, 2009

thanks,I'll let u know how the book is.LOL

CHOP SHOP · Apr 20, 2009

Pat said:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, steering gearbox, wheel bearings, leaf spring bushings.

I'd start there then also shocks and sway bar bushings might help too.

Also look for obvious broken stuff like leaf spring center pins, bent leaf springs, bent tie rod.

You could also check the toe-in with a tape measure, if thats way off it could cause the bad handling too.

The last one is the least likely but everything I listed (and probably several I forgot) has happened to me- mabey I should write a book about death wobble :redneck:

add pinion shims to that list too. If it has them, bad news.

phil · Apr 20, 2009

what the hell is apinion shim? U arn't talking a pinion gear( front/rear) shim are u??? sorry the FNG

Corey Y · Apr 20, 2009

Check the frame for cracks where the steering box bolts on.

CHOP SHOP · Apr 20, 2009

phil said:
what the hell is apinion shim? U arn't talking a pinion gear( front/rear) shim are u??? sorry the FNG

Look for wedge shaped shims under the leaf packs, between the spring and the axle. People use them to correct front driveshaft angles sometimes. The will cause the front end to "wander" more, not return to center.

Like crazydaze mentioned look around the steering box bolts for cracks or it might be falling off!:;

crazybluerider1 · Apr 20, 2009

Crazy Daze said:
Check the frame for cracks where the steering box bolts on.

I have seen a lot of these trucks with this problem. Especially with bigger tires. With the age of the truck if nothing has been replaced it probably needs tie rod ends and ball joints pretty bad too.

phil · Apr 20, 2009

no cracks on frame (YET) takin for a drive tomorrow and ck for pinion shim thanks

zukkev · Apr 21, 2009

Probably just used to driving the S10 phil:;...All of the above mentioned items are things to look for....Also, what lift you running???And is there a raised steering arm to supposedly correct for bump steer? If it's a 4" suspension lift--and has a steering correction arm(raised), take that fawker outta there, and put in a stock arm...This will do wonders for driveability...:awesomework: