'87 K5 Mystery, Random Front End/Steering Problem

[4x4chvy]

When it comes to older vehicles, the old mechanic who remembers when your vehicle came out new is usually the one who can tell you what the problem is - before you're even done talking - and sometimes without even touching it.

I've been owned by my K5 for 15 years; I'll never give it up or let it die.
So "once" in a millions? Nope. But that's ok 'cz next time I'll know right off.

Shame on me for not doing the u-joints when I knew they needed to be done. It's a job I hate doing, so I put it off. The Blazer wants them done NOW, no more excuses.
I'll be lucky if it hasn't made me a shopping list of all the other parts I'm going to be buying it....axle, spindle, bolts, nuts & washer.....

 

[magik235]

It is always good when you find the solution after a long search. Good thread.

 

[4x4chvy]

**Update**
Spent the last couple days taking it apart. All my wheel, spindle and axle bearings were perfect, had tons of grease, the races were mint, the seals were all good, hubs great, lots of good thick clean grease everywhere.
Even the spindles were good.
The ball joints, tie rod ends, drag links were full of good grease...............
and yet my u-joints had almost NO PINS left in the end caps, just rusted dust and empty end caps. Most of the rubber seals were gone and half the retaining rings missing.
The end caps themselves were either broken, split, cracked, or half gone.
The u-joints were so loose, the yokes of the axle shaft and the short shaft were getting caught on the lower ball joint castle nut/bolt and locking up the wheel.
If I knew how to put pics up here - I'd show.

 

[imiceman44]

**Update**
Spent the last couple days taking it apart. All my wheel, spindle and axle bearings were perfect, had tons of grease, the races were mint, the seals were all good, hubs great, lots of good thick clean grease everywhere.
Even the spindles were good.
The ball joints, tie rod ends, drag links were full of good grease...............
and yet my u-joints had almost NO PINS left in the end caps, just rusted dust and empty end caps. Most of the rubber seals were gone and half the retaining rings missing.
The end caps themselves were either broken, split, cracked, or half gone.
The u-joints were so loose, the yokes of the axle shaft and the short shaft were getting caught on the lower ball joint castle nut/bolt and locking up the wheel.
If I knew how to put pics up here - I'd show.

I don't need pics to know what you said, it happened to me on a trail, I was getting the jerking so I peaked a hill, and put it in 2wd and I was coasting down hill when suddenly, BAM a very loud and violent crack then nothing. I stoped and went to look, the cap had worked it's way lose and ended up hitting the ball joint threads and got sheared off, also damaging the yoke on the shaft.
Had to change the stub shaft but left the ball joint since it was still good, but it would be a pain to remove it unless you grind the whole end off.
Glad you found your problem.