A few questions about my - 90 k5

[cooterbrown]

The steering is a bit loose. Has anyone purchased any front end rebuild kits? I need a cheap complete kit. Any recommendations?

I need a good painter in the san antonio, tx area.

Also I need a <snip>

 

[tRustyK5]

There aren't any front end kits...there are front end parts that you replace as needed. Drag link ends, Tie-rod ends, Ball joints, steering box, steering shaft etc. Find what's loose/sloppy and replace it.

Next, there isn't any "parts wanted" in the Garage forum...if you'd like to post up a parts wanted ad feel free to do what the rest of us do and get a membership. It's totally worth it.

In the meantime...I'll be editing your original post.

 

[Jessie James]

As far as what parts to replace up front, most shops will give you a free quote. Just take it in and ask them to check it out. Then go from there.

 

[snowdriver]

take a close look at where the steering box is mounted on the frame,it is not unheard of for the frame to develop cracks there,especially if you do alot of off road combined with large tires

 

[dremu]

As mentioned, the steering box can come loose and the frame there can be cracked. There are bolt-up braces which can help prevent damage. For a truck that sees any use offroad, these are considered a requirement. Once the frame is damaged, welding will be required (there are patch kits to repair and strengthen the frame.)

You can identify worn steering components yourself. Jack up the truck and put the axle on stands so that the front tires are off the ground. Grab the tires and try to move them (not around in a circle -- they'd best move that way -- but up & down and left & right.)

If the tires move up and down at all (grab them at 12 and 6 o'clock and push and pull), you're thinking about ball joints or spindle or bearing issues.

If the tires move left & right (grab at 3 and 9 o'clock), check the drag link and tie rod ends for play.

See the bottom half of

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/csb/full.aspx?Page=149

for the various pieces. You should not be able to feel any play or slop in the drag link and tie rod ends; if you can move them by hand, you have found a problem.

That should get you started. These parts can be had from your local auto parts source; Moog (Federal Mogul) is generally a good brand. A "rebuild" kit for the front axle would be for the gears & seals & such inside the axle, which is not related to the steering.

-- A

 

[kinson33]

The steering is a bit loose. Has anyone purchased any front end rebuild kits? I need a cheap complete kit. Any recommendations?

I need a good painter in the san antonio, tx area.

Also I need a <snip>

I literally just did a front end rebuild on my 83 k5. Bought MOOG parts from the steering box down basically:

1. Drag links
2. Sleeve
3. Tie Rods
4. Ball Joints (upper&lower)
5. Axle U joints
6. New front leaf packs (tuff country)

Steering is still a bit loose unfortunnately, might be replacing the box or pump next?!?!

Order off line and save big and save big compared to going into the store. I used advanced auto.

 

[dremu]

I literally just did a front end rebuild on my 83 k5. Bought MOOG parts from the steering box down basically:

1. Drag links
2. Sleeve
3. Tie Rods
4. Ball Joints (upper&lower)
5. Axle U joints
6. New front leaf packs

Steering is still a bit loose unfortunnately, might be replacing the pump next?!?!

Order off line and save big and save big compared to going into the store. I used advanced auto.

A failing pump won't make the steering "loose" ... if anything it would make it harder to steer, due to lack of assist. You should hear the pump squealing and/or see the fluid foaming.

If after all of that (new springs??) you've still got issues, I'm thinking you have something Really Bad going on. You need to look at the frame by the box for cracks, and then think about the calipers sticking or whatever other obscure problems. And check the alignment; since you did the tierod, toe should be checked.

-- A

 

[Deuling]

Also the xj steering shaft mod is supposed to tighten things up compared to the stock rag joint. Couple threads on it on here if you do a search.

 

[K85 Octane]

Also the xj steering shaft mod is supposed to tighten things up compared to the stock rag joint. Couple threads on it on here if you do a search.

this is quite literally where I'd start, then check frame, check box bolts, then get someone to move steering as you look over everything

 

[kinson33]

A failing pump won't make the steering "loose" ... if anything it would make it harder to steer, due to lack of assist. You should hear the pump squealing and/or see the fluid foaming.

If after all of that (new springs??) you've still got issues, I'm thinking you have something Really Bad going on. You need to look at the frame by the box for cracks, and then think about the calipers sticking or whatever other obscure problems. And check the alignment; since you did the tierod, toe should be checked.

-- A

Had the alignment done, there is just a little movement in the wheel before it reacts I feel like. I know its never going to feel like a 2010 model sfa but I think it could still be improved. I'll look into that xj mod, I think the previous owner already did the frame reinforcement but I'll have to double check that as well.

With that said, definitely a vast improvement before replacing those parts. Replaced the front leafs bc they looked like this ~ hah

 

[kinson33]

other problem might be that I work for Enterprise and drive new cars all day...