Adding caster to a 1989 K5/10 bolt

[Clark75K5]

My 89 K5 goes down the road pretty well, but one thing I don't like is after making a turn the steering wheel doesn't always return to center real quick, and I am lead to believe this is because i have zero caster. Steering shaft, rag joint and steering gear are new so its not due to old sloppy parts. Would shimming the leaf pack 5 degrees or so help?

 

[nvrenuf]

The only way to answer "how much" (if any) is to know the actual caster measurement. I'd suggest getting an alignment (or check) to know where to start.

 

[Fastereddie]

Yeah, don’t assume your caster is low because of return to center. (Or lack of).
Could be tight ball joints or steering components or axle shaft u-joints. These beasts don’t always handle like a modern vehicle.

 

[Clark75K5]

Did that and the tire shop said there was almost zero. Steering linkage is brand new, ball joints are not and likely original to the truck, and I don't recall if i replaced the axle shaft U-joints but I'm pretty sure I did.

I just replaced the original distributor cap, coil, rotor and plug wires this past weekend. (brand new distributor) Contacts looked like they had coral growing on them and the brush in the center was worn down to a nub. The ignition coil was still rivted to the brackets which is why I think its original. Odometer says 77,xxx.

 

[nvrenuf]

The problem is the "almost zero" part, your dealing in precise degrees. Did the shop give you a print out of the alignment? This would show the current exact amount and the acceptable range.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

Is it lifted at all?

 

[Clark75K5]

Is it lifted at all?

4"

 

[Gibby56]

I would go get a free alignment check from a shop and have them give you the print out.

That will tell you if an angled zero rate from ORD will get you within spec and/or longer shackles.