What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Dangerous Drivability

M

MarkThieme

Newbie
Joined
Oct 15, 2023
Posts
4
Reaction score
0
Location
Naples Florida
Hi, I purchased a heavily loved 84 K5. I think he sold it because he too couldn’t drive it. I have replaced Bearings,ball joints, tie rod, 2 stabilizers, spring bushings, drop pitman arm, steering gear box, rag joint.
Not power steering pump or upper steering column.
I haven’t put 5 miles on it in 3 years. Today I drove down my street and it darted left right over to the left side curb.
Any suggestions please.
 
Have you checked for frame cracks at the steering box?

Have a helper saw the steering wheel back and forth to put pressure on the steering gear while you look at all the steering components to see what’s loose or has play.
 
Hi and welcome to CK5 @MarkThieme

We can certainly help you with your steering. I see in you list drop pitman, how lift are you running ?
 
rampage said:
Have you checked for frame cracks at the steering box?

Have a helper saw the steering wheel back and forth to put pressure on the steering gear while you look at all the steering components to see what’s loose or has play.
Click to expand...
Oh yes, I forgot, yes I did the frame brace. I am going to order a new power steering pump anyway.
 
Does it have a lift?
Have you checked the toe alignment with a tape measure?
Caster and toe-in out of wack could help it dart around.
 
What about the universal joints for the front axle shafts? If the hubs are unlocked and those U-joints binding. It will feel like the truck won’t turn, then it will turn too much and not let you recover easily. Give them a look for corrosion. I would also suggest locking the hubs and driving around in 2 wheel drive. It might loosen them up and it at the least will get them rotating and probably easier to bend if they are the problem.
 
Under what conditions?

You've inspected the axles to ensure that the axle isn't moving in relation to the springs? You may see rub marks on the springs or axles where there is movement.

I've had brakes cause weird issues, but when stuck only pull you one way, and if not adjusted right also pull, but again only in one direction, and under braking. Not back and forth. Similarly, failed stabilizer will give death wobble like symptoms, but also (IME) only under braking.

If you aren't moving the wheel, aren't braking, and it's still going left/right on it's own, I'd spend a lot of time inspecting the locations where the axles attach to the truck.

Edit: I've been in a square body that had sheared a rear spring pin, and the u-bolts were shifting on the rear axle. It was disconcerting to say the least, and that was towing a trailer so a bit more resistance to the shift in direction...but it was still scary and unpredictable.
 
Last edited:
Yes all of the above.
Still haven't said how much lift, do you have the alignment report? How much Caster listed as finished spec?
The factory brake hoses are notorious for failing internal and blocking brake fluid from flowing. Sticking front caliper will cause a pull
 
Barrman said:
What about the universal joints for the front axle shafts? If the hubs are unlocked and those U-joints binding. It will feel like the truck won’t turn, then it will turn too much and not let you recover easily. Give them a look for corrosion. I would also suggest locking the hubs and driving around in 2 wheel drive. It might loosen them up and it at the least will get them rotating and probably easier to bend if they are the problem.
Click to expand...
Apparently I had already locked the hubs from last test. I’ll test again after I get gas unlocked.
 
dyeager535 said:
Under what conditions?

You've inspected the axles to ensure that the axle isn't moving in relation to the springs? You may see rub marks on the springs or axles where there is movement.

I've had brakes cause weird issues, but when stuck only pull you one way, and if not adjusted right also pull, but again only in one direction, and under braking. Not back and forth. Similarly, failed stabilizer will give death wobble like symptoms, but also (IME) only under braking.

If you aren't moving the wheel, aren't braking, and it's still going left/right on it's own, I'd spend a lot of time inspecting the locations where the axles attach to the truck.

Edit: I've been in a square body that had sheared a rear spring pin, and the u-bolts were shifting on the rear axle. It was disconcerting to say the least, and that was towing a trailer so a bit more resistance to the shift in direction...but it was still scary and unpredictable.
Click to expand...
As others have pointed out it is difficult to accurately pinpoint an issue over the internet but don’t discount what is said up above about a possible sheared spring center pin ( front or rear ) and the axle moving back and forth ( even if the u-bolts are tight and all appears to be well ) this will cause exactly the type of odd drive ability issues that you are experiencing.
It can act like you have momentary four wheel steering, crab walking , pull/push and non responsive steering situation all together which makes for a scary ride to say the least.
Just something to check out and consider.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom