front end is really loose / 1988 K5

[fire350]

Just bought my first K5. 1988 Chevy Blazer.

I drove it around for a bit and noticed the front end was crazy loose. Are their any certain procedures I need to snug up the front end?

Feels like its about to fly apart.

Thanks,

Jonathan

 

[stallion85]

Check the frame where the steering box attaches for cracks or loose bolts. Also your DRE or TRE could be bad......search the word XJ steering shaft. The rag joint in the stock steering shaft can wear out and cause this problem. The XJ shaft uses U joints and can be adapted to fit your Chevy.

 

[barneybasher1010]

Is it lifted? What size tires? It could be DEATH WOBBLE. Need more info.

 

[fire350]

88 K5 is complely stock as far as the tires and suspenson goes.

 

[dremu]

First up, check the steering box. As said, four bolts, plus look closely for cracking on the frame there.

Next up, check for play in the wheels (jack the axle up.) If the wheels move up-and-down (grab at 12 and 6 o'clock), think ball joints. Well, also check the locking nut inside the hub. (Doh!)

If the wheels move left-to-right (hands at 3 and 9) start checking tie-rod ends (the long bar from left to right) and the draglink (short bar from steering to left wheel.)

Once all of this is good, THEN start thinking about upgrades like the XJ steering shaft, etc ... but if the basics are worn out, no amount of $$ and time thrown at upgrades will help

-- A