How can i align my own steeringwheel on a 1990 Suburban?

[blackandgold51]

My steering wheel is out of place with the "4 yoke" up straight instead of horizontal when the Suburbans driven straight

 

[Phil513]

4X4? Adjust the (i think it's called) drag link, the short tie rod thingie coming off the steering box. Turn the center section to make it longer or shorter.

 

[max 02]

4X4? Adjust the (i think it's called) drag link, the short tie rod thingie coming off the steering box. Turn the center section to make it longer or shorter.

Yup!
But why is it out? Did you just lift it, or hit something?

 

[blackandgold51]

Yup!
But why is it out? Did you just lift it, or hit something?

No. I had I new tie rod put on and by the way it's a 4x4

 

[Blue85]

The tie rod was replaced or the drag link?

1. The toe needs to be set first (tie-rod adjustment)
2. Adjust the drag link so the pitman arm (connected to the steering gear) is about perpendicular to the frame rail when the wheels are pointed straight ahead.
3. drag link should be basically parallel to the ground and parallel to the frame - if not, something needs to be changed/swapped
4. If the steering wheel is close to being straight now, you can center it with a fine tune of the drag link. If you're way off, you may have other issues to solve.

The steering box needs to be centered (step 2) while driving straight to have proper on-center feel. The box is actually tighter on-center. Plus it ensures you can steer lock-to-lock in both directions. If things don't line up this way, check for broken spring pins, bent shackles, or other issues that can throw things off. As a last step, the steering wheel can be pulled and re-centered so that it's centered when the box is.

 

[rebelgregory]

If you adjust the drag link, make sure the key is in the 'on' position so the steering wheel doesn't lock. Trust me, that'll mess you up. I adjusted the crap outta mine and couldn't figure out why the wheel wasn't turning, then I put the key in to re-center the tires and the steering wheel jerked 45 degrees clockwise from stored tension.

 

[dhcomp]

As a last step, the steering wheel can be pulled and re-centered so that it's centered when the box is.

This doesn't work. The horn button setup through the lock plate keeps you from indexing it like this.

 

[Blue85]

It depends on which model year column you have. I have a 90's column and I have indexed it this way, but I have a wire coming through for the horn (from previous owner) instead of a spring, so it works like this. As long as your pitman arm is straight to the side when the steering wheel is straight, it should be possible to bring it all in with the drag link adjustment.