K20 steering issue, jerks/pulls hard

[cochino12]

I recently bought an 85 1/2 ton that the PO swapped 3/4 ton axles and 6" leafs w/4" steering arm. The steering is a little sloppy and sometimes after the truck starts to turn just a bit on very slight turns the wheel will jerk pretty good. It used to be mainly just at low speeds but now its doing it more at higher speeds too. Other than checking the frame steering box area for cracks what else should I look for? and how do I know if tie rod ends, ball jonts etc... are bad. Thanks, in advance

Adam

 

[cochino12]

 

[goofy1]

I recently bought an 85 1/2 ton that the PO swapped 3/4 ton axles and 6" leafs w/4" steering arm. The steering is a little sloppy and sometimes after the truck starts to turn just a bit on very slight turns the wheel will jerk pretty good. It used to be mainly just at low speeds but now its doing it more at higher speeds too. Other than checking the frame steering box area for cracks what else should I look for? and how do I know if tie rod ends, ball jonts etc... are bad. Thanks, in advance

Adam

You can also check axle to spring attachment hardware ( U-bolts and centering pins)

 

[GsxrMike]

I would check by jacking up the drives side tire and try to turn it by hand. If you have alot of play back and forth then you have to start checking everything in the front end for wear. Tie rod ends should be snug with no play back and forth (side to side) I belive. Check wheel bearings etc. although I don't think that would cause your steering issue.

 

[Greg72]

The other quick test is to leave the engine idling (in Park) and have someone gently move the steering wheel from side to side a few inches.

Watch the draglink ends and see if they "rise up" from their standard position....this would indicate that they're sloppy and worn.

Without dealing with the axle balljoints, I replaced the draglink ends on mine and it sharpened things up considerably. The fact that your is jerking abruptly might be more of an indication of a cracked frame or loose u-bolts. Obviously, you'd be wasting your time swapping out ball joints and draglink ends if either of those two conditions exist.

 

[cochino12]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll start with the ubolts etc...