Misc issues with a K5

[78 GMC Jimmy]

So its a 78 GMC Jummy (Blazer).
Front end seems to wander when braking.
Front end makes a "pop" that can easily be heard and can be felt in the steering wheel and brake peddle from time to time when turning the wheel from stop to stop (vehicle parked, not moving).
When hitting bumps, I feel a mild thud in the front left. Almost like if a sock was missing a bushing.
It seems like there is play in the steering.
The steering seems unresponsive when centered. As though the gear ration seems to be different at 12 o'clock vs 9 or 3 o'clock. Its as though its "geared lower" in the center. So it requires more steering wheel movement in the center to get the wheels to respond. If your a 3 o'clock the steering is much more responsive.

Cant find anything loose at all. There was a loose lower ball joint nut, but I tightened it and also adjusted the steering box. I adjusted the steering to where there is zero play. Having someone turn the steering wheels back and fourth I check it from the steering wheel shaft all the way to the hub. EVERYTHING seems tight. Rag joint, tie rods, hub bearings, etc. Where is this play coming from? And what the heck is the THUD when your Turing the wheel while the vehicle is stopped.

Any ideas on what I could check?

 

[flatland]

You're missing something (s).
Check your frame at the steering box, and check everything else again.
Lift the front and check it all again as well.
Check U bolts, spring center pins.
Check spring bushings, shackles, shocks.
Caster can remove some play at 3/9 that is noticeable at 12 by preloading.

 

[Barrman]

Frame crack around the steering box mounts?

Axle shaft u-joints rust seized and resisting being bent?

Axle to leaf spring U-bolts loose and the axle is walking just a little?

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

You're missing something (s).
Check your frame at the steering box, and check everything else again.
Lift the front and check it all again as well.
Check U bolts, spring center pins.
Check spring bushings, shackles, shocks.
Caster can remove some play at 3/9 that is noticeable at 12 by preloading.

Lift the front end with the suspension slack (lift from frame), or with the front axle on jack stands?

 

[78 GMC Jimmy]

Frame crack around the steering box mounts?

Axle shaft u-joints rust seized and resisting being bent?

Axle to leaf spring U-bolts loose and the axle is walking just a little?

There does appear to be a frame repair done at the steering box area. Plates have been welded in for what I assume was a cracked frame. Everything looks OK, but i guess i could put a pry bar an the steering box and see if I can move it away from the frame.

 

[flatland]

Lift the front end with the suspension slack (lift from frame), or with the front axle on jack stands?

Yes ,LOL.

Lifting by the axle will free things in the outer axle/hub/ball joints etc.
Lifting by the frame takes tension off springs/shocks.

 

[Wes Harden]

The steering seems unresponsive when centered. As though the gear ration seems to be different at 12 o'clock vs 9 or 3 o'clock. Its as though its "geared lower" in the center. So it requires more steering wheel movement in the center to get the wheels to respond. If your a 3 o'clock the steering is much more responsive.

Yes the worm gear is cut on taper to the ends and the teeth are wider in the middle. I really wish people would stop "adjusting" their steering boxes. Unless you remove the box from the truck and have it on a bench, so you can feel or even measure the resistance to turning over center, you've probably destroyed this steering box.

If you had a loose ball joint nut, did the ball stud wobble in the knuckle ? Intermittent pop does sound like a axle u joint stiff and binding. Is this 78 a full time 4x4 ? Have the wheel bearing been inspected for play ?

 

[MrHappy]

Chances are there MIGHT be a crack in frame where steering box is OR like in my case,I’m putting one on to prevent it from cracking,because of my oversized 34x12x16 not stock tire/wheels.