Need advice for steering (horrible steering radius and thump sound).

[handloader90]

Hey,

I have 4" Tuff Country Springs up front. I never did anything for steering correction because everything seemed fine.

I used some DIY4X EZ inches and pushed the axle 1.5" forward.

When I went to hook everything back up the drag link was too long (it took me awhile to figure out what had happened) I actually had to cut about an inch off of the threaded part of the drag link that attached to the pitman arm to get it to go in the adjustment sleeve enough to line up, and it was still a struggle getting the drag link in the pitman arm.

BTW, I'm using the stock steering arm and stock pitman arm.

I've noticed a pop/ thump sound, not really loud and it doesn't sound bad, but I can kind of feel it. I believe it happens only when I'm turning and going up a grade at the same time. For example: Pulling into my driveway which elevates.

Also, it seems like my steering radius sucks ass now, I have to do a 4-5 point turn to make it out of my parking lot at work.

I have a 2" drop pitman arm sitting in my toolbox.

Does anyone have part #'s for Moog Drag Link for our trucks?

What is your guys' recommendation for getting my steering back on track?

Also, would using one of these in conjunction with the drop pitman or drop pitman and raised steering arm work out?

 

[handloader90]

Found the Moog Drag Link ends in another thread: ES2026R and ES2027L.

Trying to find the adjustment sleeve part number now.

 

[diesel4me]

Going by memory I think it is ES-362S,but look it up to be sure...the drag link ends you listed are what fit my '82 K2500 and probably most all other 1971 -1987 solid axled trucks in stock form..

 

[sweetk30]

4" lift needs raised arm or drop pitman .

drop drag link kits = waste of cash .

moving axle forward 1.5" and still push/pull = problems for some .

I have read some guys get 1" forward and no real major problems with trimming like you did on drag link ends .

check steering box area of frame for cracks and loose bolts / rivits . also leaf spring eye bushing bolts loose or worn bushings letting things clank around.

might need another helper to wiggle the steering wheel while you check the whole system from steering shaft down to knuckles looking for loose parts.

 

[skunked]

If you need a raised steering arm I have one coming off my truck later this week.

 

[handloader90]

I think I should be ok with the drop pitman, new drag link ends and a new sleeve. Rust was big factor in why I cut the drag link end down. The ends would only go into the sleeve so far due to rust.

I should be fine with the stock steering arm (I think so anyway)

So is that pretty much it? Install the 2" drop pitman arm and new draglink ends/ drag link sleeve?

 

[Stomis]

Is there a chance your steering box isnt on center and you dont realise it after shortening that TRE? 1.5" of wheelbase is going to change your turning characteristics but it shouldnt be crazy drastic.

 

[handloader90]

Steering box is good. I may be over exaggerating a little. I never payed attention to it, just thought the steering radius was not as great as a more modern vehicle.

But a buddy pointed it out to me when I was in the parking lot at work.

I'm gonna switch out the components listed above and see how that works out at least to get rid of that thump.

 

[diesel4me]

I had that kind of thump-pop noise on my 77 GMC when I went up an incline at an angle often--I thought it was the front shackle bushings and bolts,or the front spring eye bushings,but they all checked out OK...

I found out later one day while lying under the truck doing an oil change,that someone had used 3/8" bolts on the transmission crossmember,and had cut the upper portion of it off that was riveted to it that went to the top lip of the frame..the bolts sheared off when I went to tighten them,they were loose, and flopping around!..

I drilled the holes in the crossmember & frame that were all egged out to 1/2" and used 4 grade 8 bolts to secure it...
I never heard that thump-pop noise again,so I didn't bother looking for another "complete" crossmember or the missing pieces off mine,it didn't seem critical to have them,but I like having things they way they belonged too,if possible..

I had a front spring eye on my '72 K5 break,it had two leafs that wrapped around the bushing instead of one "main" leaf like most springs,the one that was under the top most one was the one that the "eye" stretched out and broke off,leaving it more like a "C" instead of a full circle...that made some disturbing popping and snapping noises under certain driving conditions also..

 

[Stomis]

I've also had the odd steering clunk from leaf springs with bad sliders. They'll get a groove in them eventually and clunk.