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Steering problem

MetalMulishaMarcus

1 Ton Status
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Disneyland
Getting frustrated with this now.

So I have a 1974 k5 blazer, I did a 1 ton swap on it and installed hydro assist (I also have crossover steering).

Before I installed the hydro assist my steering was ok, little lose but still driveable. As soon as I installed the hydro assist my steering started acting weird. When I drive down the street the steering goes side to side but very small amounts and if you try to correct it, it's kinda jumpy. Its almost like the steering is lose and the hydro assist is trying to correct it.

It's definitely not death wobble because I drove it just fine without Hydro assist.

I did the top cap and the end cap of the steering box and I read everything i could find to make sure I put the lines in the right spot and not backwards. The only thing that concerns me is when I put the top cap back on, the adjustment screw on top isn't sticking out as much as a different steering box (see pictures).

What could it be?

P.s. sorry for all the pictures, just wanted to make sure you guys could see everything and I know I have to zip tie my lines, I just wanna make sure I can fix everything first in ase I have to take stuff apart again.

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OK I'll play. Here are some things.

1.Jack the truck up and start shaking parts. Literally. Anything that is loose, shaky or not tight, look there first.
2.Have you have the truck aligned? If the tires are angled slightly inward it will make the steering wander left to right.
3. That steering box looks WAY out of adjustment to me. The hydro assist is more than likely exacerbating a problem that already existed.
4. Check that your hydro kit is completely bled. Air bubbles will make the cylinder "stumble" smooth movement...blip, smooth movement...blip.
 
Getting frustrated with this now.

So I have a 1974 k5 blazer, I did a 1 ton swap on it and installed hydro assist (I also have crossover steering).

Before I installed the hydro assist my steering was ok, little lose but still driveable. As soon as I installed the hydro assist my steering started acting weird. When I drive down the street the steering goes side to side but very small amounts and if you try to correct it, it's kinda jumpy. Its almost like the steering is lose and the hydro assist is trying to correct it.

It's definitely not death wobble because I drove it just fine without Hydro assist.

I did the top cap and the end cap of the steering box and I read everything i could find to make sure I put the lines in the right spot and not backwards. The only thing that concerns me is when I put the top cap back on, the adjustment screw on top isn't sticking out as much as a different steering box (see pictures).

What could it be?

P.s. sorry for all the pictures, just wanted to make sure you guys could see everything and I know I have to zip tie my lines, I just wanna make sure I can fix everything first in ase I have to take stuff apart again.

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Check alignment especially caster angle.
Hydro assist makes it very easy to turn so response to a problem will be more aggressive and strong.
 
Im not sure I can change the alignment because the heims on the tierod are welded. I bought the whole set up from a guy and I'm basically running what he set up already.
I've taken the ram off and pointed the fittings upward and bleed it with the truck on and the truck off.

And yes...I think the steering box being out of adjustment has a LOT to do with it..just trying to see what you guys think.

How do I fix the steering box? When I screwed the top cap back on that's as far down as it went on. Should I pull the shaft up a little and screwing the top cap on more if I'm able to?
 
This is my front end without hydro assist. Not sure if you can tell but a lot of it is welded..I will try and get more pictures tomorrow before work.

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The allen head adjustment screw isn't supposed to be tightened down all the way. It's supposed to go it just enough to set the gears meshing right. Overtightening it supposedly makes the steering jumpy or sticky.
 
The allen head adjustment screw isn't supposed to be tightened down all the way. It's supposed to go it just enough to set the gears meshing right. Overtightening it supposedly makes the steering jumpy or sticky.

Yeah but the screw isn't up as far as it should be.
 
Im not sure I can change the alignment because the heims on the tierod are welded. I bought the whole set up from a guy and I'm basically running what he set up already.
I've taken the ram off and pointed the fittings upward and bleed it with the truck on and the truck off.

And yes...I think the steering box being out of adjustment has a LOT to do with it..just trying to see what you guys think.

How do I fix the steering box? When I screwed the top cap back on that's as far down as it went on. Should I pull the shaft up a little and screwing the top cap on more if I'm able to?

The tie rod has got to have some adjustment in it. The bungs for the helm joints are likely welded but they screw out on either side. If it is truly welded solid, as in no way to lengthen or shorten it you need to toss that nonsense in the trash. Whomever built that is a retard. I HIGHLY doubt it is welded up....No one is that dumb.
 
The tie rod has got to have some adjustment in it. The bungs for the helm joints are likely welded but they screw out on either side. If it is truly welded solid, as in no way to lengthen or shorten it you need to toss that nonsense in the trash. Whomever built that is a retard. I HIGHLY doubt it is welded up....No one is that dumb.

Lol when money becomes available, I'd like to change a few things on it and that's a major one. He welded some metal to it to make it stronger incase he hit a rock. I dont like how it's all set up.
 
Lol when money becomes available, I'd like to change a few things on it and that's a major one. He welded some metal to it to make it stronger incase he hit a rock. I dont like how it's all set up.
I say take it to an alignment shop and let them tell you they can't adjust it.
They will also tell you if you have a problem or not.
 
The tie rod has got to have some adjustment in it. The bungs for the helm joints are likely welded but they screw out on either side. If it is truly welded solid, as in no way to lengthen or shorten it you need to toss that nonsense in the trash. Whomever built that is a retard. I HIGHLY doubt it is welded up....No one is that dumb.

I got some pictures, I should be able to adjust it. Hopefully it doesn't mess with the hydro assist if I only need to mess with one side.

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I got some pictures, I should be able to adjust it. Hopefully it doesn't mess with the hydro assist if I only need to mess with one side.

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You can get a basic alignment on it by measuring the centerline of the tires front and back. This will tell you how far off it is. If it measures the same essentially with a tape meausure then carry it to a shop and fine out how bad it is actually....LOL. Millimeters make a difference.
 
Your heims don't look welded to me. Maybe stuck pretty good. But definitely adjustable. Only adjustable out though
 
Your heims don't look welded to me. Maybe stuck pretty good. But definitely adjustable. Only adjustable out though

if he's toed out it will do all kinds of weird shit.

Pretty easy to set the toe yourself with the wheels removed, couple straight edges and a tape measure.
 
You can get a basic alignment on it by measuring the centerline of the tires front and back. This will tell you how far off it is. If it measures the same essentially with a tape meausure then carry it to a shop and fine out how bad it is actually....LOL. Millimeters make a difference.

I'm sure it bad. I think the guy I got the axles from only used them for off road use (not mud, thank God).
No death wobble though.
 

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