steering/suspension help

[Ducter]

Hello, I just picked up an 89 k5 after selling mine so many years ago. This one is on a block lift which I have never been fond of but is what it is. Anyways, to the reason of my post.

Truck drives horrible. Wanders all over at the slightest bump or turn in the road. Scares the hell out of me. I can see the leaf springs moving on the blocks when someone turns the wheel and hear a pop like noise when turning. I have checked out the frame where the steering box mounts and to the naked eye doesn't appear cracked as I know that's an issue. I am thinking new leafs and bushings also removing the blocks. Here's a video to best describe what's going on.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfGJRJZqJZQ[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Deuling]

Blocks are a no no in the front


edit: heres the vid. HOLY CRAP THATS SCARY!!! DO NOT DRIVE THAT LIKE THAT!!! To me in the first few seconds, it looks like the block is shifting sideways when its turning....

 

[ccarley]

Hi Ducter,

I've been fighting wandery steering for a while too. Making sure everything is tight up there is very important!

So, there are lift blocks on the front? That's no good to start. I've never driven with them, but I've always heard that's a no-no.

I have full springs, but the shackles on the fronts were pretty worn out. The upper holes were ovalized, and all the holes were oversize overall. I replaced the shackles with ORD's heavy duty setup, which required replacing all the bushings at the rear of the springs, and at the shackle hangers. Larger bolts, thicker plates, all made a difference. I also had some major popping going on, and it turned out to be the driver side shackle hanger bushing.

I think you are on the right track though. Me being me, I also went for the ORD bolt in steering box brace. I have yet to finish it because of some steel brake lines in the way, but I got the front portion in.

After replacing those bushings & shackles, the steering was much better. For a day. Then I hit some major trenches & plates in the road at 50 mph (they had not yet put up signs, and this was at 6:00am) That apparently loosened everything up again. I was just out cranking on those shackle bolts which had come loose.

http://carleynet.net/familypictures/view_album.php?set_albumName=Shackle-Replacement

Don't forget to check the rear as well!

Good luck,
Clay

 

[Ducter]

Yes, it's scary. Very. I trailered it home, the guy I got it from says he drives it like that fine. I knew blocks were no good, especially in the front. It seems to be the consensus that springs and bushings are the starting point, with no blocks.

Anyone have a reputable place to buy springs? I have heard good and bad about lmc.

Thanks again.

 

[Deuling]

I'd get some tuff country EZ rides from offroad design.


Best bang for the buck from what everyone here says.

 

[Ducter]

Really looking to return it to stock height but not finding much available. I wonder if just getting it of the blocks would improve it for now.

 

[sweetk30]

i would do 2" lift tuff country from offroad design .

2" keep you were your at now baiscly and prop ride a LOT better than stock 30+ year old springs .

also if its this hacked up check the frame for cracks were the steering box bolts .

p.s. welcome to ck5 . you will like it here .

 

[paratrooper307]

I installed the 3 inch front EZ-Rides and the truck does ride much better and quieter than stock. Some of that is likely due to new shocks and the new bushings in the springs, and new tires, but I'll take it however I can get it. Well worth the money, some of the cheaper brands will have you riding like a dump truck.