Steering wheel won't return to center

[1987Chevy]

I was wondering if any one else had this problem I'm running 4" TC front springs with a sky Jacker drop pitman for steering correction with 33" Xterrains the problem is when I make a turn the wheel will self correct all the way up to about a 1/4 turn away from center the last quarter turn I have to turn it back my self or it will just stay there. There is nothing binding in the steering system so I was figuring it was probably caster angle. Now I was wondering what people would recomend to fix this like running shims (if shims are recomended what degree and sorry about sounding so dumb but positive and negitive caster always confuses me so which direction should the shims face) or having it aligned or any other suggestions because I thought I could live with it but this truck is a some what daily driver (when i could afford gas ) and this non centering wheel is starting to become a real PITA. Thanks in advance for anyones help

 

[ryan22re]

i would have the alignment checked first. then go from there. try to find a shop where one of the techs drives a lifted truck. they do better alignments and are more understanding then the old-schoolers that will tell you that it can never be right once it has been modified.

ryan

 

[guido666]

Toe-in is what causes your wheels to self-center. Have you had an alignment lately?

 

[89GMCSuburban]

Toe in? Wrong...its caster that centers the wheels, which can be affected by lift kits.

 

[guido666]

Sorry, my bad. So to make up for it...

From the Chevy service manual...

Solutions to "poor returnabiliity":
Steering column adjustment
Steering linkage needs lubrication
Idler arm bushing worn
Steering gear adjustment
Power steering gear valve spool binding
Obstruction within power steering gear
Improper caster setting (negative)

 

[89GMCSuburban]

It's all good

 

[4xcrazy]

PUSH THE AUTOPILOT BUTTON ON

 

[muddyblzr]

check ur center pins. i had this problem. where i would turn and my wheel wouldnt be the same when i was goin straight. i had someone turn the wheel back and forth and i check everyting and my axle moved back and forth. ended up bein broken center pins. have a buddy sit in ur truck and turn the wheel back and forth while you go over teh whole system.

 

[R72K5]

auto pilot engaged

heh