Truck has turning/steering problem

[demon_speed]

It has half the turning radius going right that it does going left. I checked the box while my brother turned it both ways, nothing seems loose or broken. All I can think is the arm coming out of the power steering box isn't correctly aligned, or something inside it is broken. Is this a common problem, or is there something else I should look at?

Also of note, it clunks and thumps a bit when turning while driving, like something isn't attached. Only happens when driving though, and the turning radius is drastically different driving or sitting still.

1978 GM Sierra 4x4

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Is there a lift on the truck?

It sounds like the draglink isn't adjusted, but with tall lifts the stock steering really doesn't work even with all the "steering correction" pieces.

 

[demon_speed]

I want to say it's stock height, at most 2" lift.

Edit: Just saw a pic of someone else truck with a 4" lift, and it looks exactly like mine.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

It's possible that the draglink needs to be adjusted.

Other than that, it really sounds like the steering box bolts are loose or the frame is cracked in that location.

 

[demon_speed]

With the truck sitting still, there is no flex or movement in the box when turning the wheel, so could the box/frame still be cracked or loose?

How do I adjust the draglink? Also, will adjusting that take away from the turning radius I have going left? I.E if the truck has 100 total degrees of rotation, and right now it's going 55-left 45-right, will adjusting it make it 50-50 left/right, losing some of my turning ability?

Thanks for the replies, and I just realized a few minutes ago, you're the guy I emailed about doing a twin-case on the truck in the coming months lol. Needs an engine rebuild first, just found out cyl 4 has 0 compression :-/

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

#1 is get rid of any play in any of the steering components: the steering box itself, draglink ends, tie rod ends, and ball joints. Cracks in the frame are very common in the steering box area are very common, watch for those.

If you lifted the truck, you need to adjust the steering to accomodate the change in lift height.

Basically the draglink (the piece going from the steering box to the driver's side axle) need to be shorter or longer (likely longer if you lifted the truck).

Otherwise it's a simple alignment thing.

 

[88jimmy4x4]

Turn key to acc so wheel isnt locked

To adjust drag link , loosen clamps, drive the vehicle back and forth in a straight line. This will center the steering box. Turn drag link adjusting sleeve until steering wheel is straight, then tighten the clamp nuts....test drive

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