I took the truck out for it's first drive long drive. I drove it to work watch is about 45 miles. Did great until it hits some big bumps in the road. Like rail road crossing or bad pot hose. It want's to go every where. See I keep the straight axle under it but with power streeing. I put all new parts in the front end. Is this some thing I just have to get us to when driving the truck?

 

How fast were you going when you hit the pot holes and the railroad tracks and it wandered all over the place?

 

Around 55 to 60.

 

Is your toe in set for close to 1/8 inches? Incorrect toe in will set up "the shakes"

 

I had the front end aligned not sure what they set it at.

 

They ain't nothing like that first ride.

 

Congrats on the first ride!!! Thats a huge milestone.

As far as jumping all ove the place on big bumps....does the truck jump to one side when you hit the bumps (bump steer)? does the front end start bouncing all over the place and won't stop until you slow down (death wobble)? Are you running radial tires or bias plies?

If its a bump steer type issue, check to see that your steering linkage between the pitman arm and the steering arm is roughly parallel to the ground. A straight axle will always have some bump steer but you can minimize it.
If its death wobble, then like 49willard stated, recheck the toe-in adjustment. If it still had death wobble then crank in a little more toe and see if it stops it

If you're running bias plies they are going to drag you all over the road with every rut, bump, and wierd spot.

Congrats on the run
Bobby

 

I am running radials and no there is no wobble when i it one. just that you have to hang on to the wheel. I here that that is just part of a straight axle front end.

 

Check out this link: The Science Of Straight Axles - Street Rodder Magazine

 

I have a 56 F100 that i also left the straight axle in, put in new king pins and bushings, rebuilt and part that looked worn, but put a sway bar on it.

When I had a laser alignment done i told them i was going to put a steering stabilizer on as well and was advised not to as everything was so strong and tight that it might stiffen it up too much.

I also extended all my shock mounts with kits from Mid-Fifty so i had longer travel on the shocks allowing to put so good gas shocks on. With the Toyota power steering box and disc brakes on the front it drives really smooth and handles great potholes and all.

KP

 

My 54 panel has the straight ax and Toyota ps.It has no wobble or other problems.I did replace the tie rod with a heavy duty one as the original would give.

 

That is an excellent article. Thanks for sending it along.

 

I have a little bump steer with pot holes at town speeds, 35mph but nothing really bothersome, with the stock steering wheel. EDIT I almost forgot, congrats on your maiden voyage. Thats a feeling that dosent come easy. Now lets see if we cant get that axel to behave, for you.