Truck is all buttoned up-driveline shortened 1 1/4" and front end aligned (1/8" toe in), I am a happy man....except for a scary moment on test drive with Dad....

Driving in a straight line, heavy into the gas-maybe 40 mph, hit a bump and truck wanted to steer right-tried to jerk wheel out of my hand. Think it maybe steering related? Did I miss a step in alignment? Did it bottom on a bump stop that I need to remove? Any ideas/thought are appreciated. Have a great weekend all

 

To check the bump stops if hitting use chalk or maybe lip stick on the rubber and take for a drive.
If it hits the chalk / lip stick will be on the other part.
Now if you did not do anything to the springs and the lowering is the drop axle then the bump stops should not hit.

What did you do for front shocks? I hope they are shorter to match the drop.
You may want to pull 1 end of the shock off and see how much travel it has in each direction then measure the gap between bump stop and axle.

Who / how was it aligned? Did a shop do it and did you watch them do it and get a print out of the end spec?
I know the toe spec is 1/16"to 1/8" toe IN on most setups so that is not to bad unless it changed.
What is the caster & camber settings?
Caster can be set with wedge shins like used on the rear axle to set pinion angle but camber they need to bend the axle beam and I don't know if shops today can or will even try to do that.
Dave ----

 

Thanks mate, Mine has the large wraparound rear window, any idea of year/model

 

[QUOTE=Maltman;18400092]Truck is all buttoned up-driveline shortened 1 1/4" and front end aligned (1/8" toe in), I am a happy man....except for a scary moment on test drive with Dad....

Driving in a straight line, heavy into the gas-maybe 40 mph, hit a bump and truck wanted to steer right-tried to jerk wheel out of my hand. Think it maybe steering related? Did I miss a step in alignment? Did it bottom on a bump stop that I need to remove? Any ideas/thought are appreciated. Have a great weekend all
/QUOTE]

This is one of the dangers of straight axle steering. I added this stabilizer kit to mine and have never had the issue. Well worth the $100. Truck Parts and Truck Accessories

 

Perfect thank you.

D

 

Thanks Walston, ordered stabilizer today .

 

When you put in your drop axle did you bend the steering arm so it is parallel to the frame?

 

 

No, I had no idea that was necessary

 

I am no expert but this is what Tim did when he lowered mine. He told be that it prevents bump steer. Take it off the truck. Heat it up with a torch to bend and let it cool down on it's own. The link between the steering box arm and the steering arm on the wheel should be even with your frame. Contact me if you need more direction and I will put you in touch with Tim. This is before. the picture above is after.^^^^^^^^ You shouldn't need a steering stabilizer

 

Thank you very much. Looks like I need to add 4° front shims (per Sid), steering stabilizer and correct steering arm. Better get crackin!

 

Shims are in and they corrected the "wandering" issue. 4° with the fat side towards the rear of the truck.

Next is to correct the bump steer. Sid advised to bend while on truck. Heat on the horseshoe near the two bolts and bent flat. Next near the the rod end to bring it back up level-if that makes sense.

Steering stabilizer should be here beginning of next week.


Thanks for all the help!

 

Definitely a 60 hood, not sure on cab, the marker lights are throwing me off. Not sure on bed either. Should have a plate in glove box that you can decode. Best of luck!

 

Cool. Your truck sure did turn out nice. I am still looking for a 59. If you are ever over Brentwood way let me know.

 

Have you fixed the steering arm yet?