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My 4x2 supercab has an issue where it will wander side to side, even more so when there is a rut or seam in the pavement. Seems to track better in curves I've noticed. I have had the alignment checked and it is spot on. The ball joints are new(reason for the alignment). I checked the tie rod ends and saw no movement with any of them. Moving up the line then would be the gear box and steering shaft. When driving, I can take the wheel and move it back and forth maybe 2-3" from center each direction and the truck barely moves. I'm thinking this is too much.. So is it the gear box or is there a rag joint of some type like on the older trucks? It seems like there is one in this pic on the left. To check it I'd compare the movement of the shaft vs wheel? The gear box isn't leaking or anything. Mileage is at 168,000.
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Finally had time to look things over with the help of a neighbor. We found 3 things. The nut for the pass side I beam pivot bushing bolt was missing. Got a new lock nut from Ace. Then the pass side top ball joint adjuster sleeve and ball joint had a hair play when rocking the wheel up and down. I loosened the pinch bolt, tapped the sleeve down some with a hammer then tightened the snot out of the pinch bolt, watching it clamp tight. Finally the drivers side wheel bearings were loose. I was able to turn the spindle nut a half turn by hand. So I replaced the bearings and seal, Took it for a ride and now I can hold the steering wheel and the truck doesn't wander. There may still be other issues but this is great.
More news, I still had the wander after all the things I did above. Looked at everything again. This time I saw movement on the adjuster sleeve on the passenger side tie rod. Both nuts on the adjuster were loose and the short rod going to the spindle was moving in the sleeve. Judging by the amount of threads showing on the tie rod it isn't in the sleeve very much. I tightened the nuts and checked the drivers side(they were tight). Took a road trip and things were 90% better. Thinking now about replacing all the tie rods now.
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Looked at everything again. This time I saw movement on the adjuster sleeve on the passenger side tie rod. Both nuts on the adjuster were loose and the short rod going to the spindle was moving in the sleeve. Judging by the amount of threads showing on the tie rod it isn't in the sleeve very much. I tightened the nuts and checked the drivers side(they were tight). Took a road trip and things were 90% better. Thinking now about replacing all the tie rods now.
