hi everyone im new to this site and i just picked my first diesel last week and i dont know anything about it. the steering seems to wander so i wasnt sure if it was the ball joints or tie rods. also the wheel is turned about 30 degrees to the left when the truck goes straight. if anyone could help me out i would appreciate it

 

having your steering wheel clocked a few degrees usually means you just need to get your drag link adjusted. just to be sure go have it re-aligned

the wandering part... how bad does it wander? does it have aftermarket tires?

-cutts-

 

the wandering isnt too bad its just a little loose. the tires are still stock. is it a big deal to adjust the drag link

 

I'm gonna try going 2 for 2 on this one (definitely try this!). Look at the thread for "Excursion won't drive straight" and follow my (roaky81) instructions. I had the same problem and I've seen it enough times to have you check it this way. Keep me/us informed if it works. Read all the posts.

 

thanks roaky but i couldnt find the thread but i would like to know how to fix it thanks for your help

 

Here ya go. If you want the full instructions on adjusting your steering box, I can provide them (you really don't want to go there). Here's what I did. First confirm that the play is in your steering box by having someone turn the wheel within the "free play"(engine off, ignition on) and see that the pittman arm is not moving (follow all the linkages from there to the wheels and see there's no play else where, I thought my tie rod end on the pittman arm was bad cause it had slight movement, but the box adjustment made a huge difference). Jack up the front end and put it on jackstands. Loosen the locknut on the top of the steering box (correction from my previous post- back off the nut, while holding the setscrew w/ allen wrench, a turn or two). Use an allen wrench and screw in the allen bolt till it seats (this should give you an idea if there was play in the box). Back it out and reseat it a couple of times, you want to have a VERY little preload on it. Hold the allen wrench steady and secure the locknut. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop and ensure there is no rough spots or excessive drag on the wheel. When in doubt, loosen nut and back it out just a tad and secure lock nut. Turn lock to lock again, then take it out for a test drive. The correct procedure states that you put an inch lbs torque wrench on the steering wheel nut and adjust the preload for a specific reading. With that in mind, we have a little leeway to deal with. BTW - I don't have a steering stabalizer shock on my 4x4, so I wouldn't put too much time in that until you're sure that the box and linkages are O.K.

 

thanks im goiong to try that. could that be the reason why me wheel is cocked to the left when im going straight?

 

I forgot to mention that this is very simple, so don't fret on it too much. Let us know if it fix'd the prob, if not, there'll be other things to check.

 

thanks i finally got around to adjusting the steering box and it tightened up the steering alot the wheel is still cocked to the left while driving straight though. ball jonts and everything seem fine so maybe its just an alignment or a track bar adjustment any ideas?

 

As long as the steering wheel returns freely when exiting a turn, then it sounds like the box is adjusted "good enough". Now it would be time to adjust the pittman arm linkage end. My dog and I just went outside to verify the procedure on our 4x4 (he likes to go for rides, so I share it with him). There's an adjuster by the pittman arm (attached to and right below the steering box). Just loosen it up and turn the buckle assembly the correct direction to center up the steering wheel, you may want to use WD-40 or similar oil when doing this. One thread will be right-handed and the thread on the other side of the adjuster will be left-handed. I'd try one full turn on it and go for a test drive, repeat as necessary. The adjuster on the long tie rod is for toe-in or toe-out, which is usually best done by an alignment shop. It can be adjusted pretty close by the trial and error method or using a "toe stick" like for race cars.

 

HAd the same prob. Center drag link ends where worn on both ends. couldnt telll until i had the front end jacked up, and had someone in the cab turning the wheel. replaced it and adjusted the box and as good as new. Note: This might not be youre fix but something to check out.

 

which one is the center link?

 

Center link is the drag link. The one connected to the pittman arm on top and the tie rod on the botton.

 

ditto you can even check the centerdrag link by grabbin onto one wheel and moving it back and forth at the same time checking for wear at the ends of the drag link.
you have to have both wheels off the ground