hard to control!
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: altoona
hard to control!
i have a 76 f250 highboy. i just put an engine in it and drove it for the first time. it has been converted to a newer style powersteering box. it is all over the road. it does not have a steering stabilzer shock on it. it did have small tires on it and it did it then. i put 33,s on it and it is not as bad,but still all over the road. any ideas?
thanks Jesse
thanks Jesse
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 0
From: Maple Ridge B.C. Canada
i would think you have play( exessive ware) in the steering componants. it can be magnefied by the larger heavier tires. you need to check all the ball joints,steering shaft,rag joint,bearings,etc, in the front end for exsessive ware. you mentioned a newer steering box, it may have too much play in it also. it is easier to check all this, if you have a friend there to move the steering wheel back and forth as you check each piece for ware. remember that if everything has a little bit of play in it,it will all add up as a lot when it is all combined together.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Something has to be loose or worn. Could be some geometry is off. I run 39.5" Boggers on my 74' with no stabilizer, and there hasn't been oil in the stabilizer in the 75' for about a year. (bashed it on a rock, and made a hole), Same size tires, no stabilizer.
Both trucks are solid on the highway at 75 + mph.
Both trucks are solid on the highway at 75 + mph.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 108
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I just got a 76 F150 4x4 and mine wanders a bit too. I have 33x12.5's on it. Since I am new to it, I am not sure if the wandering is normal or not but I get used to it over time. Bearings and rag joint are ok and there is no steering wheel play. I do have a stabilizer. Guess that leaves the ball joints. What quick method can be used to check them?
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 601
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Originally Posted by nuwave
I just got a 76 F150 4x4 and mine wanders a bit too. I have 33x12.5's on it. Since I am new to it, I am not sure if the wandering is normal or not but I get used to it over time. Bearings and rag joint are ok and there is no steering wheel play. I do have a stabilizer. Guess that leaves the ball joints. What quick method can be used to check them?
New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 12
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did you check the toe? maybe the tires are pointed out just a little bit which would make it almost undriveable.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Topeka, Kansas
If you lifted the front of your truck using blocks between your leafs and differential,then most likely you have changed the caster angle.The caster angle is what helps keep your front wheels in the straight foward position.On most solid front axles this angle can only be changed by repositioning it on the leaf springs.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 10
From: Green Springs, OH
Make sure all steering components are tight. My truck as gettin a lot of bumpsteer a while back and when I was changing the oil I found the track bar mount at the frame was loose causing all the sloppiness.
