I've been trying to track down a shimmy or vibration at high speeds. It happens mostly when going around corners, truck vibrates and steering wheel shimmies back and forth quickly. I was looking at things today under the truck and the front steering bar with the steering stabilizer on it that goes to the steering box seems "loose". I can rotate it about 1/4 inch back and forth like the ball joints(?) on the ends are worn out. Does this sound like something is worn out and needs to be replaced? Also is the a way to test the upper and lower ball joints and also tie rods or the bearings? Thanks for any help with this

 

YES, sounds like you need bushings and ball joints and a new alignment. Ball joints can seperate and you can have big problems so I would get a competent shop or do this yourself if you are really handy.

 

Thanks mike. I just did some more looking and the steering bar i am talking about is an inner tie rod and center link that attach the pitman arm to the outer tie rod. I can rotate this back and forth like the joints where it hooks to the outer tie rod and pitman arm are worn out. Would this be the cause for my steering shimmy/vibration? Where is a good place to order these parts from? Also is there anything else i should look at that i haven't mentioned yet? Sorry for so many questions but just trying to figure this out without just throwing parts at it. Thanks

Also, Do i need any specialty tools to do inner tie rods or bushings or balljoints? I've done ball joints on cars and have the pickle forks and stuff but never did them on this truck. Thanks again.