another slop steering question
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another slop steering question
I searched before this post, and there is all kind of info, but I'm going to ask.. My 95, 2 wheel drive is driving my crazy with steering slop. I just got new tires and hoped that would help but no better. As a matter of fact I think it's a little worse. I jacked it up and everything is tight. I replaced the steering box 6 months ago. I brought it to an alignment guy I really trust. He adjusted the box, and put in new ball joints. He said they had no play but they were original and tight most likely from rust. He also replaced the radius arm bushings. Still loose steering. I didn't check the flex / rag joint yet. I would be surprised if the front end guy didn't check it.
Any thing I'm missing ?? Oh, the new tires are General Grabber HTS (the top rated in this class). It's the first time I had the XL tires put on. The tire people said they have to put the type on that the door sticker says.
Any thing I'm missing ?? Oh, the new tires are General Grabber HTS (the top rated in this class). It's the first time I had the XL tires put on. The tire people said they have to put the type on that the door sticker says.
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Freshman User
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front ends tight
When I checked the truck everything was tight. The guy who checked the truck has been doing front end and wheel alignment for 40 years and is excellent at it. I checked the rag joint 1 hour ago and that's OK.
I'm confused !!
I'm confused !!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Have you checked the steering column U-joint just above the box?
How much can you move the steering wheel without it affecting the front wheels at all?
Does the vehicle wander or pull?
Is the front suspension sagging?
Just for reference the steering in thse trucks will never feel as tight and responsive as a vehicle with rack and pinion steering, there's just too many parts and every little bit of play adds up to more than an R&P will have.. even with all brand new joints.
How much can you move the steering wheel without it affecting the front wheels at all?
Does the vehicle wander or pull?
Is the front suspension sagging?
Just for reference the steering in thse trucks will never feel as tight and responsive as a vehicle with rack and pinion steering, there's just too many parts and every little bit of play adds up to more than an R&P will have.. even with all brand new joints.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
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From: Aurora,Colorado
How much play is excessive???
I seem to remember in previous threads that when the engine is turned off and the steering column is unlocked--that 2 inch play at the steering wheel before the front wheels start turning is normal.( This is done when the person is standing outside of the truck with engine off and moving the steering wheel and looking at the front wheel assembly.)
Does anyone on here have less than two inches of play??
I seem to remember in previous threads that when the engine is turned off and the steering column is unlocked--that 2 inch play at the steering wheel before the front wheels start turning is normal.( This is done when the person is standing outside of the truck with engine off and moving the steering wheel and looking at the front wheel assembly.)
Does anyone on here have less than two inches of play??
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I'll check
I'll attempt to see just how much play is there. I have 2 cars and both have rack and pinion and I have been asking myself "am I just thinking the truck will be as tight as the cars?" I've drove other pickups though and it seem mine is too loose. Maybe I'll have to learn to live with it.
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I don't touch my front ends. I go to two really good, very experienced shops. My 95 4x4 was done first by one shop that replaced several parts and did a thorough overhaul of everything. End result, OK, no ice cream cone. I drove for a while until it felt too sloppy for my taste after everything started to wear in a bit. About 6 months later took it to shop B and had everything rechecked and adjusted as needed. He assured me shop A did a very good job but stuff wore in and went out of adjustment, no big deal. He set everything up nice and said next time new box and shaft were going to be in order. It's decent but certainly not anything like my new 08 F150 with r&p or my sons Mustang. Also, I had a 96 that I sold 2x4 that was also done and remained very sloppy. Some play is one thing but dangerous sloppy wandering is another. Are your front shocks new? If not I would put in a good set of wahtever you prefer.
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shocking news !
The shocks on my truck are old. I had the truck for 4 years and I never changed them. I did turn the steering wheel and watch the tires. It seems to move about 1 1/2 inches before movement. The only thing I can try now is to use another shop. This guy is semi-retired and excellent on vehicles. He will test ride and know right away what's up. I think I'll see what he thinks. Shop 1 is my prefered alignment / front end shop. Shop 2 is my prefered "most anything else" shop. 
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
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From: Aurora,Colorado
The shocks on my truck are old. I had the truck for 4 years and I never changed them. I did turn the steering wheel and watch the tires. It seems to move about 1 1/2 inches before movement. The only thing I can try now is to use another shop. This guy is semi-retired and excellent on vehicles. He will test ride and know right away what's up. I think I'll see what he thinks. Shop 1 is my prefered alignment / front end shop. Shop 2 is my prefered "most anything else" shop.
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