My 87 has developed a very random "pull" its actually a little scary especially now that there is snow on the ground, It doesnt feel like a break is sticking to me because it will happen cruzing at highway speeds when I havnt touched the breaks for a while, And it will pull either to the left or right, im suspecting something with the steering box or linkages, Everything from a glance looks fine, i havnt had a chance to get under it and tinker.... any thoughts on why my bronco is trying to throw me in the ditch???

 

There are twelve separate "wear points" in the steering/suspension up front. Ball joints (2 upper and 2 lower),tie rod ends (2 inner and 2 outer), 2 axle pivot bushings, and 2 radius arm bushings.

The inner tie rods are probably the most expensive parts but also the least likely culprit. The ball joints and rod ends can be checked with what I call the "wheel wiggle test". If you know what I mean. I'll elaborate if needed.

My first thought would be axle pivot bushings as these two hold the two halves of the D44 TTB axle in place. They should only allow radial movement from their center points like any typical pin and sleeve bushing. If they allow the inner ends of the axles halves to shift inboard or outboard at all it would be similar to having the track bar bushings gone bad on your 69. Although being in two pieces, the two halves can shift independently of each other.

Radius arm bushings usually let you know they are going by offering a rather dull clunk every time you start and stop since as they wear they allow the axle halves to roll forward and backward which really messes with your caster setting.

Lastly, is there any possibility there could be that much slop in the steering gear? I shudder to think so but I suppose its possible. There is a way to adjust the sector shaft in the gear but its not recommended unless you are absolutely certain this is the problem.

I had an issue on my 93 when I first bought it that I consider rather extreme compared to what you describe but since it happened I'll explain so you can check this too. The frame mounting for the driver's side axle pivot bushing (which is actually just across centerline on the PASSENGER side of the frame) had broken clean in half and was allowing the inboard end of that half of the axle to begin to wobble like an old Jeep with "death rattle". This too only reared its ugly head at highway speeds when the harmonics of the tire against the road got the spring moving around. With nothing to hold the inboard end of the axle in place the driver's half of the axle was allowed to bounce around mounted only by the spring, shock, and radius arm bushing. Fortunately, this bracket simply bolts on so replacement was easy. The passenger side axle pivot mount is a different story.

 

Everything Greystreak said and:

If your truck is raised, the axle pivot is bolted to a bracket that is bolted to your frame. The bracket bolts can get loose. Although they can shift only a bit, it is exaerated going down the bracket. Mine did this and it felt just as you describe. The other possibility is the rear spring mounts. They call this "rear stear". When you turn just a little the play in the rear mounts slings to the outside. Also, if you have big tires, your stablizer could be bad or not enough. The rule is dual stabilizers for anything bigger than 33's. You can test your stablizer by undoing one end and feel if it has resistance. I had one leek all its fluied out.

 

Check the steering box bolts!

 

cody,

I have the same problem. I have a terrible shudder at speeds in excess of 45, and I feel like the truck is steering me, not me steering it. I'm about to go outside to check the axle pivot bushings, I'll report back when I'm done. I took the ole Bronco to the local alignment shop, and they told me the "steering shaft" was broken (where the rag joint connects). I played stupid, they continued on about a bad wheel bearing causing some of the shuddering. The only good news is that they said is that the tie rods and and ball joints are in good shape (I replaced the ball joints about a month ago). I thought the the steering box was to blame for the shakes; I have no desire to rip into that right now.
After checking all other steering components, have the tires rotated and balanced. It is the cheapest thing for the steering components, and so few people get it done before looking at an alignment.

By the way, thanks for the axle pivot bushing advice greystreak and helirick.

Tim

 

The axle pivot bushing is in good shape (no apparent dry rot or splitting) and the radial arm bushings are new. The only rotten bushings I found were on the sway bar and body spacer bushings. The sway bar bushing should not cause the "fat kid eating a hot dog" shakes right?

 

I finally had a chance to get under it today and do some inspecting. All of my bushings are square and tight, but I think I found the culprit... The upper rag joint in the steering shaft has a torn boot and 1/8'' of play in it. Im guessing its binding up at certain points.

One more thing I noticed that i dont think is part of my problem is that my front wheels have a bit of play, when I push the top of the tire in and pull the bottom out (and vice versa) doing it from the backside the ball joints are not moving but the rim is actually moving on the hub. my lug nuts are tight......its not a lot of play but I think its more than I want.... anyone had this problem?

 

Spindle bearings. The problem here is most likely the condition of these bearings and/or how secure the lock-nut assembly holding the hub to the spindle is. Take the wheel off the truck and see if you can see the slop between the hub and the steering knuckle.