Strange Steering Issues

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Mar 15, 2009 | 09:35 AM

#31

c00nhunterjoe

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 8,608

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From: Belair md

i too feel that the shop has issues, a 6 inch spring in a 4 inch hole sets the alignment way out. my guess is they did not have the correct shims in stock to get the truck set right.

Mar 15, 2009 | 10:09 AM

#32

RRranch

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Joined: Nov 2007

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From: West Texas

Napa and Ford both carry the stock bushing which is all it should need. Unless the axle or something else is bent. I put all three of our trucks back to stock bushings after I fixed what needed fixing on them. I always kept then when I did alignments thankfully so didn't have to buy any. I only ever replaced them before on wreck jobs though after it had already been to the frame shop.

Mar 15, 2009 | 05:27 PM

#33

97biostroke

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Joined: Nov 2008

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From: Gifford, IL

I do have a drop pitman arm that is designed for the 4-6" suspension lift kits. I actually ended up with 3 thanks to a couple miscommunications. I have the class 1 lift. I wanted the class 2, but the dealer didn't think it was a big difference so he just ordered the cheaper one. Same concept on the drop brackets, its just a two piece design that had to be welded to the crossmember. The shop claimed they would never be able to get it close to aligned in the hole designed for the 6" lift. The springs had the same part number sticker and even said on the sticker they were designed for the 6" lift, so unless skyjacker labeled the leaf wrong the shop doesn't know their stuff. I'm going to have it taken to a better shop next week over spring break. I did the lift myself, but I am 100% sure it is in correctly. The steering problems were experienced before the lift as well for a couple months, so I don't think the lift is the culprit. How exactly do I adjust the steering? I'll try that real quick and at least get my steering tighter. Theres also a new diesel tech an hour away that is supposedly one of the best out there so I might take it there and see what he's got to say.

Mar 15, 2009 | 08:54 PM

#34

c00nhunterjoe

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2007

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From: Belair md

i would seriously start with why the 4 inch lift holes are needed on the 6 inch lift. i really think that could be a large part of the problem.

Mar 15, 2009 | 10:22 PM

#35

97biostroke

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From: Gifford, IL

Yeah i wish I would've just told them to begin with that if they can't align it in the proper holes I'd take it somewhere else but I just wanted it done and was too busy with school to hassle about it. I was tempted to take it back in last week but I decided to just go to another place sometime. I just spent $180 to get it aligned and thought id wait a month or so before I did it again.

Mar 15, 2009 | 11:00 PM

#36

Towmanjbo

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 3,027

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From: Manchester, CT USA

I'm having a similar issue. It's only happened 2-3 times so far. When it happens for me I'm stopped then turn onto a street and have to center the wheel with effort instead of just kind of letting it happen. Then pull the wheel side to side alittle to clear the stiff feeling.

Mar 15, 2009 | 11:02 PM

#37

c00nhunterjoe

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 8,608

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From: Belair md

that sounds like a sticky u-joint. could also be a wore out pump, but if you are rolling and have to steer back to center i'd check the joints out.

Mar 15, 2009 | 11:11 PM

#38

Towmanjbo

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 3,027

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From: Manchester, CT USA

Damn I was afraid you'd say that, my 150 is on jackstands right now axle out. And that project started with the u-joints.

I'll check those out tomarrow.