My steering adjustment?
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 514
Likes: 1
From: Tampa
My steering adjustment?
As of lately it seems like my steering is really loose. I was getting off work this morning and I have to go over some railroad tracks and these are some pretty nasty tracks, but anyway when the truck hit the tracks, it hit hard. And the wheel jerked out of my hand. If I would not have corrected it, i could have did a header into the ditch. So, what i need to know is what kind of parts could I add to correct this issue. I just added 285-65 tires onto my truck and it seems like it has gotten a little more squirelly on the steering. Let me know your thoughts. By the way its 2WD. I am taking the truck into a mechanic to have some 4.11 rear gears installed and figured maybe I can throw somethign else at him to help me out with this loose steering, thank you.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
First, have them check the tie rod ends, ball joints, drag link, shocks, spring bushings, and fiddle with tire pressure. If all is OK, then do the steering box adjustment.
What brand and make tires did you change to? What pressures? How many miles on the Ex?
My bet based on only what you stated would be tire pressure (need more) causing the greatest part of it. Also, did you put on D rated tires?
What brand and make tires did you change to? What pressures? How many miles on the Ex?
My bet based on only what you stated would be tire pressure (need more) causing the greatest part of it. Also, did you put on D rated tires?
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 514
Likes: 1
From: Tampa
No, Nitto Terra Graplers E Load Range. I had them put in 65 psi on the tires, but I dont think they did, because he was saying it was gonna ride really rough. Maybe that would explain my drop in MPG also. The Ex has 69K miles on it currently, getting ready to do fluid and filters here at 70K. And i picked up a dieselsite coolant filter kit to put on to do a coolant filter change, yeah me... As for getting under it, I did that about 2K miles ago when I installed my Powersteps. I will check the rod ends and ball joints in the next few days and go from there. Thanks housedad.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 783
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From: Nova Scotia
I don't know if you've had an alignment done on the truck but if you do, get them to increase the caster angle to the maximum they can without affecting camber. Some of these trucks were set at the minimum spec for caster and are like steering a shopping cart.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 514
Likes: 1
From: Tampa
I tested air pressure and it came in at 42-45 for all tires, so i broke out the ole air compressor and pumped them up to 75 on the front and 70 on the back. Seems like it feels a little stiffer.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
BigRy-
Mine gets squerrelly as all heck if the tires are low. Glad you found that out. I run 65psi all around with the original BFG rugged trails. I love/hate the tires. Suck in the wet, scary in snow, lost in mud, good in the dry, wear like iron. 66k miles and about 1/3 tread left.
The problem with changing the steering adjustment first is that it will partially mask any other problems and then you have tightened the box too much. Then the box starts to wear out prematurely and things start to get bad expensive.
Bion
Mine gets squerrelly as all heck if the tires are low. Glad you found that out. I run 65psi all around with the original BFG rugged trails. I love/hate the tires. Suck in the wet, scary in snow, lost in mud, good in the dry, wear like iron. 66k miles and about 1/3 tread left.
The problem with changing the steering adjustment first is that it will partially mask any other problems and then you have tightened the box too much. Then the box starts to wear out prematurely and things start to get bad expensive.
Bion
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mount Royal, NJ
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You know you can center the steering wheel without getting an alignment, there was a tread with pictures not too long ago.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Tampa
Thanks Chris, I will look for it. I took the truck to the dealership today to get a new alternator put on (warranty) and it drove like it should have. I am pleased again, although, I am looking to purchase some Billstein's for it.
