I want better handling

ivansgreat · Post by **ivansgreat** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 1:14 pm

Does anyone know how I can make my truck handle like a brand new car. I just don't feel confortable on a two lane hiway. It has a lot of play room in the steering wheel. It may be as much play room as some of y'all have, but i want handling that doesn't make me swerve so much. I have powersteering, but I it's just not enough for me. Any suggestions?

Chasbod · Post by **Chasbod** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 1:39 pm

I'm no expert on front ends but will take a stab here. First, there is an adjustment that can be made on the steering box to remove slop out of the steering shaft to pittman arm shaft if this is loose.

The next thing is to check the I-beam bushings, radius arm bushings, King Pins, tie rod bushings and drag link bushings. Front end components tend to all wear together throughout their life and as they get really bad, the whole front end suffers...esp. the handling. I'm sure others will offer some more advice.

boots · Post by **boots** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 4:05 pm

check all that, and if its bad replace it ^^^^^^^^^..

look into a swaybar

Jake11 · Post by **Jake11** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 11:30 pm

The "Kingpins"make a BIG difference if there
bad!

jor · Post by **jor** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 11:10 am

One thing not mentioned that is a big contributor to slop in the steering is the rag joint. They go for around $60 from the usual sources.
jor

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 12:13 pm

rag joints are about 10.00 at the parts store.

fordfanatic · Post by **fordfanatic** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 5:18 pm

also try an aftermarket steering stabilizer

.

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 7:40 pm

ok

i've never had a problem with the ones i've had

Jake11 · Post by **Jake11** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 7:15 pm

I've used the one's from the parts house. They worked ok for me.
Just take yer time and make a good job of it. Make sure all the bolts
are in the right way and you might want to use a little "Locktight".

Good Luck Keith

~X~ · Post by **~X~** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 10:16 pm

King pins, king pins king pins! Its easy to check: Jack one wheel up and wiggle your tire from the top and bottom. You can see the play around your spindle/I beam area......I know its one of the tougher repairs but it has to be done. If youre running bias ply tires then some radials will help too. 3/4 or 1/2 ton?? Then a store bought alignment

after the steering box adjustment and being sure all the tie rod ends have no slop...the center links do go bad eventually too.

Jake11 · Post by **Jake11** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 10:22 pm

I'll say it too!!!!!!!

King Pin's King Pin's King Pin's Once you do them, nothing seems hard.
But most of the handling prob's on these trucks are caused by old, loose
wobbly kingpins.

ivansgreat · Post by **ivansgreat** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 5:34 pm

Thanks for the info to all. This will definitely be helpful.

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