Loose steering-stabalizer?

[duwem]

Been driving my 1950 lately. It has a stock I-Beam front end with stock steering box.

Tightened up the box a little bit, did not try turning in the tie rod ends or checking front end toe in/out. Will try that as well.

Also thinking I might add a steering stabilizer (like a truck shock on the links). Anyone done this, if so what did you use and pictures of the install?

Truck darts all over the place when you hit bumps at 45mph.

Thanks.

[craig32]

How are the kingpins? Mine does the same thing, and I just ordered a new set. Hopefully that takes care of it.

[B17CRX]

If you have the stock ball and socket type tie rod ends you might consider upgrading to the newer style GM tie rod ends. The old ball and socket ends get so worn that the steering gets loose feeling. They can also pop out of the socket in really worn cases while driving.

-Joel

[duwem]

I dont konw about my king pins, is there a way to "check" for looseness without pulling them apart.

My truck has tie rods where you can screw in the end caps to take out slop. Have not tried that yet.

I'm looking to get it so I can drive it this summer, I have C4 vette suspension waiting to go in for the future, so not looking to drop hundreds into the stock front end.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by duwem

I dont konw about my king pins, is there a way to "check" for looseness without pulling them apart.

My truck has tie rods where you can screw in the end caps to take out slop. Have not tried that yet.

I'm looking to get it so I can drive it this summer, I have C4 vette suspension waiting to go in for the future, so not looking to drop hundreds into the stock front end.

Jack up one front wheel at a time and grab the tire top and bottom and see if it has movement in it. You can also have someone else move the tire back and forth (or try to) while you watch the axle/spindle for movement. There may be some looseness in the wheel bearings too that you could adjust out after packing the bearings.
The also try to wander when the tires are toed out instead of being toed in so you might want to check that too.

[duwem]

How much toe in or out is there supposed to be on the stock front end?

[duwem]

Measured the toe and got about 1/2" of toe OUT.

Adjusted it to 0 or slightly in and now I can go 60 confidently on a road I could only do 45 on before and it would dart all over the place.

Tie rod has a bow to it, that might have thrown it off.

[craig32]

duwem, got my new kingpins in and not much difference. How and where did you measure for tow?

[duwem]

The "pin method":

http://www.shallowsky.com/alignment.html