1970 C10 Mud Truck Project

[tmacpherson]

Its a 1970 Chevy C10 sitting on a 1976? 4x4 chassis. The truck came from a young kid and it seems like nothing is working/fixed right. So far I have replaced the alternator, ordered a remanufactured SM465, I'm rebuilding the NP205 transfer case myself, and the list goes on....

At this point I'm waiting on the transmission, flywheel, and clutch kit to come in. Right now I'm trying to resolve the major steering issues this truck has. The amount of lift plus the 4x4 steering box makes my turning impossible. To help resolve this I'm going with cross over steering with maybe hydro assist.

The problem I'm currently trying to tackle is the steering column. When driving the truck it feels like its scrapping and sometimes binding. I snapped some pictures and I'm pretty sure what the issue is but not sure how to go about fixing it. In the one picture it looks like a part of the column came apart but not sure what holds it together. I would love some input to help me resolve it.

[john]

Your lower column brg is out. I would unhook the intermediate shaft, then assemble column then the intermediate shaft. I can't tell if the lower brg is good from pic. It also looks like the shaft is too far on the strg box splines. Welcome to the board.

[tmacpherson]

Thanks for the welcome John and for the help. I'll take a look at this tomorrow. I went ahead and ordered a new lower brg kit from LMC since it looks worn.

[OldCreek]

You might need a new u-joint to replace the one at the UPPER portion of the intermediate steering shaft....such as a Borgeson or Flaming River, etc.

Your truck has a body lift that is maxing out the capabilities of the stock shaft/column. If you keep the lift you may need a new intermediate shaft/u-joint but you could also try to push the steering column/wheel into the dash. There's a few threads on here about that.

Plus, you don't have a rag joint....if you get an aftermarket u-joint you may consider one with a vibration dampener built within it.

[70cst]

Hey tmacpherson ...

I am mechanically challenged but ...

to the forums and from Ohio

[tmacpherson]

Thanks guys, a vibration dampener would be nice. When I drive it feels like I'm running a jack hammer.

[tmacpherson]

When I got into the column I found out that upper bearing was bad also. The steering hub was rubbing on the turn switch. After looking around on other post and LMC I'm guessing the turn signal canceling cam is what fills the void between the hub and bearing and keeps the hub from rubbing on the turn signal switch.

[Southern Shaker]

Man i like this idea i love mud trucks. Im keepin my eyes on this build

[tmacpherson]

Ordered new lower brg kit, Borgeson shaft with vibration dampener, turn signal canceling cam, upper column bearing, and steering wheel. After I get everything installed I should have a nicely working column. Next will be back to the drive train or onto cross over steering, not sure yet.