First longish drives in new 75 Observations / questions?

[eighteenninetytwo]

Decided to use the 75 for a couple of commute days to blow the cobwebs off - commute is 30 miles each way 20 of which are freeway. Observations and questions as follows:
1. Steering is awfully sensitive at speed. I understand we need power to ever park the thing at lower speeds, but it seems that if I sneezed I'd be able to turn the wheel 45 degrees and flip it at anything over 30mph. Is this accentuated because of the 4 inch lift or is this just how these things are?? Can it be changed / desensitized?
2. Speedometer doesn't work until I'm over 10 MPH but seems OK thereafter
3. When this transmission gives out (it's in it's last 10% of life or thereabouts) I'm going to want to get a 4 speed tranny that enables better economy at freeway speeds - 700r4 was mentioned to me. Any thoughts?
4. Temp gauge not working. I was poking around and it seems there is a sensor connection of some kind on the outside of the transmission which doesn't have a connection - is this where the temp gauge connects to or is this for another gauge / sensor which I'm not aware of
4. My Parking / Emergency brake doesn't work. Will have to get a kit for that post haste.
5. Final observation. I LOVE IT and I love the sound. There are waaay too many Priuses here in the SF bay area. I can't even see them beside me at the lights. Fantastic.

[Irish1941]

Let's see…
1)How is your steering correction done for the 4" lift? Raised steering arm I'm going to guess. Also did you check the frame at steering box for cracks? Very common and there are kits that fix the problem. How's the rest of the front end? Ball joints, tie rod ends etc…
I use dropped pitman arm on my lifted trucks (up to 4"). It actually takes effort to turn the steering wheel. If ever get down to SoCal, I'll let try it out.
2)Can't help with speedo without seeing it other than check the cable for stretch.

3) 700r4 is the way to fly. I'm running 33" BFG with 3.73 gear doing 70 @ 2100 rpm. Pretty easy swap.
What size tire are you running? Might what to check your gear ratio. Might be too tall for the TH350 depending on tire size. Would make it feel like a dog.
4) Temp gauge sender is on the engine, either in driver's side head or top of the intake near the thermostat housing. Not sure what the other plug is you found.
5) Drive the wheels off it!
Ask if you need any help. I've had 17 Blazers so kinda know them pretty well.

[eighteenninetytwo]

will check into steering correction.
I had the frame checked for cracks and welded up properly -there was a sleeve badly fitted to it before. tire size is 31.5 so basically stock - I need to unlift it when i can afford to buy the new bits (Shocks, new springs for the front and whatever is with the steering).

[68Timber]

The power steering on 70's GM vehicles is severely overboosted, as in being able to crank the wheels lock to lock with one finger while the truck is parked. There are some 80's models trucks that had variable ratio steering boxes, but I don't know that you'd be able to tell the difference for the trouble of the swap. It's just the way GM power steering was in that era. The TH700R4 is the ticket for a tranny upgrade, check bowtieoverdrives.com - their prices are great.

[motornut]

check the rag joint it can give a loose feeling
this one is really bad but they do seperate/come apart

[lowrodderchev]

WOW never ever seen one that bad that's horrible LOL

[eighteenninetytwo]

What is that???? What is the 'rag' joint??? I assume it has another name??

[lowrodderchev]

its that crusty piece above my post. if you google it it will show up

[motornut]

yes, it looks better like this

[eighteenninetytwo]

but what IS IT exactly? is there another name beside rag joint? i
I assume its part of the steering gear in a lifted blazer? Additional - did you web reserach when i got to the PC. several threads around th pace about changing it out to remove play in the steering. Anyone here done this and as per usual is it something that can be done at home??

[motornut]

I couldn't find a shot of the new one in ,but ez@ home?
yes undo a couple of bolts and slide it up a couple of inches,replace,reattach
dont turn the wheel

[lowrodderchev]

Yes it can be done its lower part of the steering its on all cars well old cars at least not sure about 2000-newer

[motornut]

have a better side shot ,can't find it
you can sometimes tell how bad it is,turned off,wheels straight,wiggle wheel,see how much give,flex,before it moves
but oil around the engine bay can breakdown the rubber in it,
i gather the rubber takes out the road vibes