Steering sloppy after installing 4" lift K5
 

Ok, I have a 87 Jimmy that drove great (for a older 4x4) before installing the 4" lift kit. Tires are newer 31s (for now), kit included raised steering arm. I have to turn the wheel alot to enter a turn or make a slow turn. I was going to wait to get it lined up after getting new tires but wondered if there was something I could check in the mean time. Also has a newer steering stabilizer and sway bar is mounted. Thanks for any ideas.

Re: Steering sloppy after installing 4" lift K5
 

did you install any type of steering correction with the lift? a drop pitman, s-bend drag link or raised steering arm are the options. using one of these(i would avoid the goofy drag link) and making sure the joints in the drag link are solid, will probably help

Re: Steering sloppy after installing 4" lift K5
 

Did the springs have any kind of angled shim to tip the pinion up, reducing the driveline angle? They usually don't in 4" kits, but it is possible. If so, this is at least part of the problem.
It changes the camber, which causes wandering and the steering wheel doesn't return to center after a turn.
Other than that, the main thing is that everything that moves on the front end is tight, tie-rods, drag-link ends, ball-joints. Have someone wiggle the steering wheel side to side, just slightly, and inspect all of the parts for "slop" or "play" in the joints. Also look around the steering box itself for cracks in the frame rail. That is fairly common in these trucks and can be repaired.
A picture, of the steering box, drag-link, steering arm would help too.

Re: Steering sloppy after installing 4" lift K5
 

Yes i installed the raised steering arm. The kit didnt come with any shims. I will check the other parts as it is a project right now. I just wanted to make sure I didnt install the kit wrong. Draglink is level but ball joints may be worn. Thanks