1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

I have a K5 blazer that likes to wander all over the road and someone told me that the center link may be installed backwards. I don't think I have a center link but does anyone have any pics showing how their pitman arm and tie rod are assembled? have check the spring rivets, bushings, nuts and bolts and the only thing so far that has helped is adjusting the toe in. I don't have a machine I can put it on but I adjust the tie rod some to get a smaller toe in and that seemed to help but there has to be something not right here. I have a new GM power steering gear box and all new ball joints and tie rod ends.
Thanks for any help.
JD

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

I had similar problems. I found the rag joint was oil soaked and had some play also the link from the steering box to the pitman arm was worn. Have someone rock the steering wheel side to side and watch the links. Also make sure the steering box is tight on the frame. I believe the tow in should be around 1/8 inch . Do you have a stabilizer shock on yours? My blazer goes nicely down the road. You can keep it steady using 1 finger.

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Thanks, I'll check it out this week
JD

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

If it wanders, check to make sure you have 1/8-3/16 toe in. Also, steering link MUST be parallel to the ground.

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

X2 on the steering link; I've seen this done incorrectly on many rigs and always with the same issue. Pretty easy fix.

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

This is my FIRST post, so I hope I do this correctly... I have a 72 Jimmy 4x4 with a new 4" lift. It came with the corrected steering and Pittman arm. The Jimmy is all over the road! or should I say, it's still all over the road. I've only had it about 4 months and I have put about $8,000 in it, starting with a new redhead gear box and flaming river steering shaft with U-joints, power steering pump, etc, etc.. That didn't help the wondering all over, so I put a new lift on it...still no good! The steering link is horizontal to the ground.
Any other ideas?

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Can anyone provide a pic of what the steering link should look like, please?

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Pictures? And welcome to the page!

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Thank you, Sir. I've tried to add a profile pic, but only I can see it? It's not too large either...I'll figure it out and I will try to upload a bunch of pics of the Jimmy tonight. I'm taking the long tubes off now to see if the new Sanderson block hugger headers will fit, so I can get a new system installed this week.
Here's a link to the Jimmy before I bought it (no I didn't pay that much!)

https://classiccars.com/listings/vie...on-texas-77095

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Sorry, can’t help you with your problem but that’s a sweet jimmy. Mine is blown apart right now but yours is almost exactly the look I’m going for with mine!

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Thank you! I just put a monster TH400 trans with a new NP205 TC and all kinds of other goodies.... now if I could just get the crazy steering fixed along with the bad raw fuel smell and find headers that fit and don't require beating, cutting or grinding anything!
oh yeah, update from a couple hours ago: the NICE Sanderson block hugger headers won't fit...

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

I just installed a dual steering stabilizer and it seemed to help with mine

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

I would check the alignment with all the new parts listed. An 1/8th in is good. If you are an 1/8th out they can dance here and it will feel like you are chasing it back and forth.

S

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Thank you both for the suggestions. I will report back after the alignment.

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Nobody has mentioned the fact that the proper caster is required to make your Blazer track correctly, in addition to camber and toe-in. When you throw on a lift, the arched lift springs can rotate the axle position (via spring arch shape and/or built in degree shims) such that the pinion points further up towards the transfer case. This also rotates the steering knuckles in the same direction, reducing the amount of caster (in order to have positive caster the top of the steering knuckles must be leaned back behind the bottom of the steering knuckles). No amount of toe-in or camber will make up for a lack of caster. You will only be putting a Band-Aid on the problem and increasing tire scrub and wear.

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Good stuff, thank you. The Jimmy is dead in the water until the I get the Dougs long tubes here (on back order of course)....then they won't fit either. love it!

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

Big Block,

What's the lift height and tire size on the Orange one?

Re: 1972 k5 front suspension assembly
 

4" skyjacker lift (no blocks). The pics are with the old 4" lift (sagging in the back). Now the back sits slightly higher than the front. The tires are 35". I'm not at that house so I'm not sure the other dimensions.
Can you guys see the profile pic in each post? I can't see it and it's driving me crazy...
I've done a lot of work since the pics in the link.