looking for better steering

[rickit]

and handleing,it seems to dart to the right easy giving some thought to a complete front end change like coil over and maybe a rack,any negative issues with these coil over replacements?

[Bluestep]

There are no negative issues with the suspension and steering originally. You do not need to attempt to reengineer your pickup. What you need is to find out what is worn, loose, or broken. Repair what is there and get it realigned. The problem that you are having is not an inherent defect, it is just wear and tear and or possibly poor repair work. Although these pickups may not handle like a new Camaro or ride like a Cadillac they should drive without erratic movements or dangerous handling characteristics.
Do not forget to inspect the rear suspension as well. Movements of the rear axle can cause really erratic handling.

[Dead Parrot]

2nd the get what you have in good repair before looking to add newer tech. After I had mine fixed, drove pretty much like a new one. Amazing how much worn bushings, shot tie rod ends, and broken sway bar brackets can degrade handling.

Don't overlook slop in the steering column and misbehaving brakes.

Even if you decide to go with the coil over, I would have yours given a good inspection before you start so you know what needs replacing that isn't included with the replacement kit.

[WyattTX]

2wd drive trucks with the factory setup, and power steering drive beautifully, and almost as good, If not better than some modern cars. Unless your front end is totally wore out, and sloppy, I would say you are being a little too picky.

[rickit]

Originally Posted by WyattTX

2wd drive trucks with the factory setup, and power steering drive beautifully, and almost as good, If not better than some modern cars. Unless your front end is totally wore out, and sloppy, I would say you are being a little too picky.

not picky, I have new spindles and ball joints and springs and just replaced steering column that broke internally and replaced with a flaming river had it aligned after that they never said anything to me about tierod ends or bushings being bad, and I had new brake system installed,it drives fine until u steer right and it darts fast left isn't as bad

[hatzie]

Spindle replacement usually means you have dropped the ride height. Lowered vehicles tend to follow ruts in the asphalt much more than at the factory ride height because a regular alignment doesn't compensate for the changes.

It's likely the control arm bushings and probably some of the steering joints are around 40 years old. Slight problems with bushings and steering joints that wouldn't cause issues at stock ride heights will be exaggerated by the geometry changes from lowering. Even 1" change in ride height causes serious geometry changes.

[rickit]

Originally Posted by hatzie

Spindle replacement usually means you have dropped the ride height. Lowered vehicles tend to follow ruts in the asphalt much more than at the factory ride height because a regular alignment doesn't compensate for the changes.

It's likely the control arm bushings and probably some of the steering joints are around 40 years old. Slight problems with bushings and steering joints that wouldn't cause issues at stock ride heights will be exaggerated by the geometry changes from lowering. Even 1" change in ride height causes serious geometry changes.

that makes sense I need to check the bushings its kinda dangerous the way it is now

[Ski-me]

Might also check wear on steering box too. Just replaced mine and feels a lot better! (4WD and lifted, so I'm going the other direction than you).