Axle swap, now steering problems - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

decodan · 02-20-2013, 10:09 PM

I just did an axle swap. Put a 1971 front axle in my 1970 Suburban to get the disc brakes. Put a new 1971 master cylinder and disc/drum valve. New tie rod ends. Had the front end aligned.

Now the steering is driving like it is way toed out but it is not out of alignment. Seems to over steer and does not want to self center any more. I am always fighting the steering back and forth to keep it between the lines.

HELP. I have no idea what could have changed. It was not like this before the swap. I used the connecting arm from the 70 axle on the 71 to the steering box, the one that bolts to the axle.

Any ideas will be much appreciated.
Thanks, Dan

LONGHAIR · 02-20-2013, 10:19 PM

A straight axle front end that wanders all over and doesn't return to center has caster problems.
What did the alignment shop actually do?

decodan · 02-20-2013, 10:44 PM

They checked the alignment, the only thing that was way out beyond specs was the toe. That is all they had to set. It is pretty much straight, maybe -.018% each side. I do not the readings with me right now but that is what I remember.

decodan · 02-21-2013, 11:08 AM

Took it back to alignment shop. Had them drive it on curvy road. He felt my pain. After checking everything again found an upper ball joint loose. When you hit a bump or a groove in road it would move. Cotter pin was forgotten. All is well now. Thanks, Dan
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

Keith Seymore · 02-21-2013, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by decodan

Cotter pin was forgotten.

Yeow. That's not good.

K

LONGHAIR · 02-21-2013, 11:28 PM

An alignment shop didn't check the ball-joints before checking the alignment ? That should be the first thing they do! All adjustments are based upon solid mounting/pivoting points, so if those points are loose...it all means nothing.
Because of the way that solid axle 4x4s are constructed, a loose upper ball-joint nut would not make for a loose joint. The joint's tapered sleeve is torqued onto the joint. So, it was either worn or not installed properly in the first place.

Unless it's a really specialty alignment shop, the toe is all they are going to adjust anyway. The caster is set/solid and only adjustable with tapered shims under the springs. There is really no way for it to get out of factory spec.

The camber can only be out of spec if something is worn or bent. Repairing or replacing would bring it back in spec, no "adjustment" required.

I sure hope they didn't charge much for this "service"

02-20-2013, 10:09 PM	#1
decodan C-20 Long Stroker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Frohna, MO Posts: 137	Axle swap, now steering problems I just did an axle swap. Put a 1971 front axle in my 1970 Suburban to get the disc brakes. Put a new 1971 master cylinder and disc/drum valve. New tie rod ends. Had the front end aligned. Now the steering is driving like it is way toed out but it is not out of alignment. Seems to over steer and does not want to self center any more. I am always fighting the steering back and forth to keep it between the lines. HELP. I have no idea what could have changed. It was not like this before the swap. I used the connecting arm from the 70 axle on the 71 to the steering box, the one that bolts to the axle. Any ideas will be much appreciated. Thanks, Dan __________________ "A Hand Shake Is Your Word." Decodan ************************ 1951 Chevrolet Suburban 1952 GMC Suburban 1963 Mercury Comet 2-dr (Sorry, I know) 1963 Mercury Comet 2-dr Parts Car, (better than what I originally started with) 2010 F-150 4WD 2015 Subaru Outback (what the hey, got to have one that is not a gas hog)

02-20-2013, 10:44 PM	#3
decodan C-20 Long Stroker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Frohna, MO Posts: 137	Re: Axle swap, now steering problems They checked the alignment, the only thing that was way out beyond specs was the toe. That is all they had to set. It is pretty much straight, maybe -.018% each side. I do not the readings with me right now but that is what I remember. __________________ "A Hand Shake Is Your Word." Decodan ************************ 1951 Chevrolet Suburban 1952 GMC Suburban 1963 Mercury Comet 2-dr (Sorry, I know) 1963 Mercury Comet 2-dr Parts Car, (better than what I originally started with) 2010 F-150 4WD 2015 Subaru Outback (what the hey, got to have one that is not a gas hog)

02-21-2013, 11:08 AM	#4
decodan C-20 Long Stroker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Frohna, MO Posts: 137	Re: Axle swap, now steering problems Took it back to alignment shop. Had them drive it on curvy road. He felt my pain. After checking everything again found an upper ball joint loose. When you hit a bump or a groove in road it would move. Cotter pin was forgotten. All is well now. Thanks, Dan Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "A Hand Shake Is Your Word." Decodan ************************ 1951 Chevrolet Suburban 1952 GMC Suburban 1963 Mercury Comet 2-dr (Sorry, I know) 1963 Mercury Comet 2-dr Parts Car, (better than what I originally started with) 2010 F-150 4WD 2015 Subaru Outback (what the hey, got to have one that is not a gas hog)



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