steering question

[68c10owner]

So I picked up a 4wd blazer today and I noticed it`s a little floaty going down the road. I`m having to move the steering wheel alot more than I have to with my step side. I`m new to 4wd`s and was told this is normal. It`s stock height with 31x10.5`s. Is there anything i can do to get it to steer any better?

[BLE 'BURBAN]

Those larger tires are going to make it wander alot more than normal especially if your roads are prone to having ruts in them.
If it doesn't already have one, install a steering damper on the steering linkage. I have even seen some vehicles running dual steering dampers.

[68c10owner]

I`ll look into the steering dampener. Any advantage of using a dual set up in my case? I`m not going with bigger tires. I just want the steering to feel better. Any brands better then others?

[tobiahr]

before you invest in a steering dampner you might want to check for play in the linkage. I agree that bigger tires can make the steering feel a little loose but you could also have worn rod ends or steering gear and get the same feeling. i found on my older blazer the wider tires had caused the rod ends to wear prematurely. when i changed them and rebuilt the steering gear (po ran with out fluid) the difference was like night and day. you can check for play by turning the steering wheel with the vehicle off and see how much play there is before the tires/wheels actually move

[tvblazer78]

Originally Posted by BLE 'BURBAN

Those larger tires are going to make it wander alot more than normal especially if your roads are prone to having ruts in them.
If it doesn't already have one, install a steering damper on the steering linkage. I have even seen some vehicles running dual steering dampers.

[68c10owner]

Thanks guys. I know the tie rods have been replaced twice and there is a list of stuff in the consol that was done too but I`m going to inspect the steering linkage and either replace something worn out or get a stabilizer. This thing does have 222,000 miles on it so I`m guessing some of the suspension is worn even though this was maintained very well.

[68c10owner]

Well after driving it more and more and feeling how the steering is I`m leaning towards it just being worn out so I`ve decided to rebuild it. I`m new to 4wd`s so if there are any upgrades i should do please list them. The blazer came with a LMC catalog and i figured I would just order the stock replacement stuff through them but if there is something better for not too much more money I`m listening.

[Oilbrnr]

Meh, for steering compontents just go to NAPA. If your knuckles are tight, then you only have the tie-rod ends and the drag link (well the box too). I'd suspect the drag link is hurting. ~$60 for the replacement ends.

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by Oilbrnr

Meh, for steering compontents just go to NAPA. If your knuckles are tight, then you only have the tie-rod ends and the drag link (well the box too). I'd suspect the drag link is hurting. ~$60 for the replacement ends.

I`ll check their prices against LMC and other places. I`ve done several frontend rebuilds but never a 4wd. I`m just going to replace everything including the steering box. That way I know it`s all new stuff and it should take care of my problem. I think I might do a steering dampener anyway just for a little extra help.