Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Accelo · 07-18-2022, 01:15 AM

My lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over.
I just had the truck aligned and I am surprised by how it acts when turning sharp corners. Extra rpm is required just to get the truck to roll.
The truck has CCP 2.5" lower spindles and 2" lower springs on stock "A" arms.
Truck also has 20" X 8" wheels, on the front, with zero offset.
Is this just something I need to live with? Awful hard on tires.
Thanks

**CC69Rat** · 07-18-2022, 06:45 AM

Not sure what you mean by 'Turning hard over' (?)

Post up some pictures, specifically the view from the front corner of the grille area where it meets the Fender looking down the side of your truck.

Did you replace the balljoints and other steering components when you lowered it or are those original?

Lee H · 07-18-2022, 08:47 AM

What size tires? Did you try out the tires before the suspension work?

Accelo · 07-18-2022, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Not sure what you mean by 'Turning hard over' (?)

Did you replace the ball-joints and other steering components when you lowered it or are those original?

Everything is new. With the exception of the springs and spindles the suspension is stock.
What I mean is when I am turning sharp. The closer I am to the steering stop the more power it takes to move the truck. Straight it steers and seems to work just fine. Normal street driving is also fine. When you are parking or turning around I notice it big time. I's like the tires are tracking on two different radius. With the exception of the springs and spindles the suspension is stock.
I'll get some pictures and the exact tire sizes later today. I do know the tires are not hitting anywhere.
Thanks

72c20customcamper · 07-18-2022, 09:31 AM

Sounds like your tires are fighting each other one hard turns . Some scrubbing is normal with suspension changes but to be really hard isnt normal. I lowered the front on my Chevelle with a complete UMI suspension they sent me all the angles needed on the alignment to track correctly . I gave them to the first "alignment" shop got the car back and it felt like I was in 4 wheel drive on dry pavement. Took it to another place that delt with street rods and lowered vehicles . They did it with the specs and tweaked it a little to my drop. Car has no power steering and is easy to park .

Sounds like a camber/caster problem

geezer#99 · 07-18-2022, 10:12 AM

Could be you got your Ackerman goofed up!
Look here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackerm...ering_geometry

**CC69Rat** · 07-18-2022, 10:58 AM

Tell us about your truck. For example is this a 67-70 that you have converted to 5 lug, and maybe swapped over to a 71-72 front Steering setup? Maybe added power steering to a 67?

Sounds (to me) like something in the steering is binding up. Or the geometry is at an extreme angle when you turn.

Can you turn the wheel all the way to the lock, then turn the truck off, and maybe post up a few pictures of how it looks as it's turning? Maybe some pictures of the UCA / LCA in relation to the spindle?

**YellowK5** · 07-18-2022, 11:47 AM

I am with Geezer..sounds like a geometry issue.(too much castor).Some times wheel offset can cause issues also

body bolt · 07-18-2022, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Could be you got your Ackerman goofed up!
Look here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackerm...ering_geometry

That's what it sounds like to me.

jimijam00 · 07-18-2022, 01:27 PM

Post a pic of your alignment sheet.

**HO455** · 07-18-2022, 02:22 PM

Any chance of the wheels rubbing when at full lock?

KQQL IT · 07-18-2022, 04:21 PM

Sounds like the center link is backwards.

68 P.O.S. · 07-18-2022, 05:08 PM

^^^ That's my thought

Accelo · 07-18-2022, 08:54 PM

geezer#99 quoted "Could be you got your Ackerman goofed up!"

Thinking to my self, that makes sense. How can my Acherman get messed up. I thought of the board members, I had read about, that have gone before me and installed the center link backwards. I checked it out when I built my truck wanted it right. The first install I read the posts and didn't find a good explanation of what backwards looked like. So I installed it convinced it was correct. So today I did a little more research and found out how to tell. My is backwards! It installs "nuts forward". How hard can that be to remember? It has been aligned twice and they missed it both times. The other clue was an extended turning radius and a soft stop an the ends of steering travel.

And from KQQL IT ["I]Sounds like the center link is backwards"[/I].

From the archives.
lil hoodlum
It is very easy to install the center link backwards and the symptoms are the steering is very darty, or seems very easy to over-correct. Make sure the inner tie rod is installed through the back side of the center link, castle nut is facing forward and grease fitting is on the back side of the center link on the cross-member side.

Eating crow tonight, I like it well done and I have a specific bird in mind. Been dive bombing me all spring.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions and pointing me in the right direction. Now I'm out to the shop to see if I can get the joints apart without messing up the rubber cups and to catch a crow.
Cheers.

**Steeveedee** · 07-18-2022, 08:59 PM

The cups are pretty much guaranteed to rip, unless you use the right tool instead of a pickle fork. May be available for rent at an auto parts store.

KQQL IT · 07-18-2022, 09:02 PM

Bfh or air hammer and a slight pry on the link is my go to not wreck the boot.
However the boots are available in urethane if you do resort to the pickle fork.

jimijam00 · 07-18-2022, 09:15 PM

Go get your money back from the clown that did the alignment. Clearly she failed to road test the truck after. Not sure how you didn't turn right around and take it right back to her after you noticed how it steered.

Accelo · 07-18-2022, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimijam00

Go get your money back from the clown that did the alignment. Clearly she failed to road test the truck after. Not sure how you didn't turn right around and take it right back to her after you noticed how it steered.

At the very least I will see if they will check the alignment again after I switch it around.

After going through the archives it is amazing how often this happens. It just doesn't seem correct with the center link so close to the front cross-member.

**Grumpy old man** · 07-18-2022, 09:25 PM

You might want to replace the straight Zerk grease fittings with 90's on the inner tie rods so you can get a grease gun on them later on .

67C10Step · 07-18-2022, 09:42 PM

^^^^^Grumpy speaks some good advice here. I did that on mine and it makes service on those inner units much easier.

**cwcarpenter98** · 07-18-2022, 09:57 PM

Hopefully the alignment shop will re-do it for you.

There's not many alignment shops anymore that know what to look for on these old rigs. The shop that did my alignment when I first got the disc brake swap done 6 years ago and then again back in December when I did the caster mod failed to realize that the previous owner of my truck had put the uppers on backwards well before I bought the truck. I didn't pull the arms off when I did the disc swap, so I didn't know there was an issue until I did the caster mod and they couldn't get it anywhere near a reasonable alignment

**pjmoreland** · 07-19-2022, 01:19 AM

At least they'll only have to adjust the toe-in.

Accelo · 07-19-2022, 02:02 AM

Grumpy's advice was timely. I was just putting the center link back in when Grumpy posted the 90 deg zert warning.
It's all back together with the zerts and cotters installed. Time for a ride tomorrow.
Hopefully to the alignment shop.

**lolife99** · 07-19-2022, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accelo

Grumpy's advice was timely. I was just putting the center link back in when Grumpy posted the 90 deg zert warning.
It's all back together with the zerts and cotters installed. Time for a ride tomorrow.
Hopefully to the alignment shop.

That picture was very helpful.
The centerlink was definitely on backwards.

**Palf70Step** · 07-20-2022, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Sounds like the center link is backwards.

That would be my guess also, but sounds like you figured that out.

07-18-2022, 01:15 AM	#1
Accelo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,161	Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. My lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. I just had the truck aligned and I am surprised by how it acts when turning sharp corners. Extra rpm is required just to get the truck to roll. The truck has CCP 2.5" lower spindles and 2" lower springs on stock "A" arms. Truck also has 20" X 8" wheels, on the front, with zero offset. Is this just something I need to live with? Awful hard on tires. Thanks

07-18-2022, 06:45 AM	#2
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,205	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Not sure what you mean by 'Turning hard over' (?) Post up some pictures, specifically the view from the front corner of the grille area where it meets the Fender looking down the side of your truck. Did you replace the balljoints and other steering components when you lowered it or are those original? __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

07-18-2022, 08:47 AM	#3
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,139	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. What size tires? Did you try out the tires before the suspension work? __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

07-18-2022, 09:31 AM	#5
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,143	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Sounds like your tires are fighting each other one hard turns . Some scrubbing is normal with suspension changes but to be really hard isnt normal. I lowered the front on my Chevelle with a complete UMI suspension they sent me all the angles needed on the alignment to track correctly . I gave them to the first "alignment" shop got the car back and it felt like I was in 4 wheel drive on dry pavement. Took it to another place that delt with street rods and lowered vehicles . They did it with the specs and tweaked it a little to my drop. Car has no power steering and is easy to park . Sounds like a camber/caster problem __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary. Last edited by 72c20customcamper; 07-18-2022 at 12:54 PM.

07-18-2022, 10:12 AM	#6
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,515	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Could be you got your Ackerman goofed up! Look here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackerm...ering_geometry

07-18-2022, 10:58 AM	#7
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,205	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Tell us about your truck. For example is this a 67-70 that you have converted to 5 lug, and maybe swapped over to a 71-72 front Steering setup? Maybe added power steering to a 67? Sounds (to me) like something in the steering is binding up. Or the geometry is at an extreme angle when you turn. Can you turn the wheel all the way to the lock, then turn the truck off, and maybe post up a few pictures of how it looks as it's turning? Maybe some pictures of the UCA / LCA in relation to the spindle? __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

07-18-2022, 11:47 AM	#8
YellowK5 Active Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Rancho Cucamonga California Posts: 170	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. I am with Geezer..sounds like a geometry issue.(too much castor).Some times wheel offset can cause issues also

07-18-2022, 01:27 PM	#10
jimijam00 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: PNW Posts: 553	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Post a pic of your alignment sheet.

07-18-2022, 02:22 PM	#11
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,805	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Any chance of the wheels rubbing when at full lock? __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban the WMB,1991 S(stink)-10 Blazer,1969 GTO, 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird. 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

07-18-2022, 04:21 PM	#12
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,130	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Sounds like the center link is backwards. __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

07-18-2022, 05:08 PM	#13
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,661	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. ^^^ That's my thought __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo

07-18-2022, 08:54 PM	#14
Accelo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,161	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. geezer#99 quoted "Could be you got your Ackerman goofed up!" Thinking to my self, that makes sense. How can my Acherman get messed up. I thought of the board members, I had read about, that have gone before me and installed the center link backwards. I checked it out when I built my truck wanted it right. The first install I read the posts and didn't find a good explanation of what backwards looked like. So I installed it convinced it was correct. So today I did a little more research and found out how to tell. My is backwards! It installs "nuts forward". How hard can that be to remember? It has been aligned twice and they missed it both times. The other clue was an extended turning radius and a soft stop an the ends of steering travel. And from KQQL IT ["I]Sounds like the center link is backwards"[/I]. From the archives. lil hoodlum It is very easy to install the center link backwards and the symptoms are the steering is very darty, or seems very easy to over-correct. Make sure the inner tie rod is installed through the back side of the center link, castle nut is facing forward and grease fitting is on the back side of the center link on the cross-member side. Eating crow tonight, I like it well done and I have a specific bird in mind. Been dive bombing me all spring. Thanks everyone for the great suggestions and pointing me in the right direction. Now I'm out to the shop to see if I can get the joints apart without messing up the rubber cups and to catch a crow. Cheers. Attached Images Last edited by Accelo; 07-18-2022 at 09:19 PM.

07-18-2022, 08:59 PM	#15
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,091	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. The cups are pretty much guaranteed to rip, unless you use the right tool instead of a pickle fork. May be available for rent at an auto parts store. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

07-18-2022, 09:02 PM	#16
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,130	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Bfh or air hammer and a slight pry on the link is my go to not wreck the boot. However the boots are available in urethane if you do resort to the pickle fork. __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

07-18-2022, 09:15 PM	#17
jimijam00 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: PNW Posts: 553	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Go get your money back from the clown that did the alignment. Clearly she failed to road test the truck after. Not sure how you didn't turn right around and take it right back to her after you noticed how it steered.



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07-18-2022, 09:25 PM	#19
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. You might want to replace the straight Zerk grease fittings with 90's on the inner tie rods so you can get a grease gun on them later on . __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

07-18-2022, 09:42 PM	#20
67C10Step Registered User Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Beebe, AR Posts: 2,407	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. ^^^^^Grumpy speaks some good advice here. I did that on mine and it makes service on those inner units much easier. __________________ 1967 C10 1980 Jeep CJ5 2020 Toyota 4Runner 2020 Toyota CH-R 2020 Acura MDX

07-18-2022, 09:57 PM	#21
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,421	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Hopefully the alignment shop will re-do it for you. There's not many alignment shops anymore that know what to look for on these old rigs. The shop that did my alignment when I first got the disc brake swap done 6 years ago and then again back in December when I did the caster mod failed to realize that the previous owner of my truck had put the uppers on backwards well before I bought the truck. I didn't pull the arms off when I did the disc swap, so I didn't know there was an issue until I did the caster mod and they couldn't get it anywhere near a reasonable alignment __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

07-19-2022, 01:19 AM	#22
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 5,329	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. At least they'll only have to adjust the toe-in.

07-19-2022, 02:02 AM	#23
Accelo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,161	Re: Lowered truck requires extra power when turning hard over. Grumpy's advice was timely. I was just putting the center link back in when Grumpy posted the 90 deg zert warning. It's all back together with the zerts and cotters installed. Time for a ride tomorrow. Hopefully to the alignment shop.

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