15x6 rubbing

[CoolK5]

Front drivers tire is rubbing when I turn to the right. on the steering linkage. Any suggestions to fix it? Thanks, Wayne

[CoolK5]

This is how the Blazer sits 15x6 33x10.50 no lift. Thanks gentlemen

[SeventyOne]

Your pitman arm looks straight when it should be way forward and clearing the tire on that right turn...

Does it turn right way sharper at lock than when you turn left way by chance?

Is your steering wheel straight?

How's the alignment?

[CoolK5]

It turns right to left the same. The steering wheel is not aligned but it’s an aftermarket one that the PO put on. I ha e not aligned it yet.

[SeventyOne]

your pitman arm needs to be centered. and your wheel needs to be centered.

Those are stock wheels? Do you know the backspacing?

[cleszkie]

I don't know that you can "degree" the pitman arm on the steering box shaft. I think it only goes on one way.

Adjust the steering stops on the steering knuckles to keep the tire off of the pitman arm. You probably want to adjust both sides equally even though you have no interference issues on the passenger side.

[Mike C]

You need a wider wheel with the same backspacing. I had issues with 33 14.5 Mickey Thompsons on my Jimmy with 8" wheels that went away completely with 10" rims with the same backspacing.

[SeventyOne]

Originally Posted by cleszkie

I don't know that you can "degree" the pitman arm on the steering box shaft. I think it only goes on one way.

Adjust the steering stops on the steering knuckles to keep the tire off of the pitman arm. You probably want to adjust both sides equally even though you have no interference issues on the passenger side.

Right you cant degree the pitman. But look at that first picture. He's basically at lock to the right but the pitman is parallel to the front of vehicle. Wouldnt the pitman arm be pointing near his driver side headlight on a tight right turn? And towards his driver side door handle during a full left hand turn? What im getting at is the geometry looks off. but maybe thats just me...

[CoolK5]

Here are some more pics. I think I might have to go to a 15x8 wheel from wheels vintique that take the 10 1/8” dog dish hubcaps.With a 4” backspacing and call it good. I was really looking to keep these original 15x6.

[CoolK5]

So this was our maiden voyage. We decided to take a cruise down to the beach. I knew not to crank the wheel to the right all the way, as to not hit the steering linkage and pitman arm. So we where enjoying ourselves. It’s still nice at 65 degrees out. On our way home, the tranny started leaking bad, with a lot of smoke coming from the tranny fluid landing on top of the exhaust. We pulled over, waited a few minutes then made it home, that’s when the rest of the tranny fluid gave way onto the ground. Oh well, at least we made it home. That’s what I get for buying a budget Blazer, lol.

[CoolK5]

Here is a pic of the evening.

[DeadheadNM]

Blazer looks great - looks like a y’all are having a good time. Enjoy the weather - we have a forecast low this week of minus 30.

Open knuckle front axle with drum brakes? 1970 Dana 44 axle? I’ve never had rub from same size BFGs on several disc brake k trucks with 15x8 wheels. Could you have too much backspacing and need the 3” that are correct for drums?

[simicrintz]

Bummer on the tranny, but don't give up on it! I also have a '68 Jeepster that I have had since the 80's (yeah-I'm old!) and along with the Blazer we deal with oil leaks and other weirdness. These are old rigs with old parts and drive trains (for the most part). Stay with it and enjoy it for what it is!

[CoolK5]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, gentlemen. I put the Blazer in the garage, I figure I’ll take a couple of weeks off , let the frustrations go away, and see it with a fresh set of eyes.

[SeventyOne]

Good approach. What blew on the trans?

[68panelman]

Here's my 70 K5 with the wheels straight and looks to be in the same position as yours turned hard right. Is your truck a 70 or 69? I say 69 because of the interior cap color being the same as body color, (one year only thing)and if that's the case a 69 would have come with a closed knuckle 44. Possibly the previous owner swapped axles and kept the closed knuckle linkage?

[SeventyOne]

Originally Posted by 68panelman

Here's my 70 K5 with the wheels straight and looks to be in the same position as yours turned hard right. Is your truck a 70 or 69? I say 69 because of the interior cap color being the same as body color, (one year only thing)and if that's the case a 69 would have come with a closed knuckle 44. Possibly the previous owner swapped axles and kept the closed knuckle linkage?

THIS is exactly the point i was trying to make above.

I think the OP's drag link (link between pitman arm and knuckle arm) is too long. Screw in the ends so that when the pitman are is perpendicular to the frame the wheels are straight. I'd bet this fixes your crooked steering wheel also.

Before you do this can we see a pic of your pitman arm position when the wheels are straight AND your steering wheel position when wheels are straight? Might also be helpful to see the hard right positions as well.

[SeventyOne]

Here's a couple pics from my build that you can kinda see the pitman arm position with wheels straight:

[68panelman]

OP's links look like two different lengths also?, Is that correct,?
My K5 drives nice and straight with no issues at all. (I think your drag link (link between pitman arm and knuckle arm) is too long) wasn't sure if this comment was directed at me

[SeventyOne]

Originally Posted by 68panelman

OP's links look like two different lengths also?, Is that correct,?
My K5 drives nice and straight with no issues at all. (I think your drag link (link between pitman arm and knuckle arm) is too long) wasn't sure if this comment was directed at me

Directed at OP. Yours looks like i'd expect. Edited my other post for clarity.

[CoolK5]

Here are my wheels straight. The Blazer is a 69. So it sounds like its not the original D44? So I probably have the closed knuckle linkage, like you guys think. I’ll have to see if I can bring the linkage closer together, and see if that will pull it away from the tire.

As far as the tranny leak, a month ago, I changed the kick down cable, because the plastic piece was sheared in half , where the cable goes into the tranny. After that it didn’t leak at all. I have not investigated this new leak yet, just parked it in the garage for another day.

[CoolK5]

Since they rub on my linkage, if I sell the 15x6 wheels, what is the market value for them? I think I will buy 15x8s.