bump steer question

[cheapshot]

allright, back to the bumpsteer issue with my lowered front end. do you guys think that it would help to modify a 4x4 steering stabilizer to fit my truck to help tame the bumpsteer?

[Hobcobble]

allright, back to the bumpsteer issue with my lowered front end. do you guys think that it would help to modify a 4x4 steering stabilizer to fit my truck to help tame the bumpsteer?

I think Slick put one on a '66D100 he sold to Trey?
This '66 D100 isn't lowered though... so you know.
By lowering your truck and changing the overall
dynamics of your steering set up and how each part
works with the other, you're kind of in "uncharted
territory".... meaning.... you're a trailblazer for
those who will eventually want to do this same thing
to their truck. I couldn't offer much more than an
educated guess that, by installing a stabilizer, you
will "gain back" a little steering control. As long
as all of your steering components are in good shape
[king pins, drag link ends, tie rod ends, etc.], it
probably won't be the last $40 you have if you plunk
it down for a stabilizer.... worth a try maybe....
John

[Hobcobble]

One additional thought.... if your axle & tie rod are
already close to your oil pan, you'll have to make
real sure that the mounting hardware/brackets for a
steering stabilizer, or the piston itself, don't
come into contact with the oil pan.
John

[wideblock]

i do have a stabilizer on the truck i bought. it seems to help a bit, but the truck isnt lowered, so its hard to tell just how much it helps. my front end is tight, steering box is tight, and it has a good alignment, so the stabilizer might not be needed at all. i would say first and for most take your ride to an alignment shop and see how far out of whack it is. a proper alignment to get your geometry back would be the best step.

[motomatt383]

correct me if i'm wrong, isn't bumpsteer the front wheels going out of alignment(toeing in or out) while traveling up & down over bumps? if that is correct, if your the tie rods are connected from one side to the other with a solid shaft like our trucks come with, that alignment should never change-----right, so is your problem in the drag link from the steering box. if that's the case thats a whole different problem & fix.


matt

[wideblock]

bump steer is most attributed to poor alignment. worn suspension parts run a close second. it is when your tires do there own thing over bumps. if the truck has been lowered, your right, the alignment across the axle hasnt changed (tie rods, drag link, king pins). but i will lay money that the alignment of the axle to the body has changed. a degree or 2 rocked backwards or forwards on the straight axle will make all the difference in the world on how she holds the road. your not just worried about the geometry of the axle in relation to itself, but also in relation to the rest of the chassis. 9 out of 10 times, when you lower one you must get a pro to realign everything properly.