The quest to drive in a straight line

[Squirrelsmith]

Well im back at it. Finished my stereo install and got my messed up door worked out so this is back at the top of the list. Redhead gear box and
Flaming river u join coming soon

 

[OR VietVet]

I don't know the whole history of the steering problem of this rig but have you ever had the frame checked to see if it is "tweaked" or twisted, out of straight, from a wreck? Has the thrust angle been checked during alignment? Can't do that if the alignment shop only hangs alignment heads on the front wheels.

 

[Squirrelsmith]

I don't know the whole history of the steering problem of this rig but have you ever had the frame checked to see if it is "tweaked" or twisted, out of straight, from a wreck? Has the thrust angle been checked during alignment? Can't do that if the alignment shop only hangs alignment heads on the front wheels.

It wanders buti really think its related to a work out steering box. Its gets better every time i tighten it up a little. But really its just a guess

 

[OR VietVet]

I would assume you are still going to align after the work so that is the time to get a thrust alignment, heads on all 4 wheels and ask about frame damage. Are all the rear springs attached tightly and aligned properly?

 

[Squirrelsmith]

I would assume you are still going to align after the work so that is the time to get a thrust alignment, heads on all 4 wheels and ask about frame damage. Are all the rear springs attached tightly and aligned properly?

Cant say i have the answers to those questions. I can say is i had a alignment done before and they said everything was in tolerance. I have spent a considerable amount of time under the hoe and havent seen anything like frame damage

 

[OR VietVet]

Any alignment tech that says, "everything was in tolerance", means he/she set the toe and let it go and did not hang heads on the rear. Also, you can have a twist or a diamond in the frame and cannot see with the naked eye. Your rig, your call. I have done alignments. I have seen what minor adjustments can do and have seen what small imperfections can do.

 

[liquify33]

Any alignment tech that says, "everything was in tolerance", means he/she set the toe and let it go and did not hang heads on the rear. Also, you can have a twist or a diamond in the frame and cannot see with the naked eye. Your rig, your call. I have done alignments. I have seen what minor adjustments can do and have seen what small imperfections can do.

So if I had a 4wheel alignment done and the thrust angle is in spec (close to dead straight I'd assume?), further issues would be suspensions/steering systems?

 

[OR VietVet]

As long as the thrust angle is correct and then the front steering and suspension is aligned referencing the rear thrust angle and aligned correctly, that part of the equation is good and the other problems will be something else. Ride height, caster, camber, tire pressure and toe in that are set to specs and is checked correctly for any worn out components, well then your problem is elsewhere.

I have watched many an alignment tech act like they knew what they were doing but would just give a cursory sight inspection and set the toe and let it go. I always gave a before and after printout when I did an alignment and I will not get an alignment done anywhere that does not supply that to me.

 

[liquify33]

As long as the thrust angle is correct and then the front steering and suspension is aligned referencing the rear thrust angle and aligned correctly, that part of the equation is good and the other problems will be something else. Ride height, caster, camber, tire pressure and toe in that are set to specs and is checked correctly for any worn out components, well then your problem is elsewhere.

I have watched many an alignment tech act like they knew what they were doing but would just give a cursory sight inspection and set the toe and let it go. I always gave a before and after printout when I did an alignment and I will not get an alignment done anywhere that does not supply that to me.

Just checking, I've had similar experience as Kevan's -- 95% solved by tightening gearbox nut after confirming what you posted (yes i got a printout before/after). A big jounce will sometimes send me in a random direction but she tracks straight with a slight bit steering wheel wiggle.

 

[OR VietVet]

If you jounce and get that wiggle I would lean toward a steering linkage problem. Like tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm but I would also be concerned with the control arm bushings and possible ball joints. Too many times I see ball joints checked incorrectly.

 

[BentleyArnage]

I have 3 of these things. They steer sloppy. I have no problem with it. It drives my son crazy. Pitman arm, loose box and its all over the place.

 

[OR VietVet]

If the correct caster lead is not set at alignment, after steering and suspension components replacement, you can still have a wandering effect.

 

[exp500]

My experience on this vintage is it is difficult to get enough caster. After all the worn parts replaced, still drives a little bit twitchy. Gearboxes wear fast, Pittmam/idlers wear, ball joints wear fast. I like to see 3 or more degreees caster (average), on these 1.5 seems to be considered normal. Specialty products makes adjustable upper ball joints AND offset bushings. The bushings are good for 1 degree. The problem is is that requires an alignment shop that knows what they are doing or at least cares enough to tell the truth. If they are knowlegeable and helpful, you can swap out parts enough to make it good then have them align it, without a good diagnosis you are kinda driving at night with the lights off. Too many toe and go shops(at least around here). If you are at the limits of your adjustment pins, and still only have 1.5-2 degrees caster and it still drives funny unless toed .90-.125 or more then you are a candidate for the above. Tires at $1000.00 a set or more, you want to last 50000 miles and gas mileage -2 with more than about .080 toe.
Comes down to build it cheap, build it fast and fix it later design. Hope this helps.

 

[OR VietVet]

But the caster should not be set the same for both sides. The right side should have a slightly higher setting. For instance 1.5 on the left and 2.0 on the right. This offsets road crown.

Or as you said, some helper components may need to be installed instead of stock items.

Or, again as you said, that gear box may have been adjusted too tight and driven long enough that the box is needed.