My truck wanders

have 54 chevy truck,have replaced all orginal bushings on springs and hangers,steering is tight,have new kingpins,tierods good,and just had aligned.Tires 235/85 r16,only thing i haven't changed is my gas shocks(80,000 mi.)doubt that causing wandering.Really bad over 60 mph.would you guys have any ideas. Thanks

 

adjust the steering box----follow instructions to the tee or you will get it way tight or way loose

 

Those steering boxes tend to get worn at center. Is there some slack in it? You also said that you have new tie rods, the stock style or newer ends? I put late model style on my 58 and that was day and night.


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Wandering is usually a sign of something within the steering being loose, be it the box, the tie rods, or the king pins. If these are all tight, is there any play in the steering shaft? is the steering wheel following the wander? Radial tires usually do not have enough flex to wander unless the air pressure is low. Have you had it aligned? a poor alignment could cause some issues at higher speeds, especially if your toe is off.

 

Does it "Wander, Wander, who wrote the book of love"??????

or does it "wa wa wa wa Wan-der, why.......why,why,why,why,why she ran away"?????

 

When I raced short track cars wandering or hunting as it was called usually had to do with toe, we always toed them out an 1/8th.

 

Put some wedges in to increase the caster a few degrees, if there is not too much slack anywhere. An eighth more toe-in might help too.

 

Have you checked tire pressure in all 4 wheels lately? The first thing a front end alignment tech does.

Low air pressure in rear tires can feel like it's wandering and cause the driver to constantly over correct.

 

were you textingor drinking while you were wandering? i am wondering

 

i caught my 50 Chevy truck wandering around with prostitutes and unsavory types.I adjusted the toe to zero with radial tires and the truck keep away from the whores.

 

I got beat to that one !!!!! Maybe he could lock or chain it up at night !!!! LOL

 

I'm dazed and confused. I saw the title to this thread and thought that you were writing a new western song.
Mike

 

I agree wirh The caster shims did "wander s" for my 52 truck. Straight as an arrow now.

 

Call it your Little Runaway.

 

Neuter him and he'll stay at home.

 

Does it come home "tainted"?

 

Yeah sometimes while I'm setting here I wander............check the gear box as been stated go from there....

 

Tommy,
Good thought. If toe is correct everything is tight it is normally someone has let the tires get a little soft or made them that way to improve ride.

I also would take a good look at the drag link, not when it is cold but after you have driven it a while and given it a chance to warm up.

Well you're in Pomona its not like here were things appear to be tight when they are cold.

 

castor wedges

 

Yes some Negative Caster should help (3 Deg.) and check the toe. If all else fails add a steering dampener. Also check the Wheelbase and make sure its equal side to side.
If still a problem, check your ride height. The frame should be a equal height at the front torque boxes and the rear torque boxes or you'll effect the caster.

The Old Tinbasher