93 t100. When engaged in 4 the truck has a real bad wandering and pulling problem. It seems as though it is always there, but is highlighted when in 4 (I think just because the front is then also powering the truck). I've posted this before, but all the feedback I got was driving surface, tires (pressure, balance, etc.) and shocks. It isn't any of these I'm sure. the tires and shocks are fine, nothing wrong there and it does it on all driving surfaces (yes I know I'm not supposed to drive it in 4 on dry) Anyway the problem is very bad, far worst than even if I did have really screwed up tires and shocks. What it feels like is all the joints in the rods and steering linkages are really worn. I have checked these and thier ok. It is kind of like (similar to) I have play in the steering, but there isn't any play, the truck just wanders and pulls. I have replaced the idler arm, but this did not help. Any thoughts, insight or help is most appreciated. - I'm lost

WS

Tie rods and ball joints. Stuff might appear to be 'good', but could also be wearing out. Tie rod failure is VERY UGLY. I was lucky in that I was in low speed corning manuvers when they failed; you have NO CONTROL of your steering if that happens. Ball joints can give you a rough ride, feels like you're trying to do an axle wrap.

Is the stab bar leaking at all? The stab bar makes it feel more like body roll.

Also check the sway bars; see the tech article on this site for replacing the bushings.

I agree... I'll bet ya a dollar it's either your TRE's or ball joints. You should be able to discern what's moving if you jack up the front & yank on the tires. If you still can't see what could be moving differently between one side to the other, go to an alignment shop. They can put it up on the rack & slide her around. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Btw... We're repeating what's already been told to you by others (your previous post on 12/03/04). Did you just not believe them the 1st time?

Replace everything from the steering box out. That should help. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

In my experience no one likes to screw with ifs tierods, and shops will let them go as "fine" as long as the grease boot isn't broken. Bad front wheel bearings can cause wobble also. Is it making noise any where or how?

FWIW, even only half-slick does a nice job of binding things up in 4wd and creates steering anomalies you won't have in 2wd. Once you get up on plane as it were, maintaining traction in 2wd is almost as easy as in 4wd by just putting weight in the bed and adjusting the throttle input at the pedal.

I have this where its scary! I mean, parts of the interstate left lanes near NJ/PA bridge are so bad from heavy trucks, that the truck wants to jump outta lane. And I am doing the limit.
I wondered about the steering box adjustment, idler arm rebuild and replacing the tie rod ends. When it gets warmer out...

Good steering gear or no, road ruts can toss you around pretty fiercely. They decide where the vehicle goes no matter how good your caster is.

Hey 4xgeek,

yeah man, I have jacked up the front end and played with the tires every which way possible. Thats the funny thing is all the joints seem tight and it doesn't seem loose anywhere? any other thoughts-

adam,

yeah, no noise anywhere anyhow. I'm down with only using 4 when neccessary. not to worry I'm not some yuppie with a 4wd hard one. I do live in snow country (lake tahoe) so there are times when I just need 4. Also, I built a carpet kit for the back that took 5 sheets of 3/4" plywood. I have a long bed + I made it modular for easy removal. anyway that adds some good weight.

Hey uzombie,

thanks for the input. I have thought about replacing the tie rod ends, but I jacked up the front and they all seem tight? could I be missing something? Also, I did replace the idler arm. That did seem real loose, but the new one didn't help ($100 - for notta - ouch!) that's why I'm jonesing so bad, I don't want to rebuild the front end when it seems ok. do you think this might be able to wait when it does get warmer? I live in the mountains and have a downslopeing dirt driveway. not the best working conditions, but I make due and am safe about it. but warm sunshine is always good.

Stickman, if the old idler arm was worn and you put a new one it and it didn't help much, what else could it be?
The ball joints and tie rod ends are most likely worn out. What are the other parts on the front end could wear out?
It takes some time to replace them, but it is well worth it. Otherwise, your new idler arm may wear faster since the other components are worn out. On a 1993 they are probably long gone anyway.