Topic: 81 4x4 steering problem

[81 4X4]

Today while driving I noticed my steering wheel wasn't centered after I turned right, but when I turned left it was centered again. I can feel something slipping when I turn the steering wheel while sitting still. My first thought was that the shaft is slipping on the splines of the steering box, but I marked it with a paint pencil, and it's not moving. I checked the other splines on the shaft too, and didn't find anything. But something's moving around, and without a second set of eyes I can't find it. I need to get another person to turn the steering wheel, while I look for what's moving. Needless to say I'm not driving it until I find the problem. I'm thinking it could be the drag link. Everything does seem to be tight. Anybody else run into this problem? Thanks, Dean

[yotaneck13]

ya id def check the drag link first but also check rod ends an see if theyr worn my t100 did this to me it was ifs tho but id immagine the sa would do the same?

[axled89]

 

[79coyotefrg]

you probably need to break the draglink down and regrease the cups and springs in there.  its fairly easy,  but you need to get all the nasty dirt and grease off the ends so you can see where the cotter pins are, once they are removed use a LARGE screw driver or small prybar and twist the slotted plugs out of each end, think of these as large plugs(kinda cause they are)

if you have lifted the truck you can also put a washer or two on the inside of the inner cup to move it closer to the ends so you correct the lack of movement you'll have from lifting it.

[81 4X4 [OP]]

The truck is lifted. I hope to work on it today, or tomorrow. Thanks, dean

[81 4X4 [OP]]

Looks like I fixed it. A buddy came over today, and watched while I turned the steering wheel. The front U bolts where loose enough to let the front axle move on the leaf spring on the drivers side. I jacked it up and removed the U bolts to check the bolt in the center of the spring for damage, and everything looks good. I put it back together and made sure everything was tight under there. Seems to be fine now. Dean