Topic: Steering problems

[Keithporter83]

Ok so I have a 83 Toyota pickup it is welded front and rear with a procomp 3in lift I have run into a problem were with the hubs unlocked it turns just fine both ways and smooth when you lock the hubs it turns smooth and good to the right but only a 1/4 way to the right then its so stiff you cant turn it this is if you are at a stop if you are rolling its still really stiff but better. I know with it being locked it is going to be harder to turn but not that bad and it still does fine to the right.

[Keithporter83 [OP]]

lift the truck up on a jack is turns fine locked or unlocked could it be something with the lift do I need a drop drag link

[blackdiamond]

Locked or unlocked makes no difference if the tires are off the ground. I would expect a welded front to steer fairly hard 100% of the time, but have no personal experience. What type of surface are you working with?  Does it steer ok in 2wd?  If so then the difference is 2wd vs. 4wd and the welded front would be the prime suspect.

[blackdiamond]

I had a 3.5 inch Pro Comp lift one 85 when I first got it and it had a drop drag link. The steering geometry could be the issue because it is pushing to turn one way and pulling to turn the other. It may lose leverage in one direction.

[Keithporter83 [OP]]

Locked or unlocked makes no difference if the tires are off the ground. I would expect a welded front to steer fairly hard 100% of the time, but have no personal experience. What type of surface are you working with?  Does it steer ok in 2wd?  If so then the difference is 2wd vs. 4wd and the welded front would be the prime suspect.

turns great it 2wd doing this on dirt/mud or street no change I know steering when locked it going to be hard but I can put all my force on it flexing the steering column and still wheels will not move power steering is not making any noise

I had a 3.5 inch Pro Comp lift one 85 when I first got it and it had a drop drag link. The steering geometry could be the issue because it is pushing to turn one way and pulling to turn the other. It may lose leverage in one direction.

I have good turning range lock to lock so I really don't know I want to lift 1 more inch with shackles so with 4in should I get a drop drag link

[jangelfire]

Do you have longfield birfs? If so, did you clearance the knuckle balls?

[1985CRAWLER]

broken birfs will make it really hard to steer with hubs locked in, but i doubt both would be broke.

but with a welded front it'll be really hard to turn as well, with my ARB on its almost impossible for me to turn.

[Keithporter83 [OP]]

stock axles

[Snowtoy]

Have you tried locking only one hub, and seeing if turns as easily as w/both unlocked?
If it turns both direction easily with only one hub locked(test both sides locked separately), then the issue is the welded front diff, either by itself or in combination with the rear.

When turning the inside tire turns slower than the outside one, locked diffs want to push you straight forward, you are fighting two issues with welded diffs when wanting to turn.