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Stiff steering after lift

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Mountun Goat, Aug 24, 2018.

  1. Aug 24, 2018 at 3:13 PM
    #1
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    Ever since I lifted my truck and picked it up from the alignment shop it’s felt like it doesn’t want to turn. I am thinking the tow wasn’t set correctly. I did not get an alignment sheet from the shop that did it so I don’t know how it’s set. Anyone else feel this after 3.5” lifts?

    B0B29117-4454-4FB4-B3A8-476F62DEF42D.jpg
     
    GNTundra likes this.
  2. Aug 24, 2018 at 4:37 PM
    #2
    Pudge

    Pudge Super Secret Elite Member #7

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    I think you're right, Sounds like and alignment issue to me
     
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  3. Aug 24, 2018 at 4:39 PM
    #3
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    Caster might bee too high.
     
  4. Aug 24, 2018 at 4:40 PM
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    Relentless

    Relentless Eric @Relentless Fab Vendor

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    Just a few, more to come
    Larger/wider tires and more aggressive wheels offset will make steering feel heavier.
     
  5. Aug 24, 2018 at 4:41 PM
    #5
    Relentless

    Relentless Eric @Relentless Fab Vendor

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    Just a few, more to come
    True.
    But if that's the case I'll take heavier steering feel for the benefit of the more true tracking/less wandering that the caster gives. My $.02
     
  6. Aug 24, 2018 at 4:52 PM
    #6
    TundraLaw

    TundraLaw Fourth Year Member

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    Did you get new UCA's? If so, you may just be tight, and will loosen up over time.
     
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  7. Aug 24, 2018 at 7:14 PM
    #7
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    Thanks for the input everyone. I did get SPC uca’s yes. And yes I also went to 35x12.5 tires. So that def is part of the stiffer feeling. I didn’t get the bigger rubber till a while after lift and it felt stiffer to turn even with the 33s. Or am I remebering it wrong haha. I was thinking the other day if it was the same with smaller rubber and I kinda thought it was the same. Ah well!
     
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  8. Aug 25, 2018 at 9:19 PM
    #8
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    I have been thinking about this as I drive my truck last couple days. It drives straight as ever. So I guess I’ll stop whining and just drive it haha.
     
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  9. Aug 28, 2018 at 8:34 AM
    #9
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    Another thing I was thinking while driving it. Is I removed the sway bar while lifting the truck. I think that split second of turn delay also has something to do with the truck swaying slightly before it starts turning...
     
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  10. Oct 12, 2018 at 8:01 AM
    #10
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    Ok so now that I have colder temps outside the steering is worse. Makes me believe it’s not the tire size... it’s very stiff at first until the truck warms up. Could my pump be getting weak? Fluid is at the proper level.
    Makes sense that bigger wheel and harsher tie rod angles would make the pump work harder. Maybe it’s getting tired after 250k miles haha
     
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  11. Oct 12, 2018 at 9:16 AM
    #11
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    Maybe flushing the system would help?
     
  12. Oct 12, 2018 at 9:58 AM
    #12
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    That’s a good idea. Anyone know if there is a drain point on the system?
     
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  13. Oct 12, 2018 at 11:43 AM
    #13
    Spvrtan

    Spvrtan Amateur fabricator

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    I just do a drain and fill of the fluid every 5k miles with a 1qt bottle of ATF.
     
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  14. Oct 12, 2018 at 11:44 AM
    #14
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    Well that’s good to know haha. I wonder the last time mine was changed. I better get on it!
     
  15. Oct 12, 2018 at 12:35 PM
    #15
    Spvrtan

    Spvrtan Amateur fabricator

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    You definitely don't need to do it as often as 5k. I just do it that often for peace of mind since it's only like $15 for a bottle. Plus, I'm running 40" tires, which are probably stressing the fluid more.
     
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  16. Oct 12, 2018 at 2:54 PM
    #16
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    I feel like it’s my pump slowly failing. Might be in my head but feels like it’s easier as rpm increases.
     
  17. Oct 26, 2018 at 5:16 PM
    #17
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    Well that was a bust. Replaced the power steering pump and same issue. Now I’m thinking it’s the rack and pinion... it feels like gears getting clogged. I tried filling the fluid with Lucas rack n pinion repair stuff. We’ll see if it helps over some driving before I buy a new rack.
     
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  18. Oct 26, 2018 at 9:08 PM
    #18
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat [OP] She baaaaaahd

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    Not that anyone is even watching this thread but I figured I’d update if anyone finds it helpful in the future haha. Turns out the steering column u joints were rusted up and semi seizing. Sprayed some fluid film on them to check if it was the issue. Yep smooth as new! I’ll be ordering a replacement shaft. Woohoo!

    8E400551-F626-4756-AF46-187765DA8B2A.jpg

    Could be worse. New power steering pump, new steering fluid. Should be good for another 500000km!
     

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