Need help with steering issues

[kelly83chev]

I am working on a 1983 chevrolet scottsdale the steering turns extremely to the right and is very short to the left. Is something out of adjustment or is some part bad? The frame was recently repaired due to stress cracks, this was noticed when steering issues were first looked at.

[pjmmoore]

Kelly - you might want to pose this question over in the Classic Truck forum. You might get some feedback there.

[Rolandd]

If this is a 4x4, the front axle has adjustable stops (Dana 44 and 60, some models) that limit the spindle's total motion so that the u-joints don't get damaged in hard turns. Check and make sure that the stops have not backed out to limit the available arc on the spindles. As I remember there is one stop on each side.

 

Check your pittman arm to make sure that it is correctly installed on the steering box splines--2- and 4-WD. I don't remember how the 2WD front end limits steering travel, I believe it is through the steering box. If you can turn excessively hard to the right, the pittman arm alignment is likely the issue. On a 4WD with a lift kit you can also have this problem. If you have a lift you need to find a drop pittman arm.

 

It is possible that on a 2WD truck the tie rods are adjusted for a correct toe-in but that the steering wheel was not correctly centered, however this is unusual and requires a really bad alignment shop.

 

Find a good alignment shop and have them look at the truck. They should be able to tell you immediately what is up with it and what needs to be done.