Hd 2500 Steering

[rrscott]

I have a 2003 GMC HD 2500, 4 wheel drive, diesel, crew crab, and need some advice on steering. The truck drives pretty well, but at times seems to wander. I pull a 31 foot 5th wheel, and of course it is worse when pulling. It is still under warranty, and GM has been good about trying to correct the problem. The steering gear has been replaced, as well as the pittman arm, and all shocks and steering dampner have also been replaced. It drives better, but still seems at times to have to much play. There is approximately 2 inches of play in the steering wheel, but I am not sure how much play there should be to be optimum. Has anyone had any experience with a problem similer to this one. Thanks

[Silverado4x4]

What size tires are you running? When I had my 2500 I put 285s on and I had the sway a wander also worse when towing, so I couldnt stand it anymore and went back to the stock 245s.

[rrscott]

What size tires are you running? When I had my 2500 I put 285s on and I had the sway a wander also worse when towing, so I couldnt stand it anymore and went back to the stock 245s.

 

I am still running 245's. It is the second set of tires, but still the same type as from the factory, Firestones. Have you tryed anthing else to cure the problem.

[rednekkedcountryboy]

Ill have to pay more attention to mine......49,000 miles and havent heard a prob, but then Im sure I havent paid any attention, do know I seem to have more feedback in the steering then past trucks Ive owned.

[StoneyPgh]

Mine, with 245s, is rock solid pulling a 6000#, 26' 5er.

[StoneyPgh]

Has anyone done a front-end alignment on it recently?

Out of spec toe-in can cause a lot of steering grief.

[rrscott]

Has anyone done a front-end alignment on it recently?

Out of spec toe-in can cause a lot of steering grief.

 

Yes, the pickup has been in he front end shop 3 times in the last month trying to correct this issue.

[gbroad23]

What size tires are you running? When I had my 2500 I put 285s on and I had the sway a wander also worse when towing, so I couldnt stand it anymore and went back to the stock 245s.

 

 

Why would the bigger tires give you that problem? I think that if the alignment was in spec that the tire size shouldn't affect it, but I'm not an expert so not sure just curious b/c I am using 285's and i have a wondering problem, but i think it is in other places. steering box,pitman arm and the shaft that the pitman arm attaches to.

[sonjaab]

Don't forget that some of the larger size tires you may be running are NOT

LT (light truck) tires but passenger car tires which have fewer sidewall and

tread plys. The

[sonjaab]

Don't forget that some of the larger size tires you may be running are NOT

LT (light truck) tires but passenger car tires which have fewer sidewall and

tread plys. They also run at lower pressures under 40 psi where a true LT

tire runs at between 50 to 80 psi.

 

For the longest time the largest LT tires were limited to the 245 tiny donuts

that most 2500/3500s came from the factory with.

Now I note that true LT tires are in bigger sizes like 265 and up are now

widely available from several mfrs.

 

A 2 ply passenger tire may be your problem..................

[Draenor]

Don't forget that some of the larger size tires you may be running are NOT

LT (light truck) tires but passenger car tires which have fewer sidewall and

tread plys. They also run at lower pressures under 40 psi where a true LT

tire runs at between 50 to 80 psi.

 

For the longest time the largest LT tires were limited to the 245 tiny donuts

that most 2500/3500s came from the factory with.

Now I note that true LT tires are in bigger sizes like 265 and up are now

widely available from several mfrs.

 

A 2 ply passenger tire may be your problem..................

 

The tire dealer should of not installed tires that are not the correct ply/weight rating, but could be a possibility. I would check the pressure though, are you running the max?(I'm sure you have done this.) Also have the tie rods and ball joints been inspected for play?

[Burbman]

I also had a lot of steering play on my '01. Shop replaced BOTH the idler arm and pittman arm, problem solved. I am running 265/75-16E tires on 16x8 rims, and I know that adds a wear factor to the steering components. After the new components and an alignment, she feels like brand new again.

 

Huntrancher, you mention a new pittman arm, what about the idler arm? If the steering box and damper are new also, that's about the only thing I can think of. Only other option would be the ball joints, were those checked?