Front End Pulls Under Power

[59mitchy]

I have a 99 silverado Z71. I have had it to two alignment shops and had the front end done. When I have it in 4WD and I step on the gas it pulls extremely hard either left or right. It pulls so hard I almost lose it. I took the 10" wheels off with 285/75/16's and put the factory ones back on to no avail. I am lost. I just ordered a set of 16X8's with the intention of going back to 265/75/16's. I've bought two different sets of wheels and tires and I am still going backwards. Help?

[Genuinefine409]

A friend of mine had this problem with his 2000. someone told him it was becausehe had his torsion bars cranked up too high, he cranked them back down, problem solved. usually pulling would be alignment or tires.

[superbee]

You're experiencing torque steer. What is happening is this: the relay rod is deflecting (rotating a little) due to the force exerted on the tie rod end from the driving wheel. The wheel wants to turn away from the truck toward the unsupported side (outside of the truck), bad toe in adjustment only under heavy power. If the right wheel is powered the truck pulls to the right and vice-verse. Cognito makes a support kit for the pitman arm which will alleviate most of this, also you may want to consider tierod sleeves.

 

This link explains it better than I can:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/C...ring/index.html

 

It uses a newer HD truck, but the parts are almost identical in function if not size.

[59mitchy]

You're experiencing torque steer. What is happening is this: the relay rod is deflecting (rotating a little) due to the force exerted on the tie rod end from the driving wheel. The wheel wants to turn away from the truck toward the unsupported side (outside of the truck), bad toe in adjustment only under heavy power. If the right wheel is powered the truck pulls to the right and vice-verse. Cognito makes a support kit for the pitman arm which will alleviate most of this, also you may want to consider tierod sleeves.

 

This link explains it better than I can:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/C...ring/index.html

 

It uses a newer HD truck, but the parts are almost identical in function if not size.

 

Thank You, I will try a new alignment shop, the support kit and cranking down the torsion bars. One at a time of course! I'll let you know what happens next. Should have listened to gramps! ( If it ain't broke, don't fix it!)

[59mitchy]

A friend of mine had this problem with his 2000. someone told him it was becausehe had his torsion bars cranked up too high, he cranked them back down, problem solved. usually pulling would be alignment or tires.

 

Thanks, I cranked them down some today and still get that nasty pull under power. I will try a little more and see if it helps!

[pm26]

Torque steer on some higher powered front wheel drive cars can be scary. If you do not hold tight onto the steering wheel and floor it from a standing start, you can lose control of the car.

[superbee]

Also the tie rod ends are deflecting (bending). If you go too hard they will fail and you'll end up with the front wheels not connected to the steering anymore. This is where the tie rod sleeves are useful. They just clamp around those skinny little stock guys and will also help to solve your problem.