The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > General Truck Forums > Suspension

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-09-2019, 01:31 PM   #1
AnobleL74
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: orlando florida
Posts: 113
66 SWB handling/steering questions

will try to keep this concise and clear .
66 c10 with 73 c10 front suspension and power steering and power disc brakes, rear drums on a 1973 3:31 12 bolt. all suspension and steering have been recently rebuilt stock, except it has Early Performance KY shocks and 3 " rear and 2" front lowering springs. does not have a sway bar on front or rear.

she drive straight and smooth down the highway and rides nice, I just drove it form FLA to San Diego and cruised 80 nicely,.

issue1. the steering is hyper sensitive, at speed if you move the wheel abruptly it will dart off to the weeds. soft touch on the wheel and she steers great. any ideas how to calm down the steering response, it is ok for me as I am used to it, but nervous for some one else to drive it that is not used to it.

issue 2. when cruising 75 to 80 and you hit some big dips in highway, she can bounce around a lot. calms right down but a little nerve racking when in trampoline mode.

appreciate any ideas, Allan
AnobleL74 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 01:34 AM   #2
lolife99
67-72 parts collector,…
 
lolife99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,675
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

Any chance you put your centerlink on backwards?
You wouldn’t be the first one to do this.
It will make your truck drive funny for sure.
Can you post some pictures of the steering linkage?
__________________
Keith

Convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
lolife99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 06:54 AM   #3
PGSigns
Senior Member
 
PGSigns's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hayes Va
Posts: 4,569
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

Here is what I would do.
1. Get a front sway bar.
2. Put Belltech street performance shocks on it.
3. Do the caster mod and put 4 1/2 degrees of caster. 0 camber and 1/8" of toe in. for the alignment.
This will be a big change in the way it drives.
Jimmy
__________________
60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131
Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need?
1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver
1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home
1965 Suburban
2003 3500 Duramax
2005 Ultra Classic
PGSigns is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2019, 12:46 PM   #4
69gmcc10
Registered User
 
69gmcc10's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Missoula, MT
Posts: 934
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

Can you post a picture of the centerlink for us, please?

What are the alignment specs? Like PGSigns alluded to it sounds like you may not have much caster and that will give you a sense of wandering and lack of any resistance in the steering leading to no confidence in steering.

What can you tell us about the power steering pump? is it a retrofit? Picture? Newer model pumps have different valving in them giving them more pressure and flow and this can also cause symptoms you are describing.

Your bouncing issue is probably going to be easily corrected with different shocks or "shock relocation kits" found on our vendor board. Quality shocks will make a large difference.
__________________
69 GMC C10 build thread- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=501676

03 Silverado build thread-http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=591582
69gmcc10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2019, 01:27 PM   #5
AnobleL74
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: orlando florida
Posts: 113
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by 69gmcc10 View Post
Can you post a picture of the centerlink for us, please?

What are the alignment specs? Like PGSigns alluded to it sounds like you may not have much caster and that will give you a sense of wandering and lack of any resistance in the steering leading to no confidence in steering.

What can you tell us about the power steering pump? is it a retrofit? Picture? Newer model pumps have different valving in them giving them more pressure and flow and this can also cause symptoms you are describing.

Your bouncing issue is probably going to be easily corrected with different shocks or "shock relocation kits" found on our vendor board. Quality shocks will make a large difference.
for some reason I have never been allowed to post, pictures, could not figure it out. the alignment is stock as far as I know, the car goes down the road straight as an arrow, and does not wander at all. it just is hyper sensitive and the steering response is very aggressive with only tiny movement on wheel. the power steering pump is tuff stuff that come on my March pulley set up. I have new KY shocks, will try pictures again , thanks Allan
AnobleL74 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2019, 03:33 PM   #6
69gmcc10
Registered User
 
69gmcc10's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Missoula, MT
Posts: 934
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

According to the first question in the FAQ section of the Tuff Stuff web page they makes pumps in 1200 PSI and 850 PSI. they also state that "most applications will accept the 1200-PSI pump" and "850 PSI valves are sold separately or you can buy a Tuff Stuff #6174A or 6174B Saginaw style pump that is factory set to 850 PSI" per their web page.

I bet you have a high pressure system and that you need the low pressure valve. This is a common problem when doing a ls swap as the newer pumps have higher PSI and it leads to scary sensitive steering. The good news is that all that needs to be done is to swap out the high pressure valve to the low pressure valve by way of removing the fitting on the back of the pump, taking out the current valve and replacing it with the lo pressure valve. The Tuff Stuff part number for the 850 PSI low pressure valve is #5556 per their catalog, Jegs has the part for $27.99 or Summit has it for $21.99.
__________________
69 GMC C10 build thread- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=501676

03 Silverado build thread-http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=591582
69gmcc10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2019, 04:01 PM   #7
AnobleL74
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: orlando florida
Posts: 113
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by 69gmcc10 View Post
According to the first question in the FAQ section of the Tuff Stuff web page they makes pumps in 1200 PSI and 850 PSI. they also state that "most applications will accept the 1200-PSI pump" and "850 PSI valves are sold separately or you can buy a Tuff Stuff #6174A or 6174B Saginaw style pump that is factory set to 850 PSI" per their web page.

I bet you have a high pressure system and that you need the low pressure valve. This is a common problem when doing a ls swap as the newer pumps have higher PSI and it leads to scary sensitive steering. The good news is that all that needs to be done is to swap out the high pressure valve to the low pressure valve by way of removing the fitting on the back of the pump, taking out the current valve and replacing it with the lo pressure valve. The Tuff Stuff part number for the 850 PSI low pressure valve is #5556 per their catalog, Jegs has the part for $27.99 or Summit has it for $21.99.
thanks a lot, very helpful will give it a try. Allan
AnobleL74 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2019, 09:41 AM   #8
PGSigns
Senior Member
 
PGSigns's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hayes Va
Posts: 4,569
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

I would still do the mods I listed once you get the power steering worked out. I have had a bunch of these trucks and they all have benifited from these changes. Take a look at the part numbers for the shocks you have and look at how many things they fit. They are a compromise at best compared to a shock designed and valve for our trucks. I can tell you its a big improvement.
Jimmy
__________________
60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131
Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need?
1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver
1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home
1965 Suburban
2003 3500 Duramax
2005 Ultra Classic
PGSigns is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2019, 09:56 AM   #9
AnobleL74
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: orlando florida
Posts: 113
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by PGSigns View Post
I would still do the mods I listed once you get the power steering worked out. I have had a bunch of these trucks and they all have benifited from these changes. Take a look at the part numbers for the shocks you have and look at how many things they fit. They are a compromise at best compared to a shock designed and valve for our trucks. I can tell you its a big improvement.
Jimmy
right, I ordered front street performance shocks and the PS low presurer valve. then work on other mods, thanks a lot!! Allan
AnobleL74 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2019, 10:35 PM   #10
AnobleL74
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: orlando florida
Posts: 113
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by PGSigns View Post
Here is what I would do.
1. Get a front sway bar.
2. Put Belltech street performance shocks on it.
3. Do the caster mod and put 4 1/2 degrees of caster. 0 camber and 1/8" of toe in. for the alignment.
This will be a big change in the way it drives.
Jimmy
put the bell tech street performance shocks , already much improved, thanks
can any one recommend a front sway bar? Allan
AnobleL74 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-23-2019, 01:18 PM   #11
69gmcc10
Registered User
 
69gmcc10's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Missoula, MT
Posts: 934
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

You could source a factory bar and components from a 63-89 C30 in a salvage yard.

Early classic has a factory style bar for about $190 and save the trouble of tracking stuff down.

Both CPP and POL have a bar design with short end links that should help reduce any suspension bind for about $140

Finally there are companies like No Limit Eng with Racing pedigree that have designed bars with longer end links that should remove suspension bind for about $220.

I have a factory bar sourced form a 80s c30 with lowered mounts and poly bushings/straps from Early classic. I like it very much, it blots right up like OE, but it is archaic looking. Also I have not noticed any binding in my suspension with it, but I am sure there is some.

Any choice you make will make you happy.
__________________
69 GMC C10 build thread- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=501676

03 Silverado build thread-http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=591582
69gmcc10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2019, 08:34 PM   #12
PGSigns
Senior Member
 
PGSigns's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hayes Va
Posts: 4,569
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

The one on my 66 is off a 73 to 87 C10. I was actually after the factory bar. I wanted a bit more give for getting in and out if the driveways around here and not to put so much weight on the opposite rear tire. Truck is dropped 6" in the back and with the 8" wheel/ tire combination the tires hit the inners.
Jimmy
__________________
60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131
Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need?
1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver
1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home
1965 Suburban
2003 3500 Duramax
2005 Ultra Classic
PGSigns is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2019, 06:21 PM   #13
AnobleL74
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: orlando florida
Posts: 113
Re: 66 SWB handling/steering questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by PGSigns View Post
The one on my 66 is off a 73 to 87 C10. I was actually after the factory bar. I wanted a bit more give for getting in and out if the driveways around here and not to put so much weight on the opposite rear tire. Truck is dropped 6" in the back and with the 8" wheel/ tire combination the tires hit the inners.
Jimmy
yeah I am getting the tires hitting the inners also. I now have the street perf shocks on front, and will put on front and rear sway bars next week I hope. Allan
AnobleL74 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:15 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com