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[tonkatoy189]

here's the start of a long list of questions.
my "64" 88" wanders all over the road. it has new ball joints. i'm running 33x9.50 tires and rockymountain springs. the steering box leaks a bunch. i just ordered the haynes manual but don't have it yet. any ideas? is this normal? maybe some more tow in?

also ... where the heck did they hide the VIN on this thing? I've got it on the title but can't find it on the truck.
thanks
dk

[TerryS]

Steering wander is almost always a result of (in order of likelyhood) 1) Swivel ball preload too light. Refer to manual for procedure to correct.
2) Bad ball joints, replace.
3) Steering box worn. Adjust

Vin number should be one plate reveted to left door opening, on tub siade, on an ID plate attached to cabin side ofbulkhead, and on right front frame horn.

[Greg S]

A couple more things that cause steering wander, and considerable at that!

1) Dry steering relay. Pull two bolts and dribble 90w oil into one till it tops out the other. It will take awhile to fully lube but results will be seen in the first 10 miles or so.

2) Worn bias tires. Only solution I know is new tires. (But how do you know it is the tires till you change them?)

Greg S

[LR Max]

I know my 109 with 34s on it wonders around a little bit. Those tires probably throw around the lighter 88 a lot easier.

I do not know the history of your truck, but:

Check the shocks.

Check all ball joints in the steering system. This includes the link from the box to the relay inside the engine compartment (a lot of people forget about that one).

Balance tires!!?? I used BBs in mine. After the tires warm up they ride good.

Check alignment.

Check wheel bearings (and check them often since bigger tires have been known to ruin wheel bearings faster than smaller tires)

A lot of people always say check the swivel balls, but every steering problem I've ever seen has never been related to the swivels. I would put that last on your list of things to check.