Steering funkyness

[RustyShackleford94]

So the trucks a 96, 2.3, 4x4. The steering is super responsive in one direction but not the other. This morning it ended up having to over correct coming out of a curve to keep the thing on the road. Any thoughts on what i should throw at it? Everything in the front end is clapped except for the gearbox.

 

[RonD]

Its not aligned, needs a 4 wheel alignment as well just to be sure frame isn't tweaked

If ball joints are original change them first, any other parts needed are usually not hard to replace or expensive, ball joints are the hard ones

Also on a 4x4 changing both the front axle u-joints, its not expensive to do when doing the ball joints, so should be done as well

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Its not aligned, needs a 4 wheel alignment as well just to be sure frame isn't tweaked

If ball joints are original change them first, any other parts needed are usually not hard to replace or expensive, ball joints are the hard ones

Also on a 4x4 changing both the front axle u-joints, its not expensive to do when doing the ball joints, so should be done as well

Im not sure if they’re original but the are old and shot. Guess ill just plan on a whole front end job.

Would these joints be responsible for the wheel shaking at all speeds when the hubs are locked in. Does it in both 2 and 4x4. There doesnt seem to be any play in them, i checked them when i got it and greased everything

 

[RonD]

Could be axles u-joints or front driveline u-joints, these are only "used" when front hubs are locked, in 2WD or 4WD
When hubs are unlocked none of these u-joints are used/spinning

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Alright so this thing is still shaking pretty violently when the hubs are locked in. Its a 96 with a dana 35 ttb front axle. I replaced the brakes, wheel bearings, axle joints, steering components from the pitman arm out, and shocks. Drives fine with the hubs unlocked. As soon as theyre locked in it shakes like its got death wobble. Theres no slop in the front driveshaft or pinion so those are fine. Any ideas? Bent axle shaft maybe? I doubt the 2.3 could bend one but maybe?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Did your axle joint move real smooth after you replaced them?

Any chance someone put a locker in it before you bought it?

 

[RonD]

Drive it in 4high with hubs unLocked, bent axle would still cause vibration when powered by transfer case

I assume Axle joints are the u-joints
So when hubs are locked in 2WD it vibrates, and in 4high as well

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Did your axle joint move real smooth after you replaced them?

Any chance someone put a locker in it before you bought it?

Yeah they moved smooth like you would expect from a new axle joint. Its possible but i doubt it since the rear is a one wheel wonder.

Drive it in 4high with hubs unLocked, bent axle would still cause vibration when powered by transfer case

I assume Axle joints are the u-joints
So when hubs are locked in 2WD it vibrates, and in 4high as well

Yes little u joints that connect the inner and outer axle shafts in the front. Ill have to take it for a spin in 4hi with the hubs unlocked, I haven’t tried that yet.

What are the odds of a bent axle shaft? Anyone done it or seen it in these dana 35s?