P30 Chassis Steering Wear
Wondering where to begin with my '84 P-30 chassis. I took it on its first trip this past weekend - 300 miles round trip. The new engine performed beautifully, but the rig needs some front end work. I intend to put new springs and air bags in it, as well as ball joints if needed. There's substantial banging around up there when I go over bumps. Not sure what it is, but it's on both sides.
My real question is around steering. There is substantial play in the steering that has the thing wandering around on the highway. It's a bit of a handful to keep going straight. Jacking up one wheel at a time and wigging the tire shows that there is play but I'm not sure how to pin-point it. What are the common wear items on these things? I know on the GM cars the center links (drag links) go bad. On this, it appears as if there is play in both relay housings. Thankfully it does not look like the relay arms themselves are bad (they're discontinued and very expensive from Super Steer). Maybe just the bushings in the housings? There are grease fittings everywhere, too. Would that tighten things up or is it a band-aid?
Any advice would be appreciated. I need to tighten it up before my next trip.
My real question is around steering. There is substantial play in the steering that has the thing wandering around on the highway. It's a bit of a handful to keep going straight. Jacking up one wheel at a time and wigging the tire shows that there is play but I'm not sure how to pin-point it. What are the common wear items on these things? I know on the GM cars the center links (drag links) go bad. On this, it appears as if there is play in both relay housings. Thankfully it does not look like the relay arms themselves are bad (they're discontinued and very expensive from Super Steer). Maybe just the bushings in the housings? There are grease fittings everywhere, too. Would that tighten things up or is it a band-aid?
Any advice would be appreciated. I need to tighten it up before my next trip.
