steering pulls and shimmys

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Will S. - 01 Dec 2004 01:53 GMT

I have a 93 T100. when I engage it in 4wd, the front end pulls, jerks
and shimmys. I have replaced the idler arm which seemed to have a
worn joint, but it still does it. Any thoughts anyone. I don't know
if the all the other joints are worn also, or if I'm just hitting the
crack pipe too much?

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Roger Brown - 01 Dec 2004 03:03 GMT

> I have a 93 T100. when I engage it in 4wd, the front end pulls, jerks
> and shimmys. I have replaced the idler arm which seemed to have a
> worn joint, but it still does it. Any thoughts anyone. I don't know
> if the all the other joints are worn also, or if I'm just hitting the
> crack pipe too much?

What sort of surdface are you on when engaging 4WD? If its on a high traction
surfavce (like wet or dry pavement) then you may be feeling normal drivetrain
binding (its not a good idea to engage part-time 4WD on high traction
surfaces). You might also check the front CV joints and make sure they are not
wearing out and binding. Are the tires all the same size and brand? If not,
that may also be a problem, as there can be actual height differences between
different makes of tires, even if they are marked the same size.

--
Roger

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Will S. - 02 Dec 2004 00:05 GMT

> > I have a 93 T100. when I engage it in 4wd, the front end pulls, jerks
> > and shimmys. I have replaced the idler arm which seemed to have a
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> that may also be a problem, as there can be actual height differences between
> different makes of tires, even if they are marked the same size.

surface is snow, wet, ice, etc... I know I have a broken CV boot, but
the joint isn't clicking or anything yet. I've had the truck 3 years
and this is the first I've felt it. I didn't put it in 4 wd all
summer. Tires are all good, same size, brand, etc... whole new set
bought at the same time. Any other thoughts? Thanks for your input,
any is more than I had before. I think I'll take another look see at
the CV joint anyway just to check that again.

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Roger Brown - 02 Dec 2004 02:10 GMT

> surface is snow, wet, ice, etc... I know I have a broken CV boot, but
> the joint isn't clicking or anything yet. I've had the truck 3 years
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> any is more than I had before. I think I'll take another look see at
> the CV joint anyway just to check that again.

Its recommended in the Owner's Manual to either engage 4WD or lock the front
hubs and drive approx. 10 miles / month to keep the front driveline parts
moving freely and to keep them lubricated. Maybe have someone drive the truck
slowly in 4WD as you observe the front end, make sure the CV axles are turning
smoothly and that the front driveshaft is also turning smooth. You might check
the driveshaft for play in the u-joint, slip yoke and CV and give them all a
shot of grease if its been a while.

You may also just be feeling the various tires slipping a grabbing on the slick
surface. With stock 4WD, you can have one tire on each axle slipping.

--
Roger

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