Truck difficult to control

Ahh so its does have a function.

 

That's called Bump Steer , it's caused by not enough caster in your alignment specs

 

What other weight in the bed do you have??
The rear end bouncing/sagging in the rear with affect weight distribution in the front. As the springs on the rear sag more, the problem will get worse.

 

I'm betting its the grooves in the concrete in the slow lane up over donner pass. I can't drive in that lane at all with our Audi, my wifes Tacoma or our 4th gen 4runner or I'm basically just ping pong-ing between the lines the whole time from the grooves in the concrete. Run the fast lane as much as possible and chalk it up to crap CA roads. All our vehicles drive completely fine everywhere but that stretch of the pass where the grooves are really bad.

 

That's called Bump Steer , it's caused by not enough caster in your alignment specs

My truck had, and has a lot of bump steer from the dealer. When I switched from the OEM tires to Kumho all seasons, I believe it got worse.

 

Ah, this is interesting. I do not know the answer to this one. They're a pretty good shop, but I'll have to check I guess.

 

Poor roads can definitely cause the problem. Especially if your vehicle doesn't fit in the same track as the ones causing the road ruts (18 wheelers).

After all your checks, and if it's only on specific roads but similar conditions/speeds, then the road is likely the issue.

 

There is nothing electronic to reset after an alignment, our Trucks have a traditional style steering setup.

 

I would say yes, a little. I wish I could describe the situation better. Requires more effort to keep it going the direction I want. Best I can come up with is twitchy or darty...

 

I have a few totes with come camping gear and a few tools. A bet mat. Nothing too heavy though. Maybe 100 lbs in addition to the shell...? The rear springs do suck tho. They don't seem to handle speed bumps well at all. I did mention when making my appointment that the rear springs dont seem to be doing a good job.

 

Good to know. I was surprised I hadn't heard of it before. Thanks

 

My truck is a tad squirrelly also from the ruts and the road crown, but if I ad a bunch of weight to the rear the front suspension lifts as the rear sags and you can notice the difference in just a couple hundred pounds and the shell. That's roughly 300 to 400 lbs you carry. Maybe sticknand extra overload leaf in the pack and Or better bump stops. Maybe consider a new leaf pack.

 

That happens with tires that provide more grip because they're more likely to grab the ridges.

 

Some vehicles have switched to electric power steering and use an electric motor to assist the rack, our Trucks however still use a power steering pump and reservoir.

 

Ya, i'll definitely do that. I have been looking at suspension options for some time now. I like the stock height, so didn't really want to lift it much. But if the springs will improve the drive, I'll hook something up.

 

For the record, that statement isn't universal but definitely true on these trucks. Some vehicles have electronic power steering that requires a reset to zero out the steering position sensor.

edit: aaaaand shaker beat me to it.

 

That happens with tires that provide more grip because they're more likely to grab the ridges.

my new tires are definitely far more grippy. The OEM's were beyond sucky IMHO.

 

Gotcha. Ya, I was aware we still use traditional power steering. I was thinking maybe there was more to it after Amanelot's reply. My bmw and my wife's audi both use electric steering. Not sure yet which system i like more.

 

I couldn't drive my truck for more than 30 minutes before my back was killing me and telling me to sell this pos... I put in the bilsteins 5100's on the first clip and a extra overload and the truck was a dream to drive.

 

Ah nice. Maybe I'll give this setup a shot too!