Pitman / Idler arm help needed

[Larryjb]

Before you get your alignment done, check the ride height in the front. That will affect your caster. (Actually, it may improve the on center feel. It did for me.)

Larry

 

[number9]

Good point Larry. The truck sits 1" lower in front vs rear (35 1/2" FR / 36 1/2" RR) with stock size tires on it. I would imagine the front bump stops are like jello at 185K so I'll replace them soon as well, and likely try the Z71 bump stops as I've read they improve the ride.

 

[number9]

Z71 bump stops and 26025709 union fitting ordered. I'll update with results when I get them on.

 

[Larryjb]

Good stuff. It was really easy to raise the front end back to stock height. You would probably be close if you raised it so that the top of the front wheel well was even with the top of the rear wheel well. Of course, it's better to do it "by the book", but you may feel the difference in handling if you just leveled the front. I corrected the ride height in the front before replacing my bump stops. I don't believe the bump stops are supposed to change the ride height. In fact, I didn't really feel any difference in handling after installing new bump stops.

Larry

 

[number9]

Installed the Z71 bumpstops today. Ride and driveability did improve with them, though not a BIG change, but can tell they feel better than the stock ones they replaced.

Installed the 26025709 union fitting in the PS pump as called out in TSB #05-02-32-008B.

GMPartsGiant shows the stock Union Fitting in her truck, per the VIN# is part #26009894.

I pulled the stock Union out and and seen it had a smaller orifice in it than the one in the TSB. I measured both using a set of #drill bits and found:

Stock Union = .142" ID - stamped H3
TSB Union = .157" ID - stamped I0 - as best I can tell, they didn't stamp it good and it's only half readable

I tried the TDB union anyway since I had it apart and test drive proved it was even worse lighter steering, so I put the stock one back in for now.

Still plan to research the union fitting and/or pressure valve in the PS pump to gain the stock "feel" back in the wheel (vs the too light, 80's Cadillac pink feel it has now).

Plan to get it aligned this week and will report back with the results. I expect it will improve a lot with GOOD alignment - provided I can get a GOOD one around here.

...

 

[mattbta]

What number do you have for the z71 stops? 15153959?

 

[number9]

15153959 yup

 

[Tonyrodz]

Are the z71 bump stops front or rears?

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Are the z71 bump stops front or rears?

Jounce stops are in the front.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Jounce stops are in the front.

Thx