Steering problem – need some direction

M

Md20

New member
I recently purchased a 77 Scout II and I am having some steering problems that I am having problems diagnosing. When driving straight the car drive fine. It tracks straight and little to no input is needed to keep it going down the road. When turning left the steering feels good and is very predictable. When turning right it goes crazy. The steering is almost dangerous and unpredictable. I did a visual inspection and the tie rods and drag link joint do not have any play in them (they look new). When turning right the steering box that is mounted to the frame slightly flexes the frame (barley enough to notice). Rag joint doesn’t have any slop.

Any help on where to start diagnosing would be a great help.

Some background information:
1977 Scout II
345 727
original suspension
po did a good job maintaining all serviceable parts.
 
I would check the ball joints, jack up the front end and push and pull on the top and bottom, then right and left sides of the front tires while watching the ball joints. Also check the frame for cracks around where the steering box mounts. The reinforcement plates sold by IHPA that go between the steering box and the frame are an excellent addition here. While your at it, look closely at the spring perch welds at the back of the front leafs, they are a well known weak spot, and I have seen a few break. You May also want to check and make sure your front axle is not moving around on the springs, this can happen if the pin that holds the leafs together and locates the axle on the springs breaks, or is not located properly in the hole in the axles spring perch. Good luck, and endeavor to persevere.
 
Hondo – thanks for the advice. I checked the ball joints, they feel good and tight. I pulled the hubs and rotors, it needed new rotors anyway, and found that the driver side hub spindle nut was loose. After inspecting the hub the inner and outer bearing races were spinning in the hub. I have new hubs arriving today.
 
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