74 Wagoneer w/ wandering problem

[fas2c]

Hey I am wondering what might cause my Wagoneer to wander all over the road. It has power steering that works well, but when one hits about 50+ mph it starts to want to use the entire lane. It is not real sudden movements, just a general change in direction, I guess.
I thought do to the miles and age it may be the steering assembly. Everything seems tight, no clunking, or any noise in which to speak of. A little slop in the steering, but not much to be worried about, I hope.
Thanks,
fas2c

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The Big Orange
1974 Wagoneer
360-THM 400w/QT
31-10.5's
Super Saggy Springs
135,000 miles

[graham]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by fas2c:
A little slop in the steering, but not much to be worried about, I hope.
Thanks,
fas2c
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

A few things you could look at or check;
1) 3/4" - 1" of movement in steering wheel, any more could contribute to your trouble. check the Tech section for a 'how to'
2) front tyres over inflated, making them 'rounded', tends to not allow them to track correctly.
3) Wheel alignment, not enough camber/castor
4) Steering stabiliser is in need of replacement.

There not major fixes, so should not cost lots, I'd have all 4 checked

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BEAR HUNTER http://www.geocities.com/ozbearhunter/
'82 Cherokee Sportsman II,360, auto. As it rolled of the Show Room floor.
Except for;LPG conversion, On board air, plus water bag holder

[andy d]

gethcha tie rod ends checked. thats the classic symptom,wandering. you really dont wanna have one part under way. other than that it could be a coupler between the column and the box.or just your saggy springs.

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'88 gwag,pure stock

[joe]

Besides the above mentioned possibilities check that your "rear" axle isn't loose or offset from it's intened position.
Had a friend with a wandering prob and after many $$$ finally swapped in a whole different front axle assembly with no cure. Later found out his rear axle assembly was loose and slightly off-square from it's original position. Remounted and tightened it up and no more wandering prob. Just something to check before you start throwing money at front end parts.

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Regards,
-joe
63 2-dr Wag, 73 J-4000, 82 CJ-8

[nograin]

I just posted a Q about caster camber last week. If it is off, somethings probably bent. BUT, Toe is adjustable, and also a cause of wander. In general, road vehicles should have very slight toe in when standing still.

I also found my FSJ wanders more with the tires closer to the max recommended pressure. (Trying to improve my mpg. ha ha ha)

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360 auto select
body by beer (PO)
carries wood inside
no "wood" outside