JeffG

My 2006 4x4 z71 got sloppy. Feels like he front end mainly. Just replaced shocks with a set of Bilstein on all four. Steering has a lot of play and it just feels like it is all over the place when I drive. I was driving in the rain last week and the back end got loose a few times during freeway turns.

Any thoughts or suggestions. I was thinking maybe replacing my body mount and suspension bushings. Let me know what you guys think.

SabrToothSqrl

how are the tires?

JeffG

Brand new. Truck has about 130k on it.

73shark

Check front suspension, i.e., ball joints, control arm bushings, roll bar end links, bushings, etc.

cleveland63b

Dont remember if those have rack & pinion or not but definately check your tie rod ends and idler/ pitman arms if you have them. Did you old tires have any abnormal wear?

JeffG

Thanks. No the old tires didn't have abnormal wear. Still haven't needed to do alignment according to dealer. Truck drives straight, its just all over the place. feels like steering related because the suspension is stiff. I feel every bump but the steering is not responsive. I don't have rack and pinion.....wonder if I could convert?? Thanks for the feedback. I will check everything out and see if the bushings are going bad.

SabrToothSqrl

here in PA we require a safety inspection, my garage caught a worn out pitman arm for me... does your state require that?

I'd put the front end on jacks and just grab the tires and try to wiggle what you can... see if anything is off...

what about the back? leaf spring bolts tight? if something back there is causing it to push all over you may be looking at only part of the real issue.

JeffG

I will put it up this weekend. It has coil in back. Was told they never need to be replaced. I think I might flush the power steering system as well. Thanks

73shark

Also check the intermediate shaft. Those are a well known problem area.