Steering Problem 97 Chevy 6.5L
 

I appreciate any advice I can get on a problem I'm having with the steering on my 97 chevy 2500 3/4 ton Silverado. The problem is not easily noticed at lower speeds but when I go a mile or more at 50mph or faster on the highway, it starts to shake and wobble so badly that it feels like the whole truck is going to fall apart. If I slow down, then the problem goes away and if I drive at lower speeds for a while then when I go back up to highway speeds it doesn't reoccur..... very confusing. I just had the rear end replaced because of a different problem but this problem was there before and after the rear end replacement. Also just replaced all four tires because they were worn and one had a separated belt. Didn't resolve the steering problem either. Thanks for your help!

sounds like its time for a new idler arm tie rod ends and ball joints. the notorious problems with chevy IFS.

check balljoints first and foremost. jack up front end, and try to wiggle the whole wheel in and out at the top. if the top moves back and forth when you push, balljoints are most likely the culprit.

I appreciate the responses very much. I checked out the tie rod ends and they were in good shape, so I removed the front wheels and found that both of the brake calipers were stuck. I was able to push the piston back in with a C-clamp on one but the other was frozen. Replaced both calipers and the problems with pulling and shudder disappeared. Seems to be driving normal now. Thanks again for the help.

GM-diesel.com is a good site for the older Chevy diesels.