82 Toyota pickup 4x4 - steering problem

[Kiijo]

I've got a problem with my steering. Most of the time there is no problem, but at certain speeds (~35-40mph) I start to get pretty harsh shaking in my steering wheel. I've asked around a little bit and someone suggested that it might be a problem with the "shim dampener", is there such a thing? If so, is this the problem, and what needs to be done to get it fixed. Thanks!

[smasheromalley]

Sounds like wheels out of balance to me. No big deal. Any tire store should be able to balance them.

Also check for mud to be caked and dried in the inside diameter of the wheel. This will also throw the wheels out of balance. Get under the truck with a screwdriver and scrape the dried mud off the inside of the rim. You might have to take the wheels off to get it all out.

[banshee35]

check your king pin bearings asap. They'll give you the death wobble if they're wore out.

[sonofmayhem]

i had grease&gunk build up on my rim, and that caused it to not go over 60, but now 70+ it shakes!?

[maxpower_hd]

I had an 84 where the "u-joint" in the steering column was worn. It's about a $100 part but not too bad to change. It's also easy to check. Just have someone jerk the steering wheel back and forth while you look at the u-joint under the hood. You will easily see the play. That fixed it for me.

Good luck.