I just test drove a 97 1500 4x4 diesel, 230000kms. Seem pretty good except the steering is quite touchy. Someone told me this could be improper toe-in. Does anyone have any ideas.

The guy said that he had a power steering pump put on. Could it be a problem with the steering gear?

we have a 97 1500 gas and the steering is very very touchy..almost too easy..but it has been that way since it was new..same as my uncle's suburban. We have quite a few 90's gm's and it seems to be only our 97's that have really easy steering. Not sure if that is what you are talking about or if the truck darts..

The truck doesn't dart, the steering just seem really easy. Seems like if you turned it too fast you could have it get away on you (don't know if it really would as I only drove it for 10min).

kinda like the ease of power steering on 60's cars right??

if so, i would have to guess it is normal

I Would say,, that it is an Alignment issue,, with posible worn parts,,, My 94 seem to not want to return to center,, after a turn. Found out that the ball joints were shot! Fixed those,, and 2 tie-rods,, did the alignment, and it help a bunch,, Felt better to me, but when my Brother inlaw swapped trucks with me,, (02 durmax) he said, wow you have to hold that dude really good and straight,, So I guess, my is pretty sensitive to steering imput as well. I'm used to it now.

Is there any tire scuf on inner or outer edges? Lower ball joints,idler arm and piiman arm are very common wear spots to look at. If any one of those is loose at all it'll want to take off on you.It is possible that 97s have a faster ratio steering box than other years. If the truck had a snow plow on it the rubber bushings could be loose.Half ton front suspension is too light for plows.

Mine was a bit touchy until I replaced all the shocks. I am convinced they were the original factory shocks. It drives normal now.

i could be mistaken, but didn't gm put a speed related sensor on the steering apparatus somewhere that made steering more or less positive in relation to speed of vehicle?

This sensor could be on your '97
hxxp://www.gmpartsdirect.com
GM PART # 26064468
PACK QTY: 1
GM LIST: $64.75
OUR PRICE: $36.91
DESCRIPTION: SENSOR

1. Remove the bolt and nut (15mm deep socket) that connects the bottom of the steering column to the intermediate shaft that passes through the firewall. (You may need to turn your wheel to lock to access the nut. Might be wise to make an alignment mark on the shaft)

2. Slide the intermediate shaft towards the firewall. It may feel fairly stiff but it will go.

3. Once the shaft is out of the way, pry out the 3 little plastic tabs that hold the sensor in place and slide the sensor out of the housing.

4. Unplug the wire harness on the old sensor and remove the sensor

5. Plug in the new sensor BEFORE you pop it into place. Trust me on this one!

6. Pop the new sensor into place with the wires at the top. One sidenote here: I found no reference marks, slots, or keys anywhere so I am not sure if it matters how it is aligned. The wires need to be on the top or they won't reach.

7. Reconnect the steering shaft.

I vote for worn out idler arm and then a combination of other linkages. Compounded by alignment and tire wear. If you were off and you turned and slop went the other way in joints it would seem to dart. This is commonly felt when progressing through a curve. Once you turn so much it will seem to dart on you and the steering wheel will have a spot that feels like it slips or is super easy to turn for a little bit maybe 1/16 of a turn. Have a reputable shop diagnose the front end for you.

At 230K miles you should be on at least the 2nd idler arm. Pitman and idler arm seem to wear badly on these trucks. Grease them often with good grease. Big aggressive lugged tires will wear 'em out faster.