Greetings from Atlantic Canada!

[MisterD]

Hi all!

Just purchased a 1977 Kingsley 26-11, and couldn't be happier! Or more overwhelmed! We're located in Charlottetown, PE. Drove it from Nova Scotia over the bridge on Wednesday and she is showing her age, although it's in surprisingly good shape for such an old vehicle. The front end is in need of some work I think (steering is quite sloppy, about 6-8" of slop before the wheels actually begin to turn). Needs belts, new house battery, general tune-up, that sort of thing. Wanted a GMC for as long as I can remember, so more happy than overwhelmed for sure Just glad to be here, hoping to eventually meet some people here in person one day!

D

 

[Christo]

Welcome! 6-8 inches of slop is a do-not-drive situation. Got mine down to about 1/2" after some recent work. Will you be doing the work yourself?

 

[MisterD]

Thanks Christo! That will depend I guess if I can find the space to work on it and if I have the tools required. I did notice if I changed the tilt steering to it's highest level forward, the slop definitely was reduced to about 1-2". Not sure if that indicates what might be at issue here or not

 

[bdub]

Just purchased a 1977 Kingsley 26-11, and couldn't be happier! D

Welcome to the family!

For the purpose of locating and keeping track of all Classic GMC Motorhomes. There are currently over 8400 GMCs accounted for.
Please fill out and submit the online form at www.gmcmhregistry.com

* Note about the Build Date of your GMC: From the decal on the inside of the glove box door - look for a number on the top line just left of center, similar to "032174". The example indicates the build date as March 21st, 1974. *

 

[MisterD]

Thanks Billy, sent you the info already!

D

 

[Christo]

Thanks Christo! That will depend I guess if I can find the space to work on it and if I have the tools required. I did notice if I changed the tilt steering to it's highest level forward, the slop definitely was reduced to about 1-2". Not sure if that indicates what might be at issue here or not

That sounds unusual to me. Check out the section on this page, "Play in the Steering Column": http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/steering. There's also a multi-step steering troubleshooting guide here: http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Mueller_Steering_Inspection_Guide.pdf

 

[MisterD]

Interesting, I was wondering if it wasn't something in the column, due to the tilt affecting it. I will check that out this weekend, thanks so much!

D

 

[Russell]

Congratulations! Welcome to the adventure.

 

[Matt Colie]

D,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.
You are not alone in the Maritimes, there are at least an half a dozen other owners in striking range.

I would be willing to bet that most of your steering problem is that the steering box is off center. But. part of your description says that the funny joint in the top of the column is shot. I have never seen this, but I am sure it can happen. Centering the steering gear is covered extensively in the maintenance manual, I would love to tell you what page, but the manuals live in the coach. If that steering box is not centered, the coach will be a bear to drive. It ends up off center because lazy people doing an alignment will correct the steering wheel center by moving the steering wheel on the shaft rather than balance the difference with the tie rods.
Matt

 

[JSanford]

Congrats! A '77 Kingsley is a great choice

 

[6cuda6]

Well to the group....you will find much info and knowledge amonst these folks so please never be afraid to ask questions.