steering a little sloppy...need help
 

After getting my truck done, I put new a arm bushings up front, new ball joints, and new outer tie rod ends. After getting my truck dropped and aligned, I notice more now than before my steering has a little too much play for me. Tell me where I need to start.
thx

Re: steering a little sloppy...need help
 

How much play do you have in your steering box? I am going through the same thing... Completely rebuilt and installed a 73-87 style front-end for my 70 SWB and my truck still wandered all over the road. Found that I had quite a bit of slop in my steering box which was likely my problem. I can't tell you if it is better or not because my truck is currently going through a frame-off restoration.

Re: steering a little sloppy...need help
 

Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the rag joint.

Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the steering shaft and pitman arm.

Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the pitman arm and the tie rod ends, etc.

The above should give you an idea of whether the rag joint is bad, the box is bad, etc.

As C10 asked, how much play is there? For example, a few inches, or almost half a turn of the steering wheel.

Re: steering a little sloppy...need help
 

a few inches.
I will do the "rock" thing, and see what turns up.
thx

Re: steering a little sloppy...need help
 

I imagine the bigger wheels extenuates the play in the steering. But, there's a simple fix. Just unbolt the wheels, and put on the stockers. And, just send those wheels my way... J/K :rolleyes:

But seriously, 72lb4x4 has some good suggestions. I would just add to check the idler arm as well.

If the steering box does have some play, you can try to slightly tighten the 'Preload Adjuster' (1/8 - 1/4 turn). But, overtightening it will damage the steering box.

Re: steering a little sloppy...need help
 

Ditto the gearbox adjustment as boxrodz said, But use CAUTION when starting the truck after adjustment. Keep your hands away from the steering wheel. If the box is adjusted too tight the wheel could spin either direction once fluid pressure is applied breaking fingers and or wrist.